What do you think?
Rate this book
Crystal della strada
Holly Hogan ha tredici anni. Vive da tempo in un istituto per minori, sotto la tutela dei servizi sociali. Quando viene affidata a Fiona e Ray, una coppia senza figli, il suo desiderio di fuggire per andare alla ricerca di sua madre in Irlanda diventa più forte che mai. Un giorno Holly trova casualmente, in casa dei suoi genitori adottivi, una parrucca bionda. Nasce così Crystal l'inarrestabile, la ragazza con tre o quattro anni di più, affascinante, scaltra e sicura di sé, quella capace di trasformare in realtà il sogno di una fuga alla ricerca delle radici, che diventa un fantastico viaggio nel passato e nella propria identità. "Crystal della strada" presenta il ritratto intenso e vivace di un'adolescente alla coraggiosa ricerca di se stessa, fra rabbia e umorismo.
275 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2009
21 people are currently reading
2185 people want to read
About the author
Siobhan Dowd
32 books387 followersSiobhan Dowd was born to Irish parents and brought up in London. She spent much of her youth visiting the family cottage in Aglish, County Waterford and later the family home in Wicklow Town.
She attended a Catholic grammar school in south London and then gained a degree in Classics at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University. After a short stint in publishing, she joined the writer's organization PEN, initially as a researcher for its Writers in Prison Committee.
She went on to be Program Director of PEN American Center's Freedom-to-Write Committee in New York City. Her work here included founding and leading the Rushdie Defense Committee USA and traveling to Indonesia and Guatemala to investigate local human rights conditions for writers. During her seven-year spell in New York, Siobhan was named one of the "top 100 Irish-Americans" by Irish-America Magazine and AerLingus, for her global anti-censorship work.
On her return to the UK, Siobhan co-founded English PEN's readers and writers programme, which takes authors into schools in socially deprived areas, as well as prisons, young offender's institutions and community projects.
During 2004, Siobhan served as Deputy Commissioner for Children's Rights in Oxfordshire, working with local government to ensure that statutory services affecting children's lives conform with UN protocols.
Siobhan has an MA with Distinction in Gender and Ethnic Studies at Greenwich University, has authored short stories, columns and articles, and edited two anthologies.
In May 2007, Siobhan was named one of "25 authors of the future" by Waterstones Books as part of the latter's 25th anniversary celebrations.
Siobhan died on 21st August 2007 aged 47. She had been receiving treatment for advanced breast cancer for 3 years, and did not go gentle into that good night.
She attended a Catholic grammar school in south London and then gained a degree in Classics at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University. After a short stint in publishing, she joined the writer's organization PEN, initially as a researcher for its Writers in Prison Committee.
She went on to be Program Director of PEN American Center's Freedom-to-Write Committee in New York City. Her work here included founding and leading the Rushdie Defense Committee USA and traveling to Indonesia and Guatemala to investigate local human rights conditions for writers. During her seven-year spell in New York, Siobhan was named one of the "top 100 Irish-Americans" by Irish-America Magazine and AerLingus, for her global anti-censorship work.
On her return to the UK, Siobhan co-founded English PEN's readers and writers programme, which takes authors into schools in socially deprived areas, as well as prisons, young offender's institutions and community projects.
During 2004, Siobhan served as Deputy Commissioner for Children's Rights in Oxfordshire, working with local government to ensure that statutory services affecting children's lives conform with UN protocols.
Siobhan has an MA with Distinction in Gender and Ethnic Studies at Greenwich University, has authored short stories, columns and articles, and edited two anthologies.
In May 2007, Siobhan was named one of "25 authors of the future" by Waterstones Books as part of the latter's 25th anniversary celebrations.
Siobhan died on 21st August 2007 aged 47. She had been receiving treatment for advanced breast cancer for 3 years, and did not go gentle into that good night.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
May 12, 2020
"Your name's made out of cloud, Holly."
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
Ms Dowd’s books sure do play havoc on my body clock. 3am. 3AM!
High Points.
Holly. S♥lace. Blonde wigs. Thule. Fiona. Vegan truckers. Grace. Trim. Rosabel. Slim-slam glamour girls. Mogits. The Titanic. “Walking out into a night sky, thumb out and fag in hand”. Ferries. Wales. Curry and chips. Araf. The kind of days that pull you out to play. Nameless boys on motorbikes. Miracles. Scenic routes. Baby Guiness. Strawberry birthday cake. Girls who are strictly sunshine.
Low Points.
I read A Swift Pure Cry before this one and it broke my heart a smidgeon more.
Heroine.
It just shows how much I loved this girl that I could overlook her constant Jane Eyre-bashing. The usual rule is that if you bash Jane Eyre, I bash you.
Or at least, you know, glare at you and bitch about you behind your back. I fight like a girl, you see.
But there is always an exception to the rule and Holly Hogan is it.
(If you would like a much more coherent and insightful description of Holly, let me please direct you to the wonderful Katya’s review because she does a much much better job than I could.)
Vulnerable, fearless, strong, broken, resourceful, “left-over”; Holly is one of the most realistic and memorable YA heroines I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.
Theme Tune.
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics.
I like it when books already have their own theme tune packaged and ready for me.
Especially when they are as fantastic as this one.
I travelled the world and the seven seas,
Everybody’s looking for something.
I never thought this song was particularly emotional before I read this book, but now I’m pretty sure I’ll never listen to it in the same way again.
Sadness Scale.
9/10.
Ms Dowd was the queen of bittersweet endings. She really was.
After I finished this book I found myself just reading the last page over and over again, letting it sink in. I love how all the questions weren’t answered and I love how all the problems weren’t fixed.
On the final page the characters are still struggling and they will probably continue to struggle long after the reader has moved onto their next book. But in amongst all the bleakness and sadness that occurs in this story, there is always hope in the background.
Who knew a girl with an ash-blonde wig and bag made out of fake lizard skin could affect me so much?
Also… I got genuinely distraught over the fate of a stuffed dog.
Seriously, who am I?!
Recommended For.
People who are looking for a perfectly constructed and incredibly realistic contemporary YA novel. People who have ever wanted to become someone else, just for a day. People who don’t like it when someone spoils the ending of Titanic for them. Slim-slam girls. People who don’t trust vegans. People who want to travel the world and the seven seas- including the Irish one. People who would rather be a troll than a doll. Anyone who isn’t a mogit. People who will always take the scenic route.
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
Ms Dowd’s books sure do play havoc on my body clock. 3am. 3AM!
High Points.
Holly. S♥lace. Blonde wigs. Thule. Fiona. Vegan truckers. Grace. Trim. Rosabel. Slim-slam glamour girls. Mogits. The Titanic. “Walking out into a night sky, thumb out and fag in hand”. Ferries. Wales. Curry and chips. Araf. The kind of days that pull you out to play. Nameless boys on motorbikes. Miracles. Scenic routes. Baby Guiness. Strawberry birthday cake. Girls who are strictly sunshine.
Low Points.
I read A Swift Pure Cry before this one and it broke my heart a smidgeon more.
Heroine.
It just shows how much I loved this girl that I could overlook her constant Jane Eyre-bashing. The usual rule is that if you bash Jane Eyre, I bash you.
Or at least, you know, glare at you and bitch about you behind your back. I fight like a girl, you see.
But there is always an exception to the rule and Holly Hogan is it.
(If you would like a much more coherent and insightful description of Holly, let me please direct you to the wonderful Katya’s review because she does a much much better job than I could.)
Vulnerable, fearless, strong, broken, resourceful, “left-over”; Holly is one of the most realistic and memorable YA heroines I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.
Theme Tune.
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics.
I like it when books already have their own theme tune packaged and ready for me.
Especially when they are as fantastic as this one.
I travelled the world and the seven seas,
Everybody’s looking for something.
I never thought this song was particularly emotional before I read this book, but now I’m pretty sure I’ll never listen to it in the same way again.
Sadness Scale.
9/10.
Ms Dowd was the queen of bittersweet endings. She really was.
After I finished this book I found myself just reading the last page over and over again, letting it sink in. I love how all the questions weren’t answered and I love how all the problems weren’t fixed.
On the final page the characters are still struggling and they will probably continue to struggle long after the reader has moved onto their next book. But in amongst all the bleakness and sadness that occurs in this story, there is always hope in the background.
Who knew a girl with an ash-blonde wig and bag made out of fake lizard skin could affect me so much?
Also… I got genuinely distraught over the fate of a stuffed dog.
Seriously, who am I?!
Recommended For.
People who are looking for a perfectly constructed and incredibly realistic contemporary YA novel. People who have ever wanted to become someone else, just for a day. People who don’t like it when someone spoils the ending of Titanic for them. Slim-slam girls. People who don’t trust vegans. People who want to travel the world and the seven seas- including the Irish one. People who would rather be a troll than a doll. Anyone who isn’t a mogit. People who will always take the scenic route.
January 8, 2012
4.5 stars
But Solace of the Road is nothing like that.
This is a story about Holly Hogan, a fifteen year old “care-babe” with a damaged past and a future that looks bleak. With nothing to hold onto but fleeting memories of her Mam singing the Eurythmics' Sweet Dreams, and a blonde wig, Holly decides to ditch her foster placement and hit the road to Ireland. Holly adopts the persona of Solace: a brave, blonde glamour girl, pink lipstick on and fag in hand. Solace is Unstoppable. Solace is brave. Solace is going to find her way home.
This is the first time I’ve read a book written by Dowd (though A Monster Calls was written based on her ideas, after her death), and I have no doubt in my mind that she was an exceptional writer.
It is evident from the depth of this bittersweet and moving story that Dowd must have had great empathy, insight and interest in young people like Holly. She writes honestly, yet respectfully, about the realities of Holly and her friends’ lives in and out of care, her emotional and mental issues, her fractured past.
In some respects, Holly/Solace is not a “likeable” character. . But I realised while reading Solace of the Road that I don’t actually require characters to be likeable. I require them to be compelling. And Holly/Solace is. She’s a captivating, full-force personality, and her literal and emotional journey had me tied to the pages. Initially bristling with attitude and barely suppressed anger, Holly/Solace gradually must open the drawers she keeps locked up in her mind, and decide who she really is.
Dowd excels in capturing Holly/Solace’s voice/s. The book reads just as it would pour from her mind, unfiltered, raw, brash, a blend of child-like and street-wise. It’s occasionally difficult to read her story, particularly when we’re given glimpses of Holly/Solace’s suppressed past, or to see her vulnerable and alone. That said, I appreciate the balance that Dowd used in writing Holly/Solace’s roadtrip encounters. Some are stomach-twisting, some are sad, but some are also touching and funny. Dare I say it (and I usually have to clamp down on my gag-reflex when I come across this word, so I don’t use it lightly), it’s life-affirming. Yet Dowd isn’t ramming a message in her readers’ face. She’s simply telling a story about a hurt, tough girl, and what that girl goes through in her search for home.
There are no easy answers or simple solutions, but at the heart of it, this is a realistically hopeful story.
After all, like the Eurythmics say, “everybody’s looking for something.”
~
Thanks to the lovely Jo for reading Solace of the Road along with me. She's a "slim-slam" lady :)
“I was in the middle of a field in Wales with a storm growling in the sky and the cops after me. And all I had to help was a thieving glamour girl who only existed inside my own cracked head.”Having seen many fall into clichéd or melodramatic territory, I tend to be wary of books with plotlines that centre around a character taking a (literal) journey of self-discovery. The usual formula (teen has issues, teen hits road, teen has quirky interludes, teen has epiphany – all set to a very hip soundtrack, of course) is honestly feeling a little tired, to me.
But Solace of the Road is nothing like that.
This is a story about Holly Hogan, a fifteen year old “care-babe” with a damaged past and a future that looks bleak. With nothing to hold onto but fleeting memories of her Mam singing the Eurythmics' Sweet Dreams, and a blonde wig, Holly decides to ditch her foster placement and hit the road to Ireland. Holly adopts the persona of Solace: a brave, blonde glamour girl, pink lipstick on and fag in hand. Solace is Unstoppable. Solace is brave. Solace is going to find her way home.
This is the first time I’ve read a book written by Dowd (though A Monster Calls was written based on her ideas, after her death), and I have no doubt in my mind that she was an exceptional writer.
It is evident from the depth of this bittersweet and moving story that Dowd must have had great empathy, insight and interest in young people like Holly. She writes honestly, yet respectfully, about the realities of Holly and her friends’ lives in and out of care, her emotional and mental issues, her fractured past.
In some respects, Holly/Solace is not a “likeable” character. . But I realised while reading Solace of the Road that I don’t actually require characters to be likeable. I require them to be compelling. And Holly/Solace is. She’s a captivating, full-force personality, and her literal and emotional journey had me tied to the pages. Initially bristling with attitude and barely suppressed anger, Holly/Solace gradually must open the drawers she keeps locked up in her mind, and decide who she really is.
Dowd excels in capturing Holly/Solace’s voice/s. The book reads just as it would pour from her mind, unfiltered, raw, brash, a blend of child-like and street-wise. It’s occasionally difficult to read her story, particularly when we’re given glimpses of Holly/Solace’s suppressed past, or to see her vulnerable and alone. That said, I appreciate the balance that Dowd used in writing Holly/Solace’s roadtrip encounters. Some are stomach-twisting, some are sad, but some are also touching and funny. Dare I say it (and I usually have to clamp down on my gag-reflex when I come across this word, so I don’t use it lightly), it’s life-affirming. Yet Dowd isn’t ramming a message in her readers’ face. She’s simply telling a story about a hurt, tough girl, and what that girl goes through in her search for home.
There are no easy answers or simple solutions, but at the heart of it, this is a realistically hopeful story.
After all, like the Eurythmics say, “everybody’s looking for something.”
~
Thanks to the lovely Jo for reading Solace of the Road along with me. She's a "slim-slam" lady :)
May 7, 2012
Now, when I was researching possible books for my travel month (I say month, but I realise this month is over-running somewhat. Let's pretend no one else has noticed), I soon cottoned onto the fact that finding a comprehensive list of YA travel fiction was going to be a pretty tough task. But I do not give up easily, oh no. I managed to track down a list of road trip-themed YA on Goodreads (close enough), but was slightly disappointed to find most of these were set in the good old US of A. Not that I have a problem with US road trips. I adore them. I want to do one, one day...*stares off into distance* BUT, I have already covered that particular mini-genre this month with my review of Amy and Roger's Epic Detour. And jolly lovely it was too. Just before I was about to through in the towel, I stumbled across this title a bit further down the chart of road-trips.
Ever since I finished A Monster Calls, I have been very intrigued by Siobhan Dowd's books. They seem to encompass everything I love about contemporary YA - sad but beautiful, as the lovely Jo from Wear The Old Coat would say. Somehow, this one had managed to slip under my radar - a ROAD TRIP but set in my homeland! Perfect. Because we all know travel just doesn't mean frolicking to far flung corners. And their are plenty of folk reading this book who would consider a road (and boat) trip from London to Ireland a far-flung travel.
So where do I start with this. SO MANY, MANY FEELINGS
I won't go into details of Holly's painful childhood, but please don't let the trauma put you off reading this. Yes, there are bleak moments, but this is no way an 'issue based' YA book. I have nothing against YA that tackles the rough stuff. I'm sure many a teenager finds comfort and, well, solace from this type of YA fiction. But sometimes, the characters come second to the issues being tackled.
What I loved so much about this was the fact the Holly Hogan is first and foremost a human being, a teenager, a personality rather than a problem to be laid bare.
The reader is given an access-all-areas pass into her thoughts and feelings. We are told nothing, but shown everything.
'Her words are rattling together like the ice-cubes in her see through drinks.'
Her journey starts when she discovers a wig tucked at the bottom of a chest of drawers belonging to her foster mother. It triggers a reaction and an impulse to journey to Ireland in search of her estranged mother. Her voice is convincing and powerful throughout. Never once did I NOT believe this was a young teenage girl flitting from emotion to emotion.
The supporting characters are equally well-written. We are given the measure of all of them in just a few lines - foster mother Fiona - 'She was the kind of person who dresses poorer than she is...'. See - bloody genius writing. All of it. My particular favourite was the country music-loving, vegan trucker Phil. Or as Holly says, 'God on the road'.
Why is it so much easier to write about the flaws that I find in a book rather than all the beautiful bits? That is why writing this review has been so difficult - because this book is perfect.
'I was Solace the Unstoppable, the smooth-walking, sharp-talking glamour girl, and I was walking into a red sky, ready to hitch a ride. I was crossing the sea and landing in Ireland. The I was walking up a hill to meet my mam, breathing in the morning air by the pint. This is how I thought myself into the sweet, soft day on the other side of the sea where the grass is green. That night and every other night for weeks to come, I traced the road.'
After reading that, I don't think I really need to tell you how astonishing the writing is. It makes it all the more sad when I remember that the author is no longer here to write more sad but beautiful words.
TRAVEL TIPS?
It feels a bit flippant to write about bog-standard travel tips in the context of this book. Holly's journey is very much a metaphorical one, so much more so than any other travel fiction I've read in the last few weeks. So, in a break from the norm, I'm going to let Holly describe her own thoughts about MY turf, my little corner of west London -
'Shepherds Bush, I knew from my travels with Grace and Trim, was on the tube. It wouldn't be green and lush with sheep and shepherds, it would be roads and fumes. In my head, I was already standing at the start of the motorway and sticking out my thumb.'
Roads and fumes, yes. But so much more. Remember, it's also the end of a motorway as well as the beginning of one. So I will end my last travel month review by saying that one of the best things about travelling is coming back home again.
I reviewed this book as part of my travel month. Please see my blog for more details -
www.annascottjots.blogspot.co.uk
Ever since I finished A Monster Calls, I have been very intrigued by Siobhan Dowd's books. They seem to encompass everything I love about contemporary YA - sad but beautiful, as the lovely Jo from Wear The Old Coat would say. Somehow, this one had managed to slip under my radar - a ROAD TRIP but set in my homeland! Perfect. Because we all know travel just doesn't mean frolicking to far flung corners. And their are plenty of folk reading this book who would consider a road (and boat) trip from London to Ireland a far-flung travel.
So where do I start with this. SO MANY, MANY FEELINGS
I won't go into details of Holly's painful childhood, but please don't let the trauma put you off reading this. Yes, there are bleak moments, but this is no way an 'issue based' YA book. I have nothing against YA that tackles the rough stuff. I'm sure many a teenager finds comfort and, well, solace from this type of YA fiction. But sometimes, the characters come second to the issues being tackled.
What I loved so much about this was the fact the Holly Hogan is first and foremost a human being, a teenager, a personality rather than a problem to be laid bare.
The reader is given an access-all-areas pass into her thoughts and feelings. We are told nothing, but shown everything.
'Her words are rattling together like the ice-cubes in her see through drinks.'
Her journey starts when she discovers a wig tucked at the bottom of a chest of drawers belonging to her foster mother. It triggers a reaction and an impulse to journey to Ireland in search of her estranged mother. Her voice is convincing and powerful throughout. Never once did I NOT believe this was a young teenage girl flitting from emotion to emotion.
The supporting characters are equally well-written. We are given the measure of all of them in just a few lines - foster mother Fiona - 'She was the kind of person who dresses poorer than she is...'. See - bloody genius writing. All of it. My particular favourite was the country music-loving, vegan trucker Phil. Or as Holly says, 'God on the road'.
Why is it so much easier to write about the flaws that I find in a book rather than all the beautiful bits? That is why writing this review has been so difficult - because this book is perfect.
'I was Solace the Unstoppable, the smooth-walking, sharp-talking glamour girl, and I was walking into a red sky, ready to hitch a ride. I was crossing the sea and landing in Ireland. The I was walking up a hill to meet my mam, breathing in the morning air by the pint. This is how I thought myself into the sweet, soft day on the other side of the sea where the grass is green. That night and every other night for weeks to come, I traced the road.'
After reading that, I don't think I really need to tell you how astonishing the writing is. It makes it all the more sad when I remember that the author is no longer here to write more sad but beautiful words.
TRAVEL TIPS?
It feels a bit flippant to write about bog-standard travel tips in the context of this book. Holly's journey is very much a metaphorical one, so much more so than any other travel fiction I've read in the last few weeks. So, in a break from the norm, I'm going to let Holly describe her own thoughts about MY turf, my little corner of west London -
'Shepherds Bush, I knew from my travels with Grace and Trim, was on the tube. It wouldn't be green and lush with sheep and shepherds, it would be roads and fumes. In my head, I was already standing at the start of the motorway and sticking out my thumb.'
Roads and fumes, yes. But so much more. Remember, it's also the end of a motorway as well as the beginning of one. So I will end my last travel month review by saying that one of the best things about travelling is coming back home again.
I reviewed this book as part of my travel month. Please see my blog for more details -
www.annascottjots.blogspot.co.uk
June 16, 2012
Solace of the Road is not a plot heavy book. It's a character driven story where the reader uncovers the history of 14-year-old Holly Hogan. It starts when Holly receives a foster placement after living most of her life in a care home. She doesn't really want a new home or new parents, and she constantly complains about her foster parents Fiona and Ray. All she wants is to go back home to Ireland and the mother she left behind.
During an argument between Fiona and Ray, something snaps in Holly. Armed only with a blonde wig and her lizard purse, she becomes someone else--Solace of the Road. Solace is her bad girl alter-ego, older, wiser and unafraid of the things that would scare Holly. She runs away, on train, then bus and eventually hithchiking her way towards the coast of England. As she runs we encounter more and more memories of her past. Slowly the reader and Holly start to realize that the happy memories she has of home and her mother maybe weren't so happy after all.
I liked the fact that Holly/Solace is such an unreliable narrator. She only tells the reader certain things, normally what she wants to be true, until later in the story she reveals piece by piece the small lies that she's told along the way. Holly is a lost little girl who only wants her mother's love. She lies to the reader, but never more than she's lying to herself.
The story is poignant and sad. It's a portrait of a lost girl who doesn't know what home is. At the same time, the book has very funny moments as Holly goes on her adventure across England. The dichotomy of laughter and tears is what makes it realistically human and very worth reading.
The audiobook narration for this was excellent. The accent is slightly Irish, just enough so that you hear it occasionally but light enough to make it easy to understand. The voice is soft, young and knows how to crack a joke.
During an argument between Fiona and Ray, something snaps in Holly. Armed only with a blonde wig and her lizard purse, she becomes someone else--Solace of the Road. Solace is her bad girl alter-ego, older, wiser and unafraid of the things that would scare Holly. She runs away, on train, then bus and eventually hithchiking her way towards the coast of England. As she runs we encounter more and more memories of her past. Slowly the reader and Holly start to realize that the happy memories she has of home and her mother maybe weren't so happy after all.
I liked the fact that Holly/Solace is such an unreliable narrator. She only tells the reader certain things, normally what she wants to be true, until later in the story she reveals piece by piece the small lies that she's told along the way. Holly is a lost little girl who only wants her mother's love. She lies to the reader, but never more than she's lying to herself.
The story is poignant and sad. It's a portrait of a lost girl who doesn't know what home is. At the same time, the book has very funny moments as Holly goes on her adventure across England. The dichotomy of laughter and tears is what makes it realistically human and very worth reading.
The audiobook narration for this was excellent. The accent is slightly Irish, just enough so that you hear it occasionally but light enough to make it easy to understand. The voice is soft, young and knows how to crack a joke.
May 27, 2012
3.5/5
And I was Solace. Solace of the road, walking into a night sky, thumb out and fag in hand…
There’s both a literal and figurative journey in this one for a girl who takes on a personality so different from her own. Holly, her story is sad but not completely tragic. Sad because she’s in foster care and does all these stupid things, but not completely tragic because not once does she get bogged down by what she doesn’t have. She’s always looking forward and thinking about how to get where she needs to go. Because even with most details of her past murky… there’s this one thing that’s made clear: she’s clung to the idea that somewhere in Ireland is her mother, and that everything will right itself once they’re together.
In fact most everything she thinks and does: the nice, the sweet, and even the mean goes back to her mother or more accurately her mother not being there. It’s different this. That even with all that in mind things never went over the top dramatic. It’s all soft, sometimes sad, definitely out there... and brave. Not once did it have drama for drama’s sake.
That’s even with Solace who’s out there and brave and ready for anything. And that’s despite Holly who’s under that blonde wig. It’s Holly/Solace’s story that I’ve been looking for of late. Not really over the top in drama just a girl who thinks she’s got things figured out and doing something about it. Sure, sometimes liking either was next to impossible, but thank gosh that I picked this up.
And I was Solace. Solace of the road, walking into a night sky, thumb out and fag in hand…
There’s both a literal and figurative journey in this one for a girl who takes on a personality so different from her own. Holly, her story is sad but not completely tragic. Sad because she’s in foster care and does all these stupid things, but not completely tragic because not once does she get bogged down by what she doesn’t have. She’s always looking forward and thinking about how to get where she needs to go. Because even with most details of her past murky… there’s this one thing that’s made clear: she’s clung to the idea that somewhere in Ireland is her mother, and that everything will right itself once they’re together.
In fact most everything she thinks and does: the nice, the sweet, and even the mean goes back to her mother or more accurately her mother not being there. It’s different this. That even with all that in mind things never went over the top dramatic. It’s all soft, sometimes sad, definitely out there... and brave. Not once did it have drama for drama’s sake.
That’s even with Solace who’s out there and brave and ready for anything. And that’s despite Holly who’s under that blonde wig. It’s Holly/Solace’s story that I’ve been looking for of late. Not really over the top in drama just a girl who thinks she’s got things figured out and doing something about it. Sure, sometimes liking either was next to impossible, but thank gosh that I picked this up.
January 7, 2024
La verità a volte fa male ma aiuta ad andare avanti. Questo è ciò che succede ad Holly, una ragazzina di tredici anni di origine irlandese che dopo anni di casa famiglia viene affidata ad una famiglia londinese. Questo evento scatenerà in lei ricordi ed emozioni all'apparenza sopiti che la porteranno a scappare, sia fisicamente che mentalmente, per ritrovare se stessa. È un romanzo duro e vero, un pugno nello stomaco. Come nei precedenti romanzi l'autrice riesce, con la propria sensibilità ed empatia, a farci entrare emotivamente nella vita della protagonista sperando per lei un meritato lieto fine. Bellissimo. Da leggere.
December 14, 2025
Landed a special place in my heart ❤️
July 10, 2018
This has honestly 100% been on my "To Read" shelf here on Goodreads for nine years. Siobhan Dowd tragically passed away in 2007. This was one of two novels she had completed at the time of her death, and was published posthumously.
Sadly this is my final Siobhan Dowd book, as I've read all her other novels. I put it off for so long, because I knew there wouldn't be anymore after this. Like her others, it's about a young person going through a terrible time in her life, uncovering truths about herself, and coming out stronger for it. Like A Swift Pure Cry and Bog Child, Ireland plays a critical role in the story, and like The London Eye Mystery and A Monster Calls (which Patrick Ness completed upon her death), the story is set in England. The circumstances of each Siobhan Dowd novel are all vastly different, and are all equally worth your time.
Solace in particular is very sad and tragic as the reader watches Solace's journey to return to her mother in Ireland, both as the actual journey unfolds and as Solace begins to understand her past.
- Katherine, Teen Services Librarian
Sadly this is my final Siobhan Dowd book, as I've read all her other novels. I put it off for so long, because I knew there wouldn't be anymore after this. Like her others, it's about a young person going through a terrible time in her life, uncovering truths about herself, and coming out stronger for it. Like A Swift Pure Cry and Bog Child, Ireland plays a critical role in the story, and like The London Eye Mystery and A Monster Calls (which Patrick Ness completed upon her death), the story is set in England. The circumstances of each Siobhan Dowd novel are all vastly different, and are all equally worth your time.
Solace in particular is very sad and tragic as the reader watches Solace's journey to return to her mother in Ireland, both as the actual journey unfolds and as Solace begins to understand her past.
- Katherine, Teen Services Librarian
April 15, 2017
Solace of the Road was an o.k. read. It wasn't one that drew me in, cover to cover, in one sitting.
I wonder if Siobhan wrote this based on someone she knew. I think it is hard to capture and write a fiction novel on a kid in foster care, if you haven't exactly had a similar experience. Like, I can see what she was trying to do, but it wasn't quite... there.
Anyway, I wasn't sure if Siobhan wanted us to think Solace was a bad-ass, or if Solace wanted us to view her as a bad-ass... if that makes sense. I guess I couldn't really identify, in any way, with the character and what she was going through.
Meh. It's hard for me to explain my feelings on this one. I was expecting a bit more from Dowd.
I wonder if Siobhan wrote this based on someone she knew. I think it is hard to capture and write a fiction novel on a kid in foster care, if you haven't exactly had a similar experience. Like, I can see what she was trying to do, but it wasn't quite... there.
Anyway, I wasn't sure if Siobhan wanted us to think Solace was a bad-ass, or if Solace wanted us to view her as a bad-ass... if that makes sense. I guess I couldn't really identify, in any way, with the character and what she was going through.
Meh. It's hard for me to explain my feelings on this one. I was expecting a bit more from Dowd.
February 25, 2013
This review was originally published at Fluttering Butterflies
Oh man. Solace of the Road by Siobhan Dowd was such an emotional roller coaster. Why has it taken me so long to pick up another book by this amazing author?! Siobhan Dowd writes so beautifully and with such emotion. I am in awe of her and also hugely saddened that she is no longer with us.
Last year I read A Swift Pure Cry and almost didn't have the words to describe the feelings that I felt when reading and because of that, I put off writing the review for that book for a very long time. Now, with Solace of the Road, I am determined that that will not happen again.
In some ways, I was a little intimdated by reading Solace of the Road. Everyone I know who has read books by Siobhan Dowd rates them all very highly. I wanted to love it too and I was worried that I wouldn't. I can see now how much needless worry that I wasted because Solace of the Road was incredible.
I love road trip stories very much. I love the excitement of them. I love the interesting people that you can meet and how things usually end up going a bit wrong or at least very differently to how you imagine this journey to take. All of this is very much true for the road trip that takes place within this book.
But really, it is Holly's story and her character that really drew me into Solace of the Road. I really felt for her, as I read about Holly being in care, about her experiences (which are usually not great) with other foster families. Her important relationship with Miko and some of the other care babes. You can tell from the way that Holly speaks about her mother, that she really maintains hope that Holly's mother is in Ireland waiting for Holly. So when Holly is placed in a permanent foster family, Holly feels a little bit threatened and even more determined to make it to Ireland on her own. She finds a blonde wig in her foster's mother's room and takes on the persona of 'Solace' who is older and more confident and who will hitchhike her way to Ireland and take back her own freedom and find the mother that she knows is there.
I really do love the beautiful way in which Siobhan Dowd tells this story. I love how as Holly gets closer to her destination, her memories about how she came to be in care come back to her slowly. I love that she meets some really lovely people when she is alone and in need. I love each of those people who went out of their way to do something nice reminds Holly (and the reader) that there is good in the world. That nice feeling of goodness balances out the harshness of Holly's reality.
There aren't a great many books about people like Holly. Children and young people who have gone through a great deal of experience in life and Siobhan Dowd gave a voice to them in a really wonderful and sympathetic way. She doesn't sugar coat anything, just tells this story very naturally. I had tears streaming down my face as I finished this book. I was crying for the beauty and the sadness and the strength of Holly. It certainly won't take me as long to pick up the other books that Siobhan Dowd has written.
Oh man. Solace of the Road by Siobhan Dowd was such an emotional roller coaster. Why has it taken me so long to pick up another book by this amazing author?! Siobhan Dowd writes so beautifully and with such emotion. I am in awe of her and also hugely saddened that she is no longer with us.
Last year I read A Swift Pure Cry and almost didn't have the words to describe the feelings that I felt when reading and because of that, I put off writing the review for that book for a very long time. Now, with Solace of the Road, I am determined that that will not happen again.
In some ways, I was a little intimdated by reading Solace of the Road. Everyone I know who has read books by Siobhan Dowd rates them all very highly. I wanted to love it too and I was worried that I wouldn't. I can see now how much needless worry that I wasted because Solace of the Road was incredible.
I love road trip stories very much. I love the excitement of them. I love the interesting people that you can meet and how things usually end up going a bit wrong or at least very differently to how you imagine this journey to take. All of this is very much true for the road trip that takes place within this book.
But really, it is Holly's story and her character that really drew me into Solace of the Road. I really felt for her, as I read about Holly being in care, about her experiences (which are usually not great) with other foster families. Her important relationship with Miko and some of the other care babes. You can tell from the way that Holly speaks about her mother, that she really maintains hope that Holly's mother is in Ireland waiting for Holly. So when Holly is placed in a permanent foster family, Holly feels a little bit threatened and even more determined to make it to Ireland on her own. She finds a blonde wig in her foster's mother's room and takes on the persona of 'Solace' who is older and more confident and who will hitchhike her way to Ireland and take back her own freedom and find the mother that she knows is there.
I really do love the beautiful way in which Siobhan Dowd tells this story. I love how as Holly gets closer to her destination, her memories about how she came to be in care come back to her slowly. I love that she meets some really lovely people when she is alone and in need. I love each of those people who went out of their way to do something nice reminds Holly (and the reader) that there is good in the world. That nice feeling of goodness balances out the harshness of Holly's reality.
There aren't a great many books about people like Holly. Children and young people who have gone through a great deal of experience in life and Siobhan Dowd gave a voice to them in a really wonderful and sympathetic way. She doesn't sugar coat anything, just tells this story very naturally. I had tears streaming down my face as I finished this book. I was crying for the beauty and the sadness and the strength of Holly. It certainly won't take me as long to pick up the other books that Siobhan Dowd has written.
October 11, 2009
Honestly, I’m not sure how to approach this review. I’m sad because, to my knowledge, this is Siobhan Dowd’s last book. Both Bog Child and Solace of the Road have been published posthumously, and I feel that although I still have a few books of hers to read that were published prior to these two, I am already internally mourning over the loss of such a great writer.
Dowd seems always able to find the perfect balance between telling the character’s story in an engaging way and bringing the reader into an understanding of why the story is important, that it is more than simply a story about a person, but that there are larger elements at work, things that people should generally know about and empathize with, broaden their worldviews to understand and incorporate the messages that Dowd is so deftly communicating through her stories.
Solace of the Road is no exception. At first I found myself irritated with the first person narrative of a young girl who is stricken with a difficult past and struggling with who she is and was as she begins her journey maturing into a woman. So often I wanted to reach into the story and say, “Please stop thinking this way and making these kinds of decisions. You’re only going to end up hurting yourself.” However, even that sentiment brought me the realization that Dowd is so masterful in her storytelling. Dowd wants us to feel that way in order to show us the story, partner with us in our reading rather than just telling us something and giving us the easy answers. She forces us to grapple with many of the same difficult aspects of life that Holly/Solace is going through.
I often felt exactly the same way when reading Bog Child. Having grown up in America with two parents who loved me, I have no idea what a person in Holly’s shoes is going through. Even now, I can’t say that I truly know any more than I did before, but I will say that I have a stronger sense of empathy for people in Holly’s position, or even Holly’s mother, who often make decisions reacting to their circumstances rather than thinking things through and landing on the best possible choice. They make the best of what they have, and although they hurt others in the process, it doesn’t happen without a sense of self-awareness and self-loathing they must work through. Holly is a complex character who feels very tangible. I wouldn’t be too surprised if I actually met a ‘Holly’ one day, and she turned out to be exactly the way that Dowd has described her. I recommend this book to all readers 12+.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com www.lindseyslibrary.com
Dowd seems always able to find the perfect balance between telling the character’s story in an engaging way and bringing the reader into an understanding of why the story is important, that it is more than simply a story about a person, but that there are larger elements at work, things that people should generally know about and empathize with, broaden their worldviews to understand and incorporate the messages that Dowd is so deftly communicating through her stories.
Solace of the Road is no exception. At first I found myself irritated with the first person narrative of a young girl who is stricken with a difficult past and struggling with who she is and was as she begins her journey maturing into a woman. So often I wanted to reach into the story and say, “Please stop thinking this way and making these kinds of decisions. You’re only going to end up hurting yourself.” However, even that sentiment brought me the realization that Dowd is so masterful in her storytelling. Dowd wants us to feel that way in order to show us the story, partner with us in our reading rather than just telling us something and giving us the easy answers. She forces us to grapple with many of the same difficult aspects of life that Holly/Solace is going through.
I often felt exactly the same way when reading Bog Child. Having grown up in America with two parents who loved me, I have no idea what a person in Holly’s shoes is going through. Even now, I can’t say that I truly know any more than I did before, but I will say that I have a stronger sense of empathy for people in Holly’s position, or even Holly’s mother, who often make decisions reacting to their circumstances rather than thinking things through and landing on the best possible choice. They make the best of what they have, and although they hurt others in the process, it doesn’t happen without a sense of self-awareness and self-loathing they must work through. Holly is a complex character who feels very tangible. I wouldn’t be too surprised if I actually met a ‘Holly’ one day, and she turned out to be exactly the way that Dowd has described her. I recommend this book to all readers 12+.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com www.lindseyslibrary.com
November 9, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Life has not been exactly fair to Holly. She has grown up in a series of group and foster homes surrounded by social workers who say they care, but it certainly doesn't feel like they do.
As the story begins, Holly is headed toward a new home. A childless couple arranges for a few test visits and then decide they are willing to offer Holly a place in their lives. It should be the answer to Holly's dream, but her sights are set on finding her Irish mam and not relying on the kindness of strangers.
Maybe it's the constant disappointments over the years and the repeated caregivers who have abandoned Holly. Whatever the reasons, she doesn't feel that she can go through it again. After a short stay with the new couple and one heated outburst, Holly decides it's time to leave.
She stumbles across a blond wig that adds several years to her own almost fifteen, and when she looks in the mirror, she reinvents herself with a new name - Solace. Solace has the courage and the calm attitude needed to strike out and find her mam.
The journey takes Solace (Holly) into a world of roadside diners, truck drivers, and adventure spiced with bits of humor and potential danger. She's a girl in search of her past and, hopefully, a future filled with a promise of real family and real love.
Siobhan Dowd, author of several other award-winning YA books, tragically died of cancer at age 47. SOLACE OF THE ROAD features her typical Irish flare with colorful characters leading less-than-perfect lives. She captures the loneliness and desperation of Solace as she searches for what most of us take for granted.
American readers may find SOLACE OF THE ROAD a challenging read due to its definite Irish/British dialect and tone, but once they are caught up in the story, they will find it a rewarding read. Dowd's exceptional talent will be missed.
Life has not been exactly fair to Holly. She has grown up in a series of group and foster homes surrounded by social workers who say they care, but it certainly doesn't feel like they do.
As the story begins, Holly is headed toward a new home. A childless couple arranges for a few test visits and then decide they are willing to offer Holly a place in their lives. It should be the answer to Holly's dream, but her sights are set on finding her Irish mam and not relying on the kindness of strangers.
Maybe it's the constant disappointments over the years and the repeated caregivers who have abandoned Holly. Whatever the reasons, she doesn't feel that she can go through it again. After a short stay with the new couple and one heated outburst, Holly decides it's time to leave.
She stumbles across a blond wig that adds several years to her own almost fifteen, and when she looks in the mirror, she reinvents herself with a new name - Solace. Solace has the courage and the calm attitude needed to strike out and find her mam.
The journey takes Solace (Holly) into a world of roadside diners, truck drivers, and adventure spiced with bits of humor and potential danger. She's a girl in search of her past and, hopefully, a future filled with a promise of real family and real love.
Siobhan Dowd, author of several other award-winning YA books, tragically died of cancer at age 47. SOLACE OF THE ROAD features her typical Irish flare with colorful characters leading less-than-perfect lives. She captures the loneliness and desperation of Solace as she searches for what most of us take for granted.
American readers may find SOLACE OF THE ROAD a challenging read due to its definite Irish/British dialect and tone, but once they are caught up in the story, they will find it a rewarding read. Dowd's exceptional talent will be missed.
September 11, 2011
Holly Hogan is nearly 15 years old and fed up with her life. After spending years in care she is now living with foster parents who she assumes don’t really care for her.
When she finds a blond wig she hides it and on the day before her 15th birthday she puts on the wig, applies some lipstick and runs away.
She’s transformed herself into Solace, a 17 year old beauty with slim-slam hips who knows what she wants and has the courage to go and get it. As Solace, Holly is determined to make her way from London to Ireland where she is sure she will find her mother and a happy reunion.
The road is a difficult and dangerous place for a young girl though, regardless of whether she is Solace or Holly. And as she spends more time on her own memories resurface, memories which make it clear that maybe a happy reunion isn’t likely and that perhaps the life she has left behind wasn’t nearly as bad as she thought.
This is a powerful coming of age story. Holly has known little but hardship in her young life, yet has a resilience to admire. Sure she has issues and doesn’t always make the right decisions, but deep down she is good and only wants to be happy.
In the two days she spends on the road Holly has the time to reassess everything she thought to be true and everything she made herself forget and in the process she gets to know herself a little bit better.
I like the way Dowd makes the dangers of running away and being young and alone in the big world perfectly clear without making the story gruesome or horrible. I appreciate how she made Holly a realistic character. She isn’t a downtrodden martyr anymore than she is a hell-raiser. She is basically an average teenager in unfortunate circumstances dealing with them best she can.
The story leaves the reader with a lot to think about without ever being depressing and at times even funny. This is a positive story with a powerful message.
When she finds a blond wig she hides it and on the day before her 15th birthday she puts on the wig, applies some lipstick and runs away.
She’s transformed herself into Solace, a 17 year old beauty with slim-slam hips who knows what she wants and has the courage to go and get it. As Solace, Holly is determined to make her way from London to Ireland where she is sure she will find her mother and a happy reunion.
The road is a difficult and dangerous place for a young girl though, regardless of whether she is Solace or Holly. And as she spends more time on her own memories resurface, memories which make it clear that maybe a happy reunion isn’t likely and that perhaps the life she has left behind wasn’t nearly as bad as she thought.
This is a powerful coming of age story. Holly has known little but hardship in her young life, yet has a resilience to admire. Sure she has issues and doesn’t always make the right decisions, but deep down she is good and only wants to be happy.
In the two days she spends on the road Holly has the time to reassess everything she thought to be true and everything she made herself forget and in the process she gets to know herself a little bit better.
I like the way Dowd makes the dangers of running away and being young and alone in the big world perfectly clear without making the story gruesome or horrible. I appreciate how she made Holly a realistic character. She isn’t a downtrodden martyr anymore than she is a hell-raiser. She is basically an average teenager in unfortunate circumstances dealing with them best she can.
The story leaves the reader with a lot to think about without ever being depressing and at times even funny. This is a positive story with a powerful message.
January 28, 2012
This was the first book I read of Siobhan's, and as soon as I finished it all I could think was "I HAVE TO READ MORE!". But then I found out that she'd died of cancer, and had only written four books, and I was sad. She was a true writing talent, and 'Solace' is one of my all-time favourite books.
I love Holly Hogan. Even though self-described 'bad girls' in books get on my wick pretty quickly, you could see Holly's vulnerability and true kind-heartedness a mile away. All she wanted was to get back to Ireland. Being half-Irish myself, I could identify with the kind of magical, fairytale Emerald Isle that Holly had dreamt up - but I also knew, in my heart of hearts, that Ireland isn't quite like that. When Holly had her little epiphany, I could have cried for her.
I loved some of the people she met on her travels, and hated the others. I loved how Holly's journey taught her more about herself and what she wants from life than she ever could have imagined. I loved the whole story so much that as soon as I finished it, I went right back and started again - that was how little I wanted to leave Holly and her story behind. Wonderful.
I love Holly Hogan. Even though self-described 'bad girls' in books get on my wick pretty quickly, you could see Holly's vulnerability and true kind-heartedness a mile away. All she wanted was to get back to Ireland. Being half-Irish myself, I could identify with the kind of magical, fairytale Emerald Isle that Holly had dreamt up - but I also knew, in my heart of hearts, that Ireland isn't quite like that. When Holly had her little epiphany, I could have cried for her.
I loved some of the people she met on her travels, and hated the others. I loved how Holly's journey taught her more about herself and what she wants from life than she ever could have imagined. I loved the whole story so much that as soon as I finished it, I went right back and started again - that was how little I wanted to leave Holly and her story behind. Wonderful.
December 2, 2009
This posthumously published novel of a British author is a tale framed by the event of 15-year-old Holly being locked in the car of a couple she doesn't know who are making the crossing of the Irish Sea from Wales to Ireland. Why and how she is in that car and on that ferry and trying to make that journey is what the book is about. She wants to find her Irish mother, lost to her for almost ten years in the scuffle of a domestic dispute with a good-for-nothing boyfriend. The journey away from her kind but new foster parents takes her away from a borrowed home towards one she hopes will be true, but in order to find herself and remember more about her own past--in fact, in order to run away at all--Holly must become Solace, looking three years older, all decked out in a blonde wig her fostermother used during chemo treatments. A little bit Holden Caufield, a little bit British version of Three Little Words in terms of the fostering and group home situations, and a little bit about the random chance meetings of the road, the book is quietly involving.
May 4, 2016
I bought this book because I'd always wanted to read some Siobhan Dowd and the fact that any proceeds go to a charity to provide disadvantaged children with books also encouraged me to buy it.
Holly has been in care for a while and finally gets a new placement. The problem is she still can't stop thinking about her mum and finding her. So she decides to run away and name herself Solace.
This book started slow at first but became more engaging. Holly was a very interesting and well drawn character and I really felt I got inside her head. The author had clearly done a lot of research and it paid off. I loved all the different characters she met along the way and I think the sense of loneliness she has would ring true for a lot of teenagers.
A great read. 3.5 stars but think I'll round it up to 4.
Holly has been in care for a while and finally gets a new placement. The problem is she still can't stop thinking about her mum and finding her. So she decides to run away and name herself Solace.
This book started slow at first but became more engaging. Holly was a very interesting and well drawn character and I really felt I got inside her head. The author had clearly done a lot of research and it paid off. I loved all the different characters she met along the way and I think the sense of loneliness she has would ring true for a lot of teenagers.
A great read. 3.5 stars but think I'll round it up to 4.
November 8, 2014
Holly woont in een pleeggezin bij Fiona en Ray. Het is al het zoveelste pleeggezin waarin ze terechtkomt en eigenlijk is ze er nu wel klaar mee. Dan wil ze liever bij haar beste vrienden, Grace en Trim blijven, die nog in Templeton House wonen. Ze wil niet in een gezin met vreemde HOZA’s. (Want dat is waarmee de wereld vol zit volgens Holly, met Hopeloze Oude Zakken.) Maar wat Holly het allerliefste wil, is terug naar Ierland. Naar haar moeder.
Lees de hele recensie op
http://ilsetenhave.wordpress.com/2014...
November 7, 2009
After loving her other books, this was a disappointment. I did enjoy the exploration of disliking who one is and creating a different persona, one who is the things one wishes one could be. There was a theme of abandonment throughout, but far too resolved at the end. When a child is abandoned, they don't just "get fixed" - it is something they deal with forever and the young woman became too normal too quickly.
May 9, 2016
This book is a wonderful, vividly-written window into the life of a girl in care that's also an ode to Oxford and a beautiful road-trip novel about the kindness of strangers. Absolutely fantastic start to finish.
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
November 7, 2010
The character just didn't capture me. There was no emotional investment. What, oh, she's going to screw up her life, well too bad, la de da.
Hmmm, come to think of it, this may say more about MY state of mind than the author's ability to write...
Hmmm, come to think of it, this may say more about MY state of mind than the author's ability to write...
July 10, 2018
In De weg ga je op roadtrip met Holly Hogan en haar alter ego Solace.
Holly is een veertienjarig meisje uit een kansarm milieu. Ze is voor de tweede keer vanuit een gezinsvervangend tehuis in een pleeggezin geplaatst en heeft het daar niet naar haar zin. Ze wil naar haar moeder in Ierland en loopt weg. Al liftend van Londen naar Ierland heeft ze veel flashbacks en denkt ze na over het beeld wat ze zich van haar eigen verleden heeft gevormd. Waarom is ze uit huis geplaatst en wat was de rol van haar moeder? Gedurende de tocht dringt de waarheid tot Holly door, ze heeft haar herinneringen verdrongen of mooier gemaakt… Zo leuk was haar leven niet bij haar moeder in de hemelflat, het appartement op de bovenste verdieping van de flat waar ze woonden. Holly werd mishandeld en verwaarloosd.
In het huis van het pleeggezin waarvandaan Holly wegloopt, vindt ze een pruik. Door die pruik is ze in staat in de schoenen te stappen van haar zelfverzonnen alter ego Solace. Solace is stoer en heeft veel meer lef dan Holly zelf. Als Solace durft Holly veel meer, voelt ze zich ouder en treedt ze mensen met meer zelfvertrouwen tegemoet. Holly neemt de pruik dan ook mee als ze aan haar reis naar Ierland begint.
De pruik speelt een zeer belangrijke rol in het verhaal. Niet alleen 'helpt' hij Holly om de persoonlijkheid van Solace aan te nemen, hij staat ook symbool voor het voorval waarom Holly indertijd definitief uit huis geplaatst is. Het hele verhaal door is ze druk met de pruik, alsof ze - door hem extra goed te verzorgen - dat voorval weg kan borstelen.
Erg mooi beschreven is het moment dat Holly voor het eerst echt doordrongen raakt van haar kwetsbaarheid en angst toen ze nog bij haar moeder woonde:
Het licht in de wc zou nog steeds vaalgroen zijn, en het meisje in de spiegel ook. Ze keek me aan en opeens zag ik weer de kleine Holly, lang geleden in de hemelflat, met haar afgezakte sokken en hoge cijfers op school. […] Help, riep het meisje in de spiegel naar me. Help me. Iemand. Alsjeblieft. Ik stak een hand uit en raakte haar aan. Het was alsof we samen werden teruggesleept naar de hemelflat, deze keer echt.
Dowd bouwt zeer zorgvuldig en gedoseerd het verhaal op. Heel langzaam begin je als lezer te begrijpen dat Holly’s jeugd helemaal niet zo fijn is geweest, en dat haar moeder helemaal niet zo lief voor haar was.
Onbevredigend is dan ook het afgeraffelde ‘happy end’, het is te mooi om waar te zijn. Mede hierdoor beklijft het boek niet. Dowd had een tevens positief maar realistischer einde kunnen schetsen en zo een krachtiger boodschap kunnen achterlaten, voor mensen die met dit soort kinderen te maken krijgen, maar meer nog voor kinderen die in zo’n situatie verzeild raken.
Siobhan Dowd (1960-2007) was een Brits-Ierse schrijfster die zeer begaan was met het lot van kansarme mensen. Ze schreef boeken voor volwassenen en jongeren. De weg is Dowd’s laatste boek, tevens de vierde en laatste Young Adult-roman in een serie waarvan ze de opbrengsten doneerde aan de Siobhan Dowd Trust, ten behoeve van projecten voor achtergestelde kinderen met hun schrijfvaardigheden.
Holly is een veertienjarig meisje uit een kansarm milieu. Ze is voor de tweede keer vanuit een gezinsvervangend tehuis in een pleeggezin geplaatst en heeft het daar niet naar haar zin. Ze wil naar haar moeder in Ierland en loopt weg. Al liftend van Londen naar Ierland heeft ze veel flashbacks en denkt ze na over het beeld wat ze zich van haar eigen verleden heeft gevormd. Waarom is ze uit huis geplaatst en wat was de rol van haar moeder? Gedurende de tocht dringt de waarheid tot Holly door, ze heeft haar herinneringen verdrongen of mooier gemaakt… Zo leuk was haar leven niet bij haar moeder in de hemelflat, het appartement op de bovenste verdieping van de flat waar ze woonden. Holly werd mishandeld en verwaarloosd.
In het huis van het pleeggezin waarvandaan Holly wegloopt, vindt ze een pruik. Door die pruik is ze in staat in de schoenen te stappen van haar zelfverzonnen alter ego Solace. Solace is stoer en heeft veel meer lef dan Holly zelf. Als Solace durft Holly veel meer, voelt ze zich ouder en treedt ze mensen met meer zelfvertrouwen tegemoet. Holly neemt de pruik dan ook mee als ze aan haar reis naar Ierland begint.
De pruik speelt een zeer belangrijke rol in het verhaal. Niet alleen 'helpt' hij Holly om de persoonlijkheid van Solace aan te nemen, hij staat ook symbool voor het voorval waarom Holly indertijd definitief uit huis geplaatst is. Het hele verhaal door is ze druk met de pruik, alsof ze - door hem extra goed te verzorgen - dat voorval weg kan borstelen.
Erg mooi beschreven is het moment dat Holly voor het eerst echt doordrongen raakt van haar kwetsbaarheid en angst toen ze nog bij haar moeder woonde:
Het licht in de wc zou nog steeds vaalgroen zijn, en het meisje in de spiegel ook. Ze keek me aan en opeens zag ik weer de kleine Holly, lang geleden in de hemelflat, met haar afgezakte sokken en hoge cijfers op school. […] Help, riep het meisje in de spiegel naar me. Help me. Iemand. Alsjeblieft. Ik stak een hand uit en raakte haar aan. Het was alsof we samen werden teruggesleept naar de hemelflat, deze keer echt.
Dowd bouwt zeer zorgvuldig en gedoseerd het verhaal op. Heel langzaam begin je als lezer te begrijpen dat Holly’s jeugd helemaal niet zo fijn is geweest, en dat haar moeder helemaal niet zo lief voor haar was.
Onbevredigend is dan ook het afgeraffelde ‘happy end’, het is te mooi om waar te zijn. Mede hierdoor beklijft het boek niet. Dowd had een tevens positief maar realistischer einde kunnen schetsen en zo een krachtiger boodschap kunnen achterlaten, voor mensen die met dit soort kinderen te maken krijgen, maar meer nog voor kinderen die in zo’n situatie verzeild raken.
Siobhan Dowd (1960-2007) was een Brits-Ierse schrijfster die zeer begaan was met het lot van kansarme mensen. Ze schreef boeken voor volwassenen en jongeren. De weg is Dowd’s laatste boek, tevens de vierde en laatste Young Adult-roman in een serie waarvan ze de opbrengsten doneerde aan de Siobhan Dowd Trust, ten behoeve van projecten voor achtergestelde kinderen met hun schrijfvaardigheden.
March 26, 2018
The book Solace of the Road by Siobhan Dowd, to say the least, was an interesting book. The plot and main character, Holly Hogan, took some unexpected turns as a young teen that made the book seem inappropriate for a younger audience. This book was about the travels of a teen who was 14 and then 15. However, she acted as a 17 year old with the help of a wig. She longed to reach Ireland to be back with her mother, but she was stuck at a residential home. So, she ran away and had to go through some horrible things to get the things she needed.
This book was very odd for me to read because I do not normally read stories that have foul plots. It was interesting because the setting was in London for most of the book. The author did a splendid job of showing the setting without directly stating the setting. For example, she used their money system which is pounds and spelled words like color as "colour" to show the British vibes. In addition, the author, as an older women, was able to successfully portray the feelings and thoughts of a teenage girl who needs mental help. She had the narrator come up with names for "Miserable Old Git's" which they call Mogit's. This indicates how a kid would think because of the ignorant judgments of others. The book was also very well-written because of its use of literary elements as in figurative language. Multiple times in the story, the author added metaphors and similes to spice the writing up a bit. For instance, the book said, "the questions fizzed in my brain like angry bees". This demonstrates a simile by comparing her thoughts as to swarming bees, thus showing her franticness. Also, the author wrote "I was a Shetland pony". This use of figurative language emphasizes how glamorous the narrator thinks she is. Another literary element that the author used was personification. She wrote "it was spitting rain". This makes the writing more interesting by not just stating that it was raining outside but that the sky was releasing water as a person spits. I enjoyed the authors writing because of the way she vividly shows things. By using imagery in statements like "the ash blonde colours glowed in the dark" gives a great representation of what the author is describing. In this case, it was her wig. Lastly, the author made the main character have a two sided personality. One side was adventurous and she said she was a "bad girl", while the other was sweet, innocent, and well-behaved.
At the end of the book I was disappointed. The whole story was about her trying to reach Ireland and then she decides to make a choice that was a enormous let down to me. Though the plot was uninviting to me, the authors use of figurative language made the book enjoyable. I would recommend this book to younger adults and kids older than 13.
This book was very odd for me to read because I do not normally read stories that have foul plots. It was interesting because the setting was in London for most of the book. The author did a splendid job of showing the setting without directly stating the setting. For example, she used their money system which is pounds and spelled words like color as "colour" to show the British vibes. In addition, the author, as an older women, was able to successfully portray the feelings and thoughts of a teenage girl who needs mental help. She had the narrator come up with names for "Miserable Old Git's" which they call Mogit's. This indicates how a kid would think because of the ignorant judgments of others. The book was also very well-written because of its use of literary elements as in figurative language. Multiple times in the story, the author added metaphors and similes to spice the writing up a bit. For instance, the book said, "the questions fizzed in my brain like angry bees". This demonstrates a simile by comparing her thoughts as to swarming bees, thus showing her franticness. Also, the author wrote "I was a Shetland pony". This use of figurative language emphasizes how glamorous the narrator thinks she is. Another literary element that the author used was personification. She wrote "it was spitting rain". This makes the writing more interesting by not just stating that it was raining outside but that the sky was releasing water as a person spits. I enjoyed the authors writing because of the way she vividly shows things. By using imagery in statements like "the ash blonde colours glowed in the dark" gives a great representation of what the author is describing. In this case, it was her wig. Lastly, the author made the main character have a two sided personality. One side was adventurous and she said she was a "bad girl", while the other was sweet, innocent, and well-behaved.
At the end of the book I was disappointed. The whole story was about her trying to reach Ireland and then she decides to make a choice that was a enormous let down to me. Though the plot was uninviting to me, the authors use of figurative language made the book enjoyable. I would recommend this book to younger adults and kids older than 13.
November 22, 2024
Storia di formazione incentrata sull’affrontare un trauma represso.
Holly Hogan è una ragazza irlandese di tredici anni che vive in casa-famiglia a Londra. Dopo essere stata data in affidamento ad una coppia senza figli comincia a farsi più forte in lei il desiderio di ritrovare la madre in Irlanda ed il giorno del suo quattordicesimo compleanno ruba una parrucca bionda e fugge di casa alla ricerca della madre.
Indossata la parrucca bionda assume l’identità di Crystal, una ragazza più grande, furba e determinata a raggiungere l’obiettivo.
Premesso che il preambolo della storia possa sembrare un po’ assurdo (una ragazza di quattordici anni che si traveste per un viaggio di chilometri senza avere abbastanza soldi in tasca e senza aver programmato il viaggio nei minimi dettagli), il modo in cui la storia è raccontata si fa perdonare tutto questo.
La fuga avviene a circa un terzo del libro ed a quel punto è già stato stabilito che personaggio sia Holly, le sue motivazioni e le sue paure.
Siobhan Down è bravissima a catturare la voce interiore di Holly/Crystal, una ragazza un po’ problematica, scorbutica e piena di rabbia repressa ma che ancora spera di ricongiungersi con la madre nonostante gli anni di separazione. Il suo viaggio interiore, possibile anche grazie alle esperienze ed alle persone che incontra durante il viaggio, è la vera forza del libro.
Potrebbe essere difficile per alcune persone farsi piacere la protagonista, specie all’inizio: è scostante e maleducata, non è riconoscente a Fiona e Ray per averla presa in affido e che fanno di tutto per farla sentire la benvenuta, fa una battuta crudele sul fatto che Fiona non possa avere figli, ruba vestiti da una vendita di beneficenza e dei soldi quando li ha finiti.
All’interno della narrazione ci sono stati momenti divertenti (come quello della studentessa universitaria che racconta a Holly/Crystal la storia dell’uomo che ha cercato di raggiungere Thule o il camionista vegano che da un passaggio alla protagonista), altri invece sono stati tristi e strazianti. La scrittrice non sta cercando di dare lezioni di vita a nessuno su come fare ad affrontare un momento difficile, ma solo di raccontare l’esperienza di una ragazza che ha dei traumi da affrontare e che sta cercando un posto da chiamare casa.
Forse l’unica nota negativa è il finale accelerato: epilogo del viaggio e il ritorno alla vita normale si chiude in poche pagine. Ma la narrazione si interrompe con una nota positiva per la protagonista, lasciando intuire che in futuro le cose andranno meglio per Holly.
Holly Hogan è una ragazza irlandese di tredici anni che vive in casa-famiglia a Londra. Dopo essere stata data in affidamento ad una coppia senza figli comincia a farsi più forte in lei il desiderio di ritrovare la madre in Irlanda ed il giorno del suo quattordicesimo compleanno ruba una parrucca bionda e fugge di casa alla ricerca della madre.
Indossata la parrucca bionda assume l’identità di Crystal, una ragazza più grande, furba e determinata a raggiungere l’obiettivo.
Premesso che il preambolo della storia possa sembrare un po’ assurdo (una ragazza di quattordici anni che si traveste per un viaggio di chilometri senza avere abbastanza soldi in tasca e senza aver programmato il viaggio nei minimi dettagli), il modo in cui la storia è raccontata si fa perdonare tutto questo.
La fuga avviene a circa un terzo del libro ed a quel punto è già stato stabilito che personaggio sia Holly, le sue motivazioni e le sue paure.
Siobhan Down è bravissima a catturare la voce interiore di Holly/Crystal, una ragazza un po’ problematica, scorbutica e piena di rabbia repressa ma che ancora spera di ricongiungersi con la madre nonostante gli anni di separazione. Il suo viaggio interiore, possibile anche grazie alle esperienze ed alle persone che incontra durante il viaggio, è la vera forza del libro.
Potrebbe essere difficile per alcune persone farsi piacere la protagonista, specie all’inizio: è scostante e maleducata, non è riconoscente a Fiona e Ray per averla presa in affido e che fanno di tutto per farla sentire la benvenuta, fa una battuta crudele sul fatto che Fiona non possa avere figli, ruba vestiti da una vendita di beneficenza e dei soldi quando li ha finiti.
All’interno della narrazione ci sono stati momenti divertenti (come quello della studentessa universitaria che racconta a Holly/Crystal la storia dell’uomo che ha cercato di raggiungere Thule o il camionista vegano che da un passaggio alla protagonista), altri invece sono stati tristi e strazianti. La scrittrice non sta cercando di dare lezioni di vita a nessuno su come fare ad affrontare un momento difficile, ma solo di raccontare l’esperienza di una ragazza che ha dei traumi da affrontare e che sta cercando un posto da chiamare casa.
Forse l’unica nota negativa è il finale accelerato: epilogo del viaggio e il ritorno alla vita normale si chiude in poche pagine. Ma la narrazione si interrompe con una nota positiva per la protagonista, lasciando intuire che in futuro le cose andranno meglio per Holly.
February 17, 2018
Solace of the Road by Siobhan Down is an intriguing book centered around 14 year old Holly Hogan and her journey to find her mam. Holly is a child who grew up in a home for children who did not have parents. Her entire life she has grown up with key workers and social workers. She has felt that she was removed from her mam at a young age against her wishes and hates living with social workers. When she is placed with a foster family, her rebel life allows her to feel out of place and she does not feel happy with the placement despite the love the family feels towards her. Holly finds a blonde wig and decides to start a new life. She calls herself "Solace" after a fond memory she has with her mam. The book is based on the journey of Solace and her feelings.
I genuinely enjoyed the book. Siobhan Dowd uses vivid imagery and thorough detail of Solace's journey. She paints amazing images of Solace and even includes deliberate use of "curse words" to allow the reader to feel Solace's feelings. The book benefited greatly from Dowd's careful characterization of each character. Dowd spends ample time to characterize each character in the book which makes the book more interesting and attention grabbing. While she takes time to develop characters, the book is also a moderate pace which makes it more interesting and I was not in the least bored with it at all.
The only part of the book that may be confusing to some readers is that the setting is in England and some of the vocabulary and grammar is slightly different since the language is "Traditional English". While this only warrants for a slight change, words such as "fag" and money values such as "quid" may not make sense for some readers. Although this change in vocabulary leads to some confusion, I appreciated the authenticity of the book. I value the use of correct vocabulary for the setting and this adds to the thought that Dowd develops the book well.
I would recommend this book to anyone that has an interest in great literature. The book Solace of the Road is a well developed, interesting book that speaks to every aspect of "teenage life". Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and would like to explore reading more from Siobhan Dowd.
August 28, 2020
Agonized Over Four or Five Star Rating
Came across this book in a rather circuitous way, read a blurb for A Monster Calls and I noticed the title said "Inspired By An Idea From Siobhan Dowd" and the author had taken on her idea because she died of cancer before she could do anything with it. I'd never heard of her before so I looked her up and this was the first title that became available at my libray.
The first few chapters I wasn't even sure I was going to finish the book, it is really written from the point of view of a 15 year old girl and sometimes she was annoying, one of the main reasons I don't read a lot of Young Adult fiction is that I often find the young protagonists annoying.
There is not one specific moment, but over the course of several moments, you realize she has earned the right to be annoying. It makes her sympathetic and I found myself finishing it in one go, late into the night, when I should have been sleeping.
The ending was satisfying and powerful.
I would have rather given it four and a half stars but that's not an option, because there were some distracting elements, but overall I think five is justified.
Came across this book in a rather circuitous way, read a blurb for A Monster Calls and I noticed the title said "Inspired By An Idea From Siobhan Dowd" and the author had taken on her idea because she died of cancer before she could do anything with it. I'd never heard of her before so I looked her up and this was the first title that became available at my libray.
The first few chapters I wasn't even sure I was going to finish the book, it is really written from the point of view of a 15 year old girl and sometimes she was annoying, one of the main reasons I don't read a lot of Young Adult fiction is that I often find the young protagonists annoying.
There is not one specific moment, but over the course of several moments, you realize she has earned the right to be annoying. It makes her sympathetic and I found myself finishing it in one go, late into the night, when I should have been sleeping.
The ending was satisfying and powerful.
I would have rather given it four and a half stars but that's not an option, because there were some distracting elements, but overall I think five is justified.
June 27, 2022
This one was hard for me to read. Especially so soon on the heels of finishing Out of the Easy. These stories of children who come to mothers who never move past their selfishness and take proper care of their children are just so hard for me to read. I will need something a bit lighter for my next read. I understand the reviewers who felt that it wrapped up too neatly but I appreciated the ending. There was no way for the happy ending that the main character ached for, but she did get the best possibility for her world and circumstance.
Two quotes that struck me...
"You can't think all your memories at once or your head will burst. So you put them in a drawer in the back bit of your brain and close them away."
"This is how I found myself in this fancy garden I'd never even known existed. It was like going from the pits to paradise in ten metres. And isn't that just London for you."
Two quotes that struck me...
"You can't think all your memories at once or your head will burst. So you put them in a drawer in the back bit of your brain and close them away."
"This is how I found myself in this fancy garden I'd never even known existed. It was like going from the pits to paradise in ten metres. And isn't that just London for you."
May 16, 2017
Avevo alte aspettative su questo libro e soprattutto sulla sua scrittrice. Purtroppo non mi è piaciuto e ho fatto molta fatica a finirlo. Lo stile narrativo è di un ottimo livello e la lettura nel complesso scorrevole eppure sono sincera, non mi è piaciuto.
Se dovessi descriverlo con un aggettivo sarebbe ruvido.
Il problema principale per me è Crystal. Questa quattordicenne protagonista del romanzo e voce narrante molto immatura, sciocca, irriconoscente. E' davvero un personaggio difficile da accettare. Forse sarebbe stato più facile se la narrazione fosse stata affidata anche a un'altra voce, più adulta. Ma solo lei per tutto il libro l'ho trovato davvero troppo. Mi è risultata antipatica dall'inizio e non sono riuscita a provare empatia per lei, mai. Non ho accettato le sue scelte, il suo essere così superficiale. Dentro di se nasconde sicuramente un grande trauma ma questo ai miei occhi non la giustifica nelle sue azioni. Il viaggio che intraprende mi è sembrato alquanto assurdo, e irreale che non abbia mai incontrato brutta gente a fare l'autostop mezza nuda. E poi il finale così veloce, con un cambiamento in lei così repentino.
Di base l'idea era buona ma secondo me non è stata sviluppata al suo meglio.
Se dovessi descriverlo con un aggettivo sarebbe ruvido.
Il problema principale per me è Crystal. Questa quattordicenne protagonista del romanzo e voce narrante molto immatura, sciocca, irriconoscente. E' davvero un personaggio difficile da accettare. Forse sarebbe stato più facile se la narrazione fosse stata affidata anche a un'altra voce, più adulta. Ma solo lei per tutto il libro l'ho trovato davvero troppo. Mi è risultata antipatica dall'inizio e non sono riuscita a provare empatia per lei, mai. Non ho accettato le sue scelte, il suo essere così superficiale. Dentro di se nasconde sicuramente un grande trauma ma questo ai miei occhi non la giustifica nelle sue azioni. Il viaggio che intraprende mi è sembrato alquanto assurdo, e irreale che non abbia mai incontrato brutta gente a fare l'autostop mezza nuda. E poi il finale così veloce, con un cambiamento in lei così repentino.
Di base l'idea era buona ma secondo me non è stata sviluppata al suo meglio.
February 18, 2022
Solace of the Road was...okay. There's nothing technically wrong with it, and I actually think it's fairly sophisticated for a book aimed at a younger demographic (not everything gets spelled out, and there's a lot to infer from offhand comments or subtle gestures). All the same, I never really got into the story. I don't know if that's because I've read too many similar novels and could see where it was going from miles away, or if I was just too annoyed with Holly as a narrator (I get that she's not meant to be super likable, but that doesn't mean she didn't also function as a turnoff for the book as a whole)—or maybe I just don't like road trip narratives in general—but I felt like it took forever to reach its destination and the stops along the way weren't enough to make the journey worthwhile.
2.5 stars.
2.5 stars.
December 15, 2022
i liked the writing style most about this book. it took me a bit to read because i was uninterested at first, but i finished it.
i liked the concept of solace, and that she's a person who gives power to holly and that was nice to read.
i don't have much to say about this, since it wasn't a book i was interested much it, the premise of it and how it was dealt with throughout the story was good. near the end surprised me cause i was sure that holly was gonna find her mom and that would be the happy ending, but then again something would have to happen for holly to be taken by social services. i don't think i liked the ending much because she wasn't with her mom and she didn't jump to go swimming, because those are what i was expecting. but it's a decent read.
also the ‘.’ instead of the “.” bother me a lot
i liked the concept of solace, and that she's a person who gives power to holly and that was nice to read.
i don't have much to say about this, since it wasn't a book i was interested much it, the premise of it and how it was dealt with throughout the story was good. near the end surprised me cause i was sure that holly was gonna find her mom and that would be the happy ending, but then again something would have to happen for holly to be taken by social services. i don't think i liked the ending much because she wasn't with her mom and she didn't jump to go swimming, because those are what i was expecting. but it's a decent read.
also the ‘.’ instead of the “.” bother me a lot
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2017
I had to return the book on June 13 because I was going to my daughter's graduation and then to visit my mom for 2 weeks. Requested the book from the library and picked it up on7/14.
Dowd was such a gifted writer. I am sad that there are no more books to be written by her.
Holly is a teen in the foster system. She gets placed in a home with Fiona and Ray. The book starts when Holly is running away. The story is told in flashback style.
Holly is trying to go to Ireland to reunite with her mum. We find out about her life in a group home. We learn about her caseworker.
Just a great story and so real because children in the foster system always want to be reunited with their parents no matter how badly they were treated.
Dowd was such a gifted writer. I am sad that there are no more books to be written by her.
Holly is a teen in the foster system. She gets placed in a home with Fiona and Ray. The book starts when Holly is running away. The story is told in flashback style.
Holly is trying to go to Ireland to reunite with her mum. We find out about her life in a group home. We learn about her caseworker.
Just a great story and so real because children in the foster system always want to be reunited with their parents no matter how badly they were treated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews