The Willow Man

by Sue Purkiss

When his younger sister Sophie has a stroke, 12-year-old Tom feels jealous and guilty, impatient and scared all at the same time. His mate Ash is the only one that seems to understand. But Ash has problems of his own. Sophie believes that the willow man is magical, that he can help them all - her to walk and Ash to read.

175 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2006

Reviews

[Alex M · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Within him, woven with the living willow into his great frame, power lay coiled. But the power was captive. Strong as he was, he couldn't move.”

[Aidan Bizony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read! This book is not your classic stroke story. The main character's sister had a major stroke and was left in a semi coma for two-three days. Even when she comes round it would still be months until she would be able to get back to her old self again. Meanwhile, the main character, Tom is dealing with the emotions of not being "invisible" his friend Ashley is the only one who understands what Tom is going through but this friend by his side would not last for long as Ashley has problems of his own and would not be around for as mush us Tom would like. This book is incredibly well written, medium paced book. All in all this is a fantastic read.The Willow ManSue Purkiss

[Lindsey Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sensitive, thought provoking read about people's lives. There is real sadness and shock when Tom's little sister, Sophie, has a stroke - but the novel is about much more than that. It's about Tom trying to come to terms with the changes in the family after Sophie's illness, but it's also about his on/off friend Ash, who feel equally alienated from his own, very different family. And we also gain insight into the way the adults in the novel, try to cope - not always terribly successfully. There's a very positive but realistic ending.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Willow Man' is a moving story about three children trying to navigate the challenges life throws at them in the form of serious illness, alienation, school failure and family breakdown. Written with perceptive insight into the minds of young people and respectful of their ability to find solutions and support each other, this book presents likeable and believeable characters and a message of hope in an imperfect world.