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Margot & Me
Sometimes love has to cross all kinds of barriers . . .
Fliss is on the way to visit her grandmother in Wales - the grandmother who she doesn't get on with - with her mother who is recuperating from chemotherapy. But her mum is getting better, that's the main thing, so Fliss can concentrate on being grouchy and not looking forward to meeting her grandmother Margot, who is so cold and always so unforgiving of Fliss's every mistake . . . But when the six months is up, Fliss consoles herself, she and her mum will go back to London and back to Real Life!
In the meantime Fliss needs to get used to her new school, not upset the scary girls, and just keep her head down (whilst still making sure that everybody knows she is from London, of course). Then Fliss discovers a diary at the back of her bookcase. It is from the 1940s and is set in World War II, and, Fliss realises, is actually Margot's diary from when she was a young woman during the Blitz. Intrigued, Fliss begins to read. There she discovers a whole new side to Margot, a wartime romance and also Margot's deepest, most buried secret. And it is then that Fliss discovers something terrible in her own life that she is going to have to come to terms with...
A brilliantly written love story from acclaimed teen writer Juno Dawson
Fliss is on the way to visit her grandmother in Wales - the grandmother who she doesn't get on with - with her mother who is recuperating from chemotherapy. But her mum is getting better, that's the main thing, so Fliss can concentrate on being grouchy and not looking forward to meeting her grandmother Margot, who is so cold and always so unforgiving of Fliss's every mistake . . . But when the six months is up, Fliss consoles herself, she and her mum will go back to London and back to Real Life!
In the meantime Fliss needs to get used to her new school, not upset the scary girls, and just keep her head down (whilst still making sure that everybody knows she is from London, of course). Then Fliss discovers a diary at the back of her bookcase. It is from the 1940s and is set in World War II, and, Fliss realises, is actually Margot's diary from when she was a young woman during the Blitz. Intrigued, Fliss begins to read. There she discovers a whole new side to Margot, a wartime romance and also Margot's deepest, most buried secret. And it is then that Fliss discovers something terrible in her own life that she is going to have to come to terms with...
A brilliantly written love story from acclaimed teen writer Juno Dawson
417 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 26, 2017
28 people are currently reading
1944 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
December 19, 2017
5 Words: Family, loss, love, friendship, history.
YA Shot Group Read February 2017
I had heard a little bit about this book before I picked it up - as soon as it was announced it was on my TBR and pre-ordered. But then when it was released I was a little hesitant, and it took a group of my friends saying "shall we read this together?" for me to pick it up.
And I'm so glad I did pick it up. Even if I've been left with my heart in a million tiny pieces.
This book was at times laugh-out-loud hilarious and wail-in-despair hopeless. It made me feel almost every emotion under the sun.
I'm not going to lie - Margot's diary entries were my favourite bits to read. I loved her narrative, how it was presented in the diary. I could feel her excitement and disappointment and anger. I loved her girl-power attitude, how strong she was, how age eventually changed her and how she acknowledged it. I want to see more of her story.
Fliss really grated on me to begin with. She's a complicated character and it wasn't until near the end that I finally clicked with her. She's been through a lot, she goes through a lot, and she changes in the pages.
I have to mention Megan. The despicable, nasty, grade-A bitch. There was a tiny part of me that wanted to know her story, wanted to know what made her a bully. But by the end? I was so ANGRY that I just didn't care about her, I just wanted her gone. She plays a big part in the story.
The cast of supporting characters don't feel like supporting characters - they're well fleshed out with distinct personalities. I felt like I really got to know them.
I wold absolutely recommend this book to everyone. Just make sure you have a box of tissues on hand, because there is ugly-crying involved.
There are some things that Juno reigns over when it comes to her books. Her characterisations, diversity, inclusion, and heart-breaking scenes are marvelous, and I've never seen anyone nail it quite as well as she does. Again.
Edit 19/12/2017: Hello, yes, can I have an extended Margot diary please? Also: 91 Notes & Highlights.
YA Shot Group Read February 2017
I had heard a little bit about this book before I picked it up - as soon as it was announced it was on my TBR and pre-ordered. But then when it was released I was a little hesitant, and it took a group of my friends saying "shall we read this together?" for me to pick it up.
And I'm so glad I did pick it up. Even if I've been left with my heart in a million tiny pieces.
This book was at times laugh-out-loud hilarious and wail-in-despair hopeless. It made me feel almost every emotion under the sun.
I'm not going to lie - Margot's diary entries were my favourite bits to read. I loved her narrative, how it was presented in the diary. I could feel her excitement and disappointment and anger. I loved her girl-power attitude, how strong she was, how age eventually changed her and how she acknowledged it. I want to see more of her story.
Fliss really grated on me to begin with. She's a complicated character and it wasn't until near the end that I finally clicked with her. She's been through a lot, she goes through a lot, and she changes in the pages.
I have to mention Megan. The despicable, nasty, grade-A bitch. There was a tiny part of me that wanted to know her story, wanted to know what made her a bully. But by the end? I was so ANGRY that I just didn't care about her, I just wanted her gone. She plays a big part in the story.
The cast of supporting characters don't feel like supporting characters - they're well fleshed out with distinct personalities. I felt like I really got to know them.
I wold absolutely recommend this book to everyone. Just make sure you have a box of tissues on hand, because there is ugly-crying involved.
There are some things that Juno reigns over when it comes to her books. Her characterisations, diversity, inclusion, and heart-breaking scenes are marvelous, and I've never seen anyone nail it quite as well as she does. Again.
Edit 19/12/2017: Hello, yes, can I have an extended Margot diary please? Also: 91 Notes & Highlights.
February 17, 2017
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
This book unexpectedly blew me away. I went into this completely unaware of what it would be about. A group of us decided to read it together via Twitter and so my journey with Fliss and Margot began. Little did I know just how emotionally attached I would become to this wonderful story.
Margot & Me tells the story of Fliss, a teenage girl who is relocating to a farm in Wales with her sick mother to live with her grandmother, Margot. Margot is not your average grandmother: she is not the cuddling type, but is a cold and stern older woman. As Fliss struggles to adapt to a very different lifestyle in Wales she comes across Margot’s diary from her time in the war. This sparks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Fliss as she discovers a very different side to her grandmother: a side of Margot that Fliss never expected to find.
When I initially started reading this I was not immediately swept off my feet. I didn’t particularly like Fliss at the beginning and wasn’t sure what I would make of this book. A few chapters in those feelings started to change and as I learned more about Fliss, Margot and the other characters I all of a sudden became lost in their world. For me, this story really picked up once Fliss found Margot’s diary.
My absolute favourite parts of this book were Margot’s diary entries. Set during World War II, I found them so interesting and loved reading about her early life as an evacuee in Wales. There was something very special about those glimpses into Margot’s early life and it is so easy to understand by the end of the book why Margot is the way she is. So much happened to her and at times I was completely and utterly devastated by what I was reading, but it really cemented my love for her as a character.
I also loved seeing Fliss’ journey in her new high school. We start off with her initial anxiety about being the new girl and worrying what the others will make of her. This book touches upon the stereotypical high school bully, those teenage crushes on teachers and more importantly the value of a good friendship. I knew immediately that I would love Danny and could vividly imagine him in my head.
I think it is 100% safe to say that the last 4-5 chapters of this book just repeatedly hurt my heart. Every time I thought to myself, ‘Ok the pain must stop soon’ I found myself taking another hit. I definitely recommend tissues to people reading this book because there were so many different points throughout it where I really felt overwhelmed with raw and pure emotion which is a true testament to Juno Dawson’s incredible writing.
Although initially I wasn’t hugely fond of Fliss, I did grow to really like her as a character. To begin with she seemed a little too stuck up for me and I wasn’t sure I would be able to connect with her. However as she learnt more about her grandmother she changed as a person, or at least came more into contact with her emotions, and I ended up really liking her. She was much more selfless than I initially thought and actually really inspiring.
I thought Margot was a fantastic character and she was by far my favourite. Learning everything we did about her through her diary entries I can do nothing but empathise with Margot and completely understand why she is the way she is. But what lies underneath that cold hard surface is a strong-willed, fiercely passionate and inspiring lady. I would love nothing more than a book all about Margot!
Before I leave this review, I have to mention two things. The first is that as a Welsh person I LOVED that this book was mainly set in Wales. I also quite enjoyed the way in which Juno Dawson crammed in just about every Welsh stereotype you could think of. From a whole plethora of Welsh names (Megan, Bronwyn, Dewi, Rhiannon), the use of Welsh language (‘Bore da’, cwtch, tampin’) and the typical Welsh stereotypes of sheep and male voice choirs, the whole thing just kept me thoroughly entertained and I couldn’t help but read along with a smile on my face and the occasional laugh out loud moment.
My final point is that this book is INCREDIBLE at how much it deals with. Under no circumstance do I want to spoil anything in this book because I knew very little going in and I think that is one of the reasons I loved it, but I want to say a huge thank you to Juno for doing what she has done here. Highlighting sexuality, racism, grief, love, heartbreak, pregnancy and so many more issues in such a sensitive and suitable manner that were all relevant to the story being told but also gave reason to pause and think. Exceptional writing.
Margot & Me is not a book I was expecting to fall head over heels in love with. I thought I would enjoy it but I had no idea of the profound effect it would have on me. All I can say is that this book certainly makes me realise just how much we have to learn from our elders and I know I certainly would love to know more about my own grandmother during her time in the war. Fabulous.
This book unexpectedly blew me away. I went into this completely unaware of what it would be about. A group of us decided to read it together via Twitter and so my journey with Fliss and Margot began. Little did I know just how emotionally attached I would become to this wonderful story.
Margot & Me tells the story of Fliss, a teenage girl who is relocating to a farm in Wales with her sick mother to live with her grandmother, Margot. Margot is not your average grandmother: she is not the cuddling type, but is a cold and stern older woman. As Fliss struggles to adapt to a very different lifestyle in Wales she comes across Margot’s diary from her time in the war. This sparks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Fliss as she discovers a very different side to her grandmother: a side of Margot that Fliss never expected to find.
When I initially started reading this I was not immediately swept off my feet. I didn’t particularly like Fliss at the beginning and wasn’t sure what I would make of this book. A few chapters in those feelings started to change and as I learned more about Fliss, Margot and the other characters I all of a sudden became lost in their world. For me, this story really picked up once Fliss found Margot’s diary.
My absolute favourite parts of this book were Margot’s diary entries. Set during World War II, I found them so interesting and loved reading about her early life as an evacuee in Wales. There was something very special about those glimpses into Margot’s early life and it is so easy to understand by the end of the book why Margot is the way she is. So much happened to her and at times I was completely and utterly devastated by what I was reading, but it really cemented my love for her as a character.
I also loved seeing Fliss’ journey in her new high school. We start off with her initial anxiety about being the new girl and worrying what the others will make of her. This book touches upon the stereotypical high school bully, those teenage crushes on teachers and more importantly the value of a good friendship. I knew immediately that I would love Danny and could vividly imagine him in my head.
I think it is 100% safe to say that the last 4-5 chapters of this book just repeatedly hurt my heart. Every time I thought to myself, ‘Ok the pain must stop soon’ I found myself taking another hit. I definitely recommend tissues to people reading this book because there were so many different points throughout it where I really felt overwhelmed with raw and pure emotion which is a true testament to Juno Dawson’s incredible writing.
Although initially I wasn’t hugely fond of Fliss, I did grow to really like her as a character. To begin with she seemed a little too stuck up for me and I wasn’t sure I would be able to connect with her. However as she learnt more about her grandmother she changed as a person, or at least came more into contact with her emotions, and I ended up really liking her. She was much more selfless than I initially thought and actually really inspiring.
I thought Margot was a fantastic character and she was by far my favourite. Learning everything we did about her through her diary entries I can do nothing but empathise with Margot and completely understand why she is the way she is. But what lies underneath that cold hard surface is a strong-willed, fiercely passionate and inspiring lady. I would love nothing more than a book all about Margot!
Before I leave this review, I have to mention two things. The first is that as a Welsh person I LOVED that this book was mainly set in Wales. I also quite enjoyed the way in which Juno Dawson crammed in just about every Welsh stereotype you could think of. From a whole plethora of Welsh names (Megan, Bronwyn, Dewi, Rhiannon), the use of Welsh language (‘Bore da’, cwtch, tampin’) and the typical Welsh stereotypes of sheep and male voice choirs, the whole thing just kept me thoroughly entertained and I couldn’t help but read along with a smile on my face and the occasional laugh out loud moment.
My final point is that this book is INCREDIBLE at how much it deals with. Under no circumstance do I want to spoil anything in this book because I knew very little going in and I think that is one of the reasons I loved it, but I want to say a huge thank you to Juno for doing what she has done here. Highlighting sexuality, racism, grief, love, heartbreak, pregnancy and so many more issues in such a sensitive and suitable manner that were all relevant to the story being told but also gave reason to pause and think. Exceptional writing.
Margot & Me is not a book I was expecting to fall head over heels in love with. I thought I would enjoy it but I had no idea of the profound effect it would have on me. All I can say is that this book certainly makes me realise just how much we have to learn from our elders and I know I certainly would love to know more about my own grandmother during her time in the war. Fabulous.
April 8, 2017
Just a perfect read for me.
I've been a huge fan of Juno's work since Hollow Pike and I was very excited to get my hands on this. I'm pleased to report it is awesome and I think it is my new favourite Juno Dawson book. I loved Fliss as a character, getting to know her, seeing her adapt to life in Wales and all the rubbish that comes with being the new girl. Juno captures that teenage voice perfectly. I loved the historical elements to the story and how Fliss learnt more about her Grandmother Margot from reading her teenage diaries set during WW2. I love good historical fiction so this really appealed to me from the moment I heard the book was split like this and I was so pleased that it was done really well. The story itself I really enjoyed. Without going into spoiler territory I really like where the story went and how poignant is was towards the end and seeing how the relationship between Fliss and Margot develops.
I've been a huge fan of Juno's work since Hollow Pike and I was very excited to get my hands on this. I'm pleased to report it is awesome and I think it is my new favourite Juno Dawson book. I loved Fliss as a character, getting to know her, seeing her adapt to life in Wales and all the rubbish that comes with being the new girl. Juno captures that teenage voice perfectly. I loved the historical elements to the story and how Fliss learnt more about her Grandmother Margot from reading her teenage diaries set during WW2. I love good historical fiction so this really appealed to me from the moment I heard the book was split like this and I was so pleased that it was done really well. The story itself I really enjoyed. Without going into spoiler territory I really like where the story went and how poignant is was towards the end and seeing how the relationship between Fliss and Margot develops.
April 17, 2017
Wonderful book! As someone who grew up in the 90s and loves reading about the first half of the 20th century, the combination of the two time periods really worked for me. I had a few wobbles around some of the characterisation/tropes, but the book made up for it by being gripping, moving and beautifully written. Would recommend (but bring tissues.)
February 4, 2018
When Fliss has to move from London to the middle of Wales with her mother, she’s not too happy. It’s also not so great that there going to live with her strict grandma Margo for six months who is not the typical storybook granny. When Fliss finds Margo’s wartime journal, she’s immediately sucked in and ends up finding out Margo’s biggest secret.
This is definitely one of those books that got an extra star because of my enjoyment reading the audiobook. It was read by Eilidh L Beaton who did a fantastic job - her voice was Fliss was amazing, and genuinely sounded like a teenage girl. All he frustration, and emotion was there for the entire story and I loved, loved, loved it.
I loved everything that Fliss went through in this book with dealing with her mom’s illness and also being in a new town and new school. Her attitude was great, and I loved how she dealt with everything. Her crush on the librarian definitely made me cringe a bit and when it got to that moment I actually skipped a few seconds forward because I just couldn’t.
I loved Margo’s diary a lot. I feel like with the mix of the two stories this would make a great movie. Young Margo was just a fantastic character with such British heart and stoic. I dd definitely guess what was going to happen with Rick but I like how it played out at the end with Fliss.
Fliss’s voice was so authentic. She genuinely felt like such a teenager but not too young and immature or too old and mature. She was just there, a 15-year-old dealing with crushes, and bullies, and school as well as a ton of other emotions.
I actually teared up near the end at Fliss’s dance scene. It was wonderfully written and had so much emotion in it. Just wow.
Fantastic book, recommend to everyone who loves contemporary or historical fiction. Or someone who just loves a great cast of female characters.
This is definitely one of those books that got an extra star because of my enjoyment reading the audiobook. It was read by Eilidh L Beaton who did a fantastic job - her voice was Fliss was amazing, and genuinely sounded like a teenage girl. All he frustration, and emotion was there for the entire story and I loved, loved, loved it.
I loved everything that Fliss went through in this book with dealing with her mom’s illness and also being in a new town and new school. Her attitude was great, and I loved how she dealt with everything. Her crush on the librarian definitely made me cringe a bit and when it got to that moment I actually skipped a few seconds forward because I just couldn’t.
I loved Margo’s diary a lot. I feel like with the mix of the two stories this would make a great movie. Young Margo was just a fantastic character with such British heart and stoic. I dd definitely guess what was going to happen with Rick but I like how it played out at the end with Fliss.
Fliss’s voice was so authentic. She genuinely felt like such a teenager but not too young and immature or too old and mature. She was just there, a 15-year-old dealing with crushes, and bullies, and school as well as a ton of other emotions.
I actually teared up near the end at Fliss’s dance scene. It was wonderfully written and had so much emotion in it. Just wow.
Fantastic book, recommend to everyone who loves contemporary or historical fiction. Or someone who just loves a great cast of female characters.
February 13, 2017
I read this story throughout January with my fellow members of The Book Club! We also had a Twitter chat about it at the end of the month, which you can catch up on by searching for the #BCChat hashtag.
This book, guys. This book. I'm in awe. From the moment I heard about it, I knew it was my kind of thing. Split between 1998 and a 1940's diary? It called out to me. Margot & Me follows fifteen-year-old Fliss as she moves to a farm in Wales that belongs to her grandmother (who will only go by Margot, she won't be having any of that nan or gran stuff, thank you very much). Fliss believes that she'll be living there for about six months whilst her mother recovers from cancer. Fliss and Margot don't always get along, and Fliss sees her grandmother as quite a strict and severe person. When Fliss finds Margot's diary in the attic, she begins to see a different version of her, a version that she comes to adore.
Let's start with what a wonderfully realistic character Fliss is. Her emotions, her actions, her ways of thinking were told in an open and honest way that made me root for her throughout. Yes, she was naïve at times and didn't always make the wisest decisions, but that only added to the believability of her character. The difficulties she faced at her new school were sad but true for many students who have to switch schools. But the adorable development of her new friendships were heartwarming to witness.
Whilst Fliss had a gripping story, it was Margot's raw and emotional journey back in 1940 that made this book truly special for me. I don't think I can quite express how much love I had for Margot. She was an incredible character with an attitude well ahead of her time. I don't want to say too much about what she goes through for fear of spoiling it, but her story is an important one and I truly felt for her. She may be a fictional character, but you can bet your house that there were many young women like her who were forced into the same heartbreaking corner.
The final quarter of the story was packed full of emotion, and even though thinking back I can see that the signs of what direction this story would take were there, I wasn't actually expecting it. So I was a complete wreck by the end. The two different parts of the story were beautifully weaved together and wrapped up perfectly, leaving the reader to imagine for themselves what happened after the final page. With a focus on family bonds and important friendships, this book ticked a lot of boxes for me and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read it.
This book, guys. This book. I'm in awe. From the moment I heard about it, I knew it was my kind of thing. Split between 1998 and a 1940's diary? It called out to me. Margot & Me follows fifteen-year-old Fliss as she moves to a farm in Wales that belongs to her grandmother (who will only go by Margot, she won't be having any of that nan or gran stuff, thank you very much). Fliss believes that she'll be living there for about six months whilst her mother recovers from cancer. Fliss and Margot don't always get along, and Fliss sees her grandmother as quite a strict and severe person. When Fliss finds Margot's diary in the attic, she begins to see a different version of her, a version that she comes to adore.
Let's start with what a wonderfully realistic character Fliss is. Her emotions, her actions, her ways of thinking were told in an open and honest way that made me root for her throughout. Yes, she was naïve at times and didn't always make the wisest decisions, but that only added to the believability of her character. The difficulties she faced at her new school were sad but true for many students who have to switch schools. But the adorable development of her new friendships were heartwarming to witness.
Whilst Fliss had a gripping story, it was Margot's raw and emotional journey back in 1940 that made this book truly special for me. I don't think I can quite express how much love I had for Margot. She was an incredible character with an attitude well ahead of her time. I don't want to say too much about what she goes through for fear of spoiling it, but her story is an important one and I truly felt for her. She may be a fictional character, but you can bet your house that there were many young women like her who were forced into the same heartbreaking corner.
The final quarter of the story was packed full of emotion, and even though thinking back I can see that the signs of what direction this story would take were there, I wasn't actually expecting it. So I was a complete wreck by the end. The two different parts of the story were beautifully weaved together and wrapped up perfectly, leaving the reader to imagine for themselves what happened after the final page. With a focus on family bonds and important friendships, this book ticked a lot of boxes for me and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read it.
July 27, 2017
Read for Booktube-a-thon 2017: Read a Seventh Book
This is set in Wales in 1998 - Felicity and her mother Julia are temporarily living with Margot, Felicity's Grandmother, so that Julia can recuperate after a battle with ovarian cancer. Felicity finds an old diary belonging to Margot, and begins to read. The strong, passionate young woman in the diary is at odds with the harsh, cold woman Felicity knows now - so what happened to change Margot? Or has she really changed all that much?
I really, really enjoyed Margot's diary chapters. They're set in the early 1940s, and the story was so good. Who doesn't enjoy a good love affair set against a backdrop of impending doom?
Felicity's chapters, on the other hand, were what brought the rating down for me. I didn't really care about her - yes, she has had a terrible time, but bar an inappropriate crush, she doesn't really have a storyline.
I also hated that the book had typos - I'd expect (and ignore) that from an ARC, but this was a paperback purchased from Amazon. This clanger appeared 32 pages in: "She's tells me about the great rivalry...". There were others further in, and it put me off slightly.
What also put me off were the constant reminders that this was supposed to be set in 1998. Every clothing brand you could think of was named, every band, every film popular at the time - it's irrelevant to the storyline, it doesn't matter when Fliss' story takes place, so why keep driving it home? Also, were "messy buns" and eyeshadow primer really a thing for 15 year olds in 1998? Granted, London was more than likely more sophisticated than the backarse of nowhere in rural Ireland in the late 1990s, but I don't remember a lot of the stuff mentioned being popular in 1998. One of the characters says she knew Fliss did ballet because "I looked you up online" - where online? There was no Facebook, no Twitter, no MySpace, no Bebo, where did she look her up? Did she Ask Jeeves? I know that this stuff doesn't matter to most people - it's fiction - but when it's trying to be historically accurate by mentioning another "thing" every chapter, it sould be historically accurate.
Margot's story was a really enjoyable read, and I was sad when her diary came to an end. I'd recommend the book just for a read of that.
This is set in Wales in 1998 - Felicity and her mother Julia are temporarily living with Margot, Felicity's Grandmother, so that Julia can recuperate after a battle with ovarian cancer. Felicity finds an old diary belonging to Margot, and begins to read. The strong, passionate young woman in the diary is at odds with the harsh, cold woman Felicity knows now - so what happened to change Margot? Or has she really changed all that much?
I really, really enjoyed Margot's diary chapters. They're set in the early 1940s, and the story was so good. Who doesn't enjoy a good love affair set against a backdrop of impending doom?
Felicity's chapters, on the other hand, were what brought the rating down for me. I didn't really care about her - yes, she has had a terrible time, but bar an inappropriate crush, she doesn't really have a storyline.
I also hated that the book had typos - I'd expect (and ignore) that from an ARC, but this was a paperback purchased from Amazon. This clanger appeared 32 pages in: "She's tells me about the great rivalry...". There were others further in, and it put me off slightly.
What also put me off were the constant reminders that this was supposed to be set in 1998. Every clothing brand you could think of was named, every band, every film popular at the time - it's irrelevant to the storyline, it doesn't matter when Fliss' story takes place, so why keep driving it home? Also, were "messy buns" and eyeshadow primer really a thing for 15 year olds in 1998? Granted, London was more than likely more sophisticated than the backarse of nowhere in rural Ireland in the late 1990s, but I don't remember a lot of the stuff mentioned being popular in 1998. One of the characters says she knew Fliss did ballet because "I looked you up online" - where online? There was no Facebook, no Twitter, no MySpace, no Bebo, where did she look her up? Did she Ask Jeeves? I know that this stuff doesn't matter to most people - it's fiction - but when it's trying to be historically accurate by mentioning another "thing" every chapter, it sould be historically accurate.
Margot's story was a really enjoyable read, and I was sad when her diary came to an end. I'd recommend the book just for a read of that.
February 7, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this, definitely the best book that Juno Dawson has ever done. I only had a few slight problems with it - a little too much going on in terms of tragic events, like it gets to soap opera levels and it felt like a bit too much. I also hate when I don't get full closure at the end of a book!
March 22, 2017
An interesting story, with some characters I really like, but there was some problematic content that actually really surprised me.
Review to come soon.
Review to come soon.
July 13, 2021
My rating: 4.5/5 ⭐'s
I absolutely loved reading this! I am really glad that I picked up this book because ya'll it made sis feel the feels in this one 😢
Did I ugly cry? Yes I did. Am I ashamed? No I am not.
The characters are witty and loveable and just so real. I was at wits end at certain parts because the chemistry the characters had with one another was hilarious, sarcastic and just hopeless and times. This book is definitely a comfort read! It fills you up with so many emotions! From one moment I could be laughing and the next crying 😌 I personally couldn't click with the main character in the beginning, but she grew on me. That girl, has been through hell and back, and I just love her to bits by the end of the book ✊
I looked forward to reading Margot's diary entries the most! Her feelings were laid out on the page in her diary which I was living for! You could basically feel what she went through by just reading it😍 Loved the plot! Went into this blindly and was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading it!
✨ Coming of age story
✨ Family bonds
✨ Loss
✨ Friendship
How would I describe this book, funny, strong, witty and sad ❤
I absolutely loved reading this! I am really glad that I picked up this book because ya'll it made sis feel the feels in this one 😢
Did I ugly cry? Yes I did. Am I ashamed? No I am not.
The characters are witty and loveable and just so real. I was at wits end at certain parts because the chemistry the characters had with one another was hilarious, sarcastic and just hopeless and times. This book is definitely a comfort read! It fills you up with so many emotions! From one moment I could be laughing and the next crying 😌 I personally couldn't click with the main character in the beginning, but she grew on me. That girl, has been through hell and back, and I just love her to bits by the end of the book ✊
I looked forward to reading Margot's diary entries the most! Her feelings were laid out on the page in her diary which I was living for! You could basically feel what she went through by just reading it😍 Loved the plot! Went into this blindly and was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading it!
✨ Coming of age story
✨ Family bonds
✨ Loss
✨ Friendship
How would I describe this book, funny, strong, witty and sad ❤
January 24, 2021
I didn't expect to cry 1-4 times this Sunday as I finished this book. The story was very very sweet and written really well. Audio thumbs up! Potentially reignited a life's path but that happens often enough so we'll see.
August 10, 2019
Het duurde even voordat ik echt in het boek zat. Maar wat is dit een mooi boek.
September 15, 2019
I part listened to, part read Margot & Me, and honestly if I hadn't spotted it while scrolling through Borrow Box it probably would have stayed on my shelf gathering dust. The cover implied romance, and there's nothing that bores me more than a romance. As you can see from my rating though, that's not what I got.
Let me start by saying I really enjoyed this book, and it was a very pleasant surprise. There are two stories here; Fliss who's moved to her grandmother's farm in Wales (literally down the road from me!) for her mum to recouperate from her cancer battle, and the wartime diary of said grandmother (Margot). The switch between the two perspectives gave a nice relief from Fliss's teen life for me, because it really did take me a while to warm to her (even though she gave me some full LOL moments). Teenage Margot I loved instantly, and got sucked straight into her story.
I appreciated the parallels between the two, experiencing life as a teenager in two very different times. The arc of both named characters was great and I think this book is one of those dark horses that looks light and fluffy but sticks in your mind for a good while.
I'm actually a little bit angry that the cover does it so much of an injustice. It put me off reading it, completely. There is a romance in here, but in no way is it as sickly or dominating to the story as the cover led me to believe. It's more like... A Monster Calls mixed with historical fiction? That's the best way I can describe it. Please don't judge this one by the cover, because it lies.
Let me start by saying I really enjoyed this book, and it was a very pleasant surprise. There are two stories here; Fliss who's moved to her grandmother's farm in Wales (literally down the road from me!) for her mum to recouperate from her cancer battle, and the wartime diary of said grandmother (Margot). The switch between the two perspectives gave a nice relief from Fliss's teen life for me, because it really did take me a while to warm to her (even though she gave me some full LOL moments). Teenage Margot I loved instantly, and got sucked straight into her story.
I appreciated the parallels between the two, experiencing life as a teenager in two very different times. The arc of both named characters was great and I think this book is one of those dark horses that looks light and fluffy but sticks in your mind for a good while.
I'm actually a little bit angry that the cover does it so much of an injustice. It put me off reading it, completely. There is a romance in here, but in no way is it as sickly or dominating to the story as the cover led me to believe. It's more like... A Monster Calls mixed with historical fiction? That's the best way I can describe it. Please don't judge this one by the cover, because it lies.
July 14, 2017
I finished this book a bunch of days ago but I really don't know what to say..
Dawson's writing has been marvelous and I loved the story for once it is about bonding and family.
It is about love but it's not a teen-love story. It is the pure love that you have for your family <3
It is also about the past. How things change. How a teenager lived a life completely different than us.
I wish I could bring this book with me at YALC but I think I am buying another book from Dawson and let it signed it. I LOVED THIS SO FREAKING MUCH!
This review is so freaking lame. I know.
But this book is so pure!
Dawson's writing has been marvelous and I loved the story for once it is about bonding and family.
It is about love but it's not a teen-love story. It is the pure love that you have for your family <3
It is also about the past. How things change. How a teenager lived a life completely different than us.
I wish I could bring this book with me at YALC but I think I am buying another book from Dawson and let it signed it. I LOVED THIS SO FREAKING MUCH!
This review is so freaking lame. I know.
But this book is so pure!
June 8, 2017
Ugh, so wonderful. Just sitting here crying just a little bit. I loved this book - it was both moving and very witty. The story of Fliss' grandmother was so interesting and I loved how everything tied together. This is a gem of a book.
April 15, 2017
One of the best books I've read this year!
September 12, 2021
VERY nearly a 5 star if it wasn't for some fat phobic comments but I LOVED this one
October 13, 2017
This book was interesting I really enjoyed it had parts about the war and parts about cancer. I think this would be for year 7 - 8
January 27, 2018
2 stars. Man this was a huge disappointment for me. The only other Juno Dawson book I have read so far is All Of The Above, which I LOVED and gave five stars, so I'm really blind-sighted by this!! I do still plan to read more of her work, and have just recently been approved to read an arc of her latest novel Clean, so hopefully that works better for me.
My main issue with this book was Felicity as a protagonist; I didn't like her at all. Whilst I felt sympathy for her in terms of her mum's illness & her taking care of her during this time, that was pretty much the only sympathetic element of her character, for me personally. She just seemed really overwritten, constantly trying to be funny or sassy or making relevant jokes/witty remarks - the effort seemed very obvious, unfortunately. I also felt like her character wasn't fully developed and some elements of her felt really incongruous within the wider story - for instance, occasionally she mentions Vogue and how cultured and fashionable she is, mentioning items of clothing and giving people make-overs, but that element of her personality was not consistent enough in the wider narrative to read as realistic or genuine. Same with her sudden passion for ballet which is only mentioned part way through the novel, despite having previously supposedly been her dream future.
My second issue is the structure of this novel; whilst I found Margot's diary entries to be FAR more interesting than Felicity's current-day narrative, the two things did not logically fit together for me. I understand it was supposed to be about Felicity getting to know her grandmother better, and seeing her within the context of how cool and feisty she was as a young woman, but that didn't seem to be developed enough. Besides that, the relationship between Felicity and Margot doesn't develop enough, at the right speed, to make it seem as though reading the diary provides Felicity with a gradual knowledge of her grandmother - it happens all at once, basically at the end of the novel, when something really tragic happens (the writing of those last few chapters, and what Felicity goes on to do for her grandmother subsequently, was the best part of the book by far.)
Other characters weren't developed enough, either - Felicity's new friends, one of whom is obviously a super intelligent young woman and the other a guy dealing with his sexuality and online-dating, aren't mentioned enough, and when they are, it seems to be only in relation to Felicity herself, instead of as individuals - their stories aren't satisfactorily concluded or even hinted at, in my opinion. Also, that whole Thom storyline also just felt pointless to me...plot device, desperate need for some element of romance with Felicity's character?! Who knows, but totally unnecessary, regardless.
My main issue with this book was Felicity as a protagonist; I didn't like her at all. Whilst I felt sympathy for her in terms of her mum's illness & her taking care of her during this time, that was pretty much the only sympathetic element of her character, for me personally. She just seemed really overwritten, constantly trying to be funny or sassy or making relevant jokes/witty remarks - the effort seemed very obvious, unfortunately. I also felt like her character wasn't fully developed and some elements of her felt really incongruous within the wider story - for instance, occasionally she mentions Vogue and how cultured and fashionable she is, mentioning items of clothing and giving people make-overs, but that element of her personality was not consistent enough in the wider narrative to read as realistic or genuine. Same with her sudden passion for ballet which is only mentioned part way through the novel, despite having previously supposedly been her dream future.
My second issue is the structure of this novel; whilst I found Margot's diary entries to be FAR more interesting than Felicity's current-day narrative, the two things did not logically fit together for me. I understand it was supposed to be about Felicity getting to know her grandmother better, and seeing her within the context of how cool and feisty she was as a young woman, but that didn't seem to be developed enough. Besides that, the relationship between Felicity and Margot doesn't develop enough, at the right speed, to make it seem as though reading the diary provides Felicity with a gradual knowledge of her grandmother - it happens all at once, basically at the end of the novel, when something really tragic happens (the writing of those last few chapters, and what Felicity goes on to do for her grandmother subsequently, was the best part of the book by far.)
Other characters weren't developed enough, either - Felicity's new friends, one of whom is obviously a super intelligent young woman and the other a guy dealing with his sexuality and online-dating, aren't mentioned enough, and when they are, it seems to be only in relation to Felicity herself, instead of as individuals - their stories aren't satisfactorily concluded or even hinted at, in my opinion. Also, that whole Thom storyline also just felt pointless to me...plot device, desperate need for some element of romance with Felicity's character?! Who knows, but totally unnecessary, regardless.
February 7, 2017
You know those books you have to hold to your chest & hug for a bit when you finish, because you love them so much? This is certainly one of them. Dawson's writing just flows into you & engrosses you effortlessly.
Fliss, a fashion loving city girl has to go live on her tough, no nonsense grandmother Margot's farm in Wales. And she hates it. But it is for her mother who is in remission from cancer, to recuperate. Finding a wartime journal of Margot's when she was an evacuee from London, after the Blitz, and been sent to Wales, she hopes to find something to use against her. She is surprised to discover that she likes the young Margot of the journal!
We know people change, they may even grow meaner with age, but we don't always know why.
The journal is a lot more exciting then Fliss expected. Full of friendship, romance, death, mystery & justice, all heightened due to the war. As she continues to read, she evolves along with the story. "Living" someone else's past, feeling their tragedies, realizing past hardships & atrocities, changes & matures you.
Unexpected parallels between the stories, Margot & Fliss may be more alike than they realize! Fliss might unlock the mystery as to why Margot reverted to farm life in old age, after being an avid career woman. People are a lot more than they seem. You have a nagging feeling that Margot is hiding something, since she had never mentioned her time as an evacuee & boy is it a doozy. Reading a diary/journal is like eavesdropping. You might learn something you don't want to know.
An abundance of sarcasm & smirk worthy humor, with thoughts like "the farmhouse missed the Wicked Witch by a couple of inches". Love Margot's zingers, not that Fliss doesn't hold her own. Also some of Fliss's reactions to journal entries were priceless (Chapter 19 had me roaring with laughter).
Such great detail to both eras. Mentions in Fliss's time of Spice Girls, CK One & X-files made me nostalgic, while the journal gave me a great feel of the era. Amazing supporting characters in both eras (blowing kisses to Danny, Ivor & Glynis).
The twist takes the story to a whole new place & you get this really weird feeling. I adore books that do not really belong to one genre, but are in their own lane.
And THAT beautiful gesture, I suddenly had the sniffles. I actually "suddenly' had the sniffles quite a few times more & I was full on snot crying by the end. And that ending, BEAUTIFUL!
Fliss, a fashion loving city girl has to go live on her tough, no nonsense grandmother Margot's farm in Wales. And she hates it. But it is for her mother who is in remission from cancer, to recuperate. Finding a wartime journal of Margot's when she was an evacuee from London, after the Blitz, and been sent to Wales, she hopes to find something to use against her. She is surprised to discover that she likes the young Margot of the journal!
We know people change, they may even grow meaner with age, but we don't always know why.
The journal is a lot more exciting then Fliss expected. Full of friendship, romance, death, mystery & justice, all heightened due to the war. As she continues to read, she evolves along with the story. "Living" someone else's past, feeling their tragedies, realizing past hardships & atrocities, changes & matures you.
Unexpected parallels between the stories, Margot & Fliss may be more alike than they realize! Fliss might unlock the mystery as to why Margot reverted to farm life in old age, after being an avid career woman. People are a lot more than they seem. You have a nagging feeling that Margot is hiding something, since she had never mentioned her time as an evacuee & boy is it a doozy. Reading a diary/journal is like eavesdropping. You might learn something you don't want to know.
An abundance of sarcasm & smirk worthy humor, with thoughts like "the farmhouse missed the Wicked Witch by a couple of inches". Love Margot's zingers, not that Fliss doesn't hold her own. Also some of Fliss's reactions to journal entries were priceless (Chapter 19 had me roaring with laughter).
Such great detail to both eras. Mentions in Fliss's time of Spice Girls, CK One & X-files made me nostalgic, while the journal gave me a great feel of the era. Amazing supporting characters in both eras (blowing kisses to Danny, Ivor & Glynis).
The twist takes the story to a whole new place & you get this really weird feeling. I adore books that do not really belong to one genre, but are in their own lane.
And THAT beautiful gesture, I suddenly had the sniffles. I actually "suddenly' had the sniffles quite a few times more & I was full on snot crying by the end. And that ending, BEAUTIFUL!
February 21, 2017
I have been a fan of Juno right from her wonderful first book Hollow Pike, I always thought her horror novels would be my favourite but Margot & Me has just gone right to the top.
I never really cry at books for some reason, there are maybe 5 at the most which have moved me to that level and this can now join that small selection. Its set in the 40's and 90's and while I loved the 40's diary entries it was the 90's parts that held so much nostalgia for me. I am a similar age to Juno and the way she drops in so many pop culture references from then and names of products was such a joy. I could almost smell the CK One as I read.
Its sad yet hopeful, bittersweet and incredibly moving. I loved it.
I never really cry at books for some reason, there are maybe 5 at the most which have moved me to that level and this can now join that small selection. Its set in the 40's and 90's and while I loved the 40's diary entries it was the 90's parts that held so much nostalgia for me. I am a similar age to Juno and the way she drops in so many pop culture references from then and names of products was such a joy. I could almost smell the CK One as I read.
Its sad yet hopeful, bittersweet and incredibly moving. I loved it.
August 6, 2021
I love it. I laugh, mad & cry while reading this book. Its amazing. I love the characters. I can feel them. It was well written.
February 20, 2017
Originally reviewed at http://mythoughtsaboutbooks.blogspot....
Fliss, 15year old fashionista, private school attendee and Cher Horowitz wannabe is leaving the lattes and the Topshop of London for a 6 month secondment to the Welsh valleys. Not through choice, but because Fliss’ mum is recovering from a second bout of chemotherapy and needs the help of her frosty mother Margot; Award winning journalist turned smallholder. Fliss, managing as nurse and care giver perfectly well for the last 2 years doesn’t see why Margot has to get involved. Especially not in Wales, on a farm, in the middle of nowhere.
It’s one of the Olay signs of aging: when the period in which you grew up becomes a recognisable setting for period-ish novel. Set in 1997, Margot & Me captures the decade that taste forgot perfectly. Lilac kickers. Princess Diana’s funeral. Purple denim jackets. Lipsy. CD Walkmen. Keanu Reeves. Badger stripe blech highlights. Eyebrows the width of a single hair. Oh dear god the eyebrows. Juno Dawson crafts the setting of the novel brilliantly, in all its tacky glory. What on earth did we do before phones though? I appreciated the effort and commitment invested in whipping up the aura of the Girl Power era, it’s something that will pass by many of the book’s intended audience.
Frustrated by her constant clashes with the judgmental, scornful Margot (never gran or grandma) and aware of how fragile and tired her mum is, Fliss is not having the best time in Wales. She has no more success at school either, immediately drawing the attention of Megan, the tumbledown, backwater school’s skanky megabitch. Conceding social defeat, she throws in her lot with the misfit crew that hang out in the underground school library. Who turn out to be awesome and fun and supportive. It’s very Mean Girls, but with additional hot librarians.
Anyway. Marooned at her temporary farmhouse home, Fliss has to adjust to a slower pace of life. Whilst stowing some excess wardrobe in the attic, she finds a Diary. Thinking she can dig up some dirt on Margot, the owner and author, she starts reading. So begins the second strand of the novel’s plot. Along with Fliss, the reader is transported back to 1941, the year that 16 year old Margot was an evacuee, placed with Welsh farmers in the very farmhouse in which Fliss now finds herself an emotional hostage. The Diary Margot is a million miles from the snow queen in wellies and cashmere that Fliss knows and tolerates. 1941 Margot was feisty, passionate and razor sharp and brought a cosmopolitan sophistication to Wales.
The 1941 parts were some of my favourite moments in the book-I felt totally immersed in Margot’s Wales. I loved how open minded she was, how ahead of her time. She was glamorous and sassy, but more than willing to lend a hand on the farm or for the war effort. I loved how easily she got on with the townspeople and the other evacuees, how prepared she was to put up a fight for what’s right and how determined she was to not be a flighty, besotted drama queen, and how badly she failed. I absolutely understood Fliss’ compulsion to read about the younger days of her grandmother, to see the person she would have got on with so well should they meet at the same age. Unwittingly, she dredges up secrets and heartache and injustice- at a loss to explain how the girl on the page and the woman in the kitchen are the same person.
I really liked Fliss as a character and narrator. She's not a 90s me, but there is always something of the universal teen in JD's characters. The centre-of-the-Universe feelings, the dramatic martyrdom, the absolute conviction that dying of embarrassment or lameness is a legitimate concern. The earnest self-absorption. Though YA fiction professes to be for teens, I think post-teen readers can always get that extra enjoyment from hindsight. The 'Yup. I once thought like that, lol' aspect of teen protagonists. Nonetheless, Fliss is funny and sarcastic, and her inner monologue is a delight to read.
I loved this book. It’s a bit of a departure from Juno’s other books- which are all so sharp and modern- to something a bit more domestic and saga-esque. I liked how Fliss’ relationships with Dewy, Bronwyn and Danny were crafted, more familiar All of The Above footing, with funny but real life dialogue and dynamics, and proper, real character. I loved Margot- I am in awe of her strength and resilience and commitment to her family. The sacrifices she made, the pain she must have suppressed for decades- she is incredible. I love that getting to know Fliss, with her different sort of pain, allowed her to feel something again. Every generation thinks theirs is the most knowledgeable, the most admirable, but Margot and Fliss learned so much from each other. They were a great team.
It’s an emotional book, about loss and family and forgiveness, and about how the human spirit endures whatever is thrown at it, whenever in history and by whom. People persevere, they survive and they look out for that new normal and they live to tell the tale and to pass on their stories to the next generation.
Another absolute belter from the undisputed Queen of Teen.
Fliss, 15year old fashionista, private school attendee and Cher Horowitz wannabe is leaving the lattes and the Topshop of London for a 6 month secondment to the Welsh valleys. Not through choice, but because Fliss’ mum is recovering from a second bout of chemotherapy and needs the help of her frosty mother Margot; Award winning journalist turned smallholder. Fliss, managing as nurse and care giver perfectly well for the last 2 years doesn’t see why Margot has to get involved. Especially not in Wales, on a farm, in the middle of nowhere.
It’s one of the Olay signs of aging: when the period in which you grew up becomes a recognisable setting for period-ish novel. Set in 1997, Margot & Me captures the decade that taste forgot perfectly. Lilac kickers. Princess Diana’s funeral. Purple denim jackets. Lipsy. CD Walkmen. Keanu Reeves. Badger stripe blech highlights. Eyebrows the width of a single hair. Oh dear god the eyebrows. Juno Dawson crafts the setting of the novel brilliantly, in all its tacky glory. What on earth did we do before phones though? I appreciated the effort and commitment invested in whipping up the aura of the Girl Power era, it’s something that will pass by many of the book’s intended audience.
Frustrated by her constant clashes with the judgmental, scornful Margot (never gran or grandma) and aware of how fragile and tired her mum is, Fliss is not having the best time in Wales. She has no more success at school either, immediately drawing the attention of Megan, the tumbledown, backwater school’s skanky megabitch. Conceding social defeat, she throws in her lot with the misfit crew that hang out in the underground school library. Who turn out to be awesome and fun and supportive. It’s very Mean Girls, but with additional hot librarians.
Anyway. Marooned at her temporary farmhouse home, Fliss has to adjust to a slower pace of life. Whilst stowing some excess wardrobe in the attic, she finds a Diary. Thinking she can dig up some dirt on Margot, the owner and author, she starts reading. So begins the second strand of the novel’s plot. Along with Fliss, the reader is transported back to 1941, the year that 16 year old Margot was an evacuee, placed with Welsh farmers in the very farmhouse in which Fliss now finds herself an emotional hostage. The Diary Margot is a million miles from the snow queen in wellies and cashmere that Fliss knows and tolerates. 1941 Margot was feisty, passionate and razor sharp and brought a cosmopolitan sophistication to Wales.
The 1941 parts were some of my favourite moments in the book-I felt totally immersed in Margot’s Wales. I loved how open minded she was, how ahead of her time. She was glamorous and sassy, but more than willing to lend a hand on the farm or for the war effort. I loved how easily she got on with the townspeople and the other evacuees, how prepared she was to put up a fight for what’s right and how determined she was to not be a flighty, besotted drama queen, and how badly she failed. I absolutely understood Fliss’ compulsion to read about the younger days of her grandmother, to see the person she would have got on with so well should they meet at the same age. Unwittingly, she dredges up secrets and heartache and injustice- at a loss to explain how the girl on the page and the woman in the kitchen are the same person.
I really liked Fliss as a character and narrator. She's not a 90s me, but there is always something of the universal teen in JD's characters. The centre-of-the-Universe feelings, the dramatic martyrdom, the absolute conviction that dying of embarrassment or lameness is a legitimate concern. The earnest self-absorption. Though YA fiction professes to be for teens, I think post-teen readers can always get that extra enjoyment from hindsight. The 'Yup. I once thought like that, lol' aspect of teen protagonists. Nonetheless, Fliss is funny and sarcastic, and her inner monologue is a delight to read.
I loved this book. It’s a bit of a departure from Juno’s other books- which are all so sharp and modern- to something a bit more domestic and saga-esque. I liked how Fliss’ relationships with Dewy, Bronwyn and Danny were crafted, more familiar All of The Above footing, with funny but real life dialogue and dynamics, and proper, real character. I loved Margot- I am in awe of her strength and resilience and commitment to her family. The sacrifices she made, the pain she must have suppressed for decades- she is incredible. I love that getting to know Fliss, with her different sort of pain, allowed her to feel something again. Every generation thinks theirs is the most knowledgeable, the most admirable, but Margot and Fliss learned so much from each other. They were a great team.
It’s an emotional book, about loss and family and forgiveness, and about how the human spirit endures whatever is thrown at it, whenever in history and by whom. People persevere, they survive and they look out for that new normal and they live to tell the tale and to pass on their stories to the next generation.
Another absolute belter from the undisputed Queen of Teen.
February 19, 2017
I’m a big fan of Juno’s writing, so I was happy to get a copy of her new book! Margot & Me feels slightly different to the author’s previous books, but it’s wonderful all the same. I always know I’m getting a decent read when I pick up a Juno book and this book didn’t let me down.
It centres around Fliss who lives in London. Fliss and her mother move to her grandmother Margot’s farm in Wales for some rest. Fliss hates the country life but her mother needs some time to recuperate as she is in remission from cancer. Life is very dull until Fliss finds a wartime journal. It belongs to her grandmother. Fliss finds herself getting to know her grandmother in a way that she never expected. Margot used to live in London but was evacuated to Wales after the Blitz. Fliss is desperate to find something incriminating in the journal, but she finds herself bonding with the young Margot. The journal excites Fliss. There’s so much intrigue, friendship, mystery and romance, made even more intense by the war going on at the time. Fliss is engrossed and really immerses herself in her grandmother’s past.
I absolutely loved this book because it had an incredible amount of depth. There was some humour as well which was much needed in a very emotional story. I loved the detail to the eras, especially the mention of some ’90s gems. I felt like I got a great sense of young Margot’s era as well due to the journal entries which were a fabulous addition to the story.
Margot & Me really touched me. It had such lovely moments throughout and it didn’t take me long to devour. Yay for Juno Dawson, I say!
It centres around Fliss who lives in London. Fliss and her mother move to her grandmother Margot’s farm in Wales for some rest. Fliss hates the country life but her mother needs some time to recuperate as she is in remission from cancer. Life is very dull until Fliss finds a wartime journal. It belongs to her grandmother. Fliss finds herself getting to know her grandmother in a way that she never expected. Margot used to live in London but was evacuated to Wales after the Blitz. Fliss is desperate to find something incriminating in the journal, but she finds herself bonding with the young Margot. The journal excites Fliss. There’s so much intrigue, friendship, mystery and romance, made even more intense by the war going on at the time. Fliss is engrossed and really immerses herself in her grandmother’s past.
I absolutely loved this book because it had an incredible amount of depth. There was some humour as well which was much needed in a very emotional story. I loved the detail to the eras, especially the mention of some ’90s gems. I felt like I got a great sense of young Margot’s era as well due to the journal entries which were a fabulous addition to the story.
Margot & Me really touched me. It had such lovely moments throughout and it didn’t take me long to devour. Yay for Juno Dawson, I say!
February 10, 2017
Sometimes it's hard to write through tears and yet, here I am, pushing through and trying to capture what makes Margot and Me so rather utterly wonderful. It is wonderful. I have written a thousand sentences trying to capture the nuances of this beautiful and heartfelt novel and I don't think I'm anywhere near capturing it.
But I will try, and it starts with how Dawson understands character. She writes thick and fat and full and round people, believable people, understandable people, and this book is one that it's hard to step away from. I love it. I love Dawson's writing and how she crafts something so perfectly nuanced and, when it needs to be, kind.
Margot and Me is a split narrative between present day, where Fliss and her mother have moved to her grandmother's farm in Wales, and the second world war diaries of her grandmother. Fliss' mother is recuperating from chemotherapy and the farm stay is to help her recover. But Fliss' grandmother, the redoubtable Margot, is not the easiest person to live with. It is only when Fliss discovers Margot's WW2 diaries and starts reading them that she comes to figure out a few things about her...
Margot and Me inhabits a very distinct ground and it owns that ground so clearly and distinctly and so brightly and so perfectly. Think of the perfect A Little Love Song, think of Carrie's War, think of The Other Way Round, and you'll have an idea where this ferociously contemporary and deeply sensitive and nuanced book is. It hybridises that second world war story of growing up in extraordinary times with a consciousness that life, living, whatever time it is, is complex and troublesome and hard and a story that is needing to be told.
And I am still crying over the way it so, so perfectly does that.
But I will try, and it starts with how Dawson understands character. She writes thick and fat and full and round people, believable people, understandable people, and this book is one that it's hard to step away from. I love it. I love Dawson's writing and how she crafts something so perfectly nuanced and, when it needs to be, kind.
Margot and Me is a split narrative between present day, where Fliss and her mother have moved to her grandmother's farm in Wales, and the second world war diaries of her grandmother. Fliss' mother is recuperating from chemotherapy and the farm stay is to help her recover. But Fliss' grandmother, the redoubtable Margot, is not the easiest person to live with. It is only when Fliss discovers Margot's WW2 diaries and starts reading them that she comes to figure out a few things about her...
Margot and Me inhabits a very distinct ground and it owns that ground so clearly and distinctly and so brightly and so perfectly. Think of the perfect A Little Love Song, think of Carrie's War, think of The Other Way Round, and you'll have an idea where this ferociously contemporary and deeply sensitive and nuanced book is. It hybridises that second world war story of growing up in extraordinary times with a consciousness that life, living, whatever time it is, is complex and troublesome and hard and a story that is needing to be told.
And I am still crying over the way it so, so perfectly does that.
April 6, 2017
Rating = 5*s
You can read this review in full here: https://bookendsandendings.wordpress....
I am so happy to be reviewing this book on my blog today, as it was such a pleasure to read, and I’m excited to be able to share my thoughts. I’ve read and enjoyed quite a few of Juno Dawson’s other books, both non-fiction and fiction, but this one was definitely my favourite of all her books. It was engaging, and vivid, and somehow both heart-warming and heart-shattering at the same time, and I absolutely loved it.
The family dynamic was such an interesting one, and I loved how it developed throughout the story. I haven’t read many books with the family dynamic as such a central theme, and having read Margot & Me, it’s certainly something I hope to be seeing more of in books, especially if other authors write it as well as Juno Dawson. I also found that Fliss’s move from London to Wales was something that I found interesting, and it was lovely to see her grow as a person, taking in parts of the country lifestyle but also being herself at the same time.
You can read this review in full here: https://bookendsandendings.wordpress....
I am so happy to be reviewing this book on my blog today, as it was such a pleasure to read, and I’m excited to be able to share my thoughts. I’ve read and enjoyed quite a few of Juno Dawson’s other books, both non-fiction and fiction, but this one was definitely my favourite of all her books. It was engaging, and vivid, and somehow both heart-warming and heart-shattering at the same time, and I absolutely loved it.
The family dynamic was such an interesting one, and I loved how it developed throughout the story. I haven’t read many books with the family dynamic as such a central theme, and having read Margot & Me, it’s certainly something I hope to be seeing more of in books, especially if other authors write it as well as Juno Dawson. I also found that Fliss’s move from London to Wales was something that I found interesting, and it was lovely to see her grow as a person, taking in parts of the country lifestyle but also being herself at the same time.
April 25, 2020
I found the start of this book slow going but once the diary started it became something else entirely.
Fliss is a privately educated teenager who moves to the Welsh countryside with her Mum to live with Margot (her maternal grandmother) on her farm. The start of the book makes you think it'll just be a tale of her adjustment to this enormous change but then she finds Margot's diary from her time when she was an evacuee during the second world war. I loved this book (even though it made me cry)
Fliss is a privately educated teenager who moves to the Welsh countryside with her Mum to live with Margot (her maternal grandmother) on her farm. The start of the book makes you think it'll just be a tale of her adjustment to this enormous change but then she finds Margot's diary from her time when she was an evacuee during the second world war. I loved this book (even though it made me cry)
June 25, 2021
3.5 STARS
This was a decent book most of the way through. I was a little confused on the target age of this, because we had some sexy times, but it also felt very juvenile. I enjoyed the use of the diary to take us back to the 1940s. The ending was very emotional, and brought it up from 3 to 3.5 stars, but it was a little predictable.
This was a decent book most of the way through. I was a little confused on the target age of this, because we had some sexy times, but it also felt very juvenile. I enjoyed the use of the diary to take us back to the 1940s. The ending was very emotional, and brought it up from 3 to 3.5 stars, but it was a little predictable.
October 8, 2021
A FREAKING 5 STARS OR MORE IF I CAN GIVE IT. I wonder why why this book is not hyped up? it deserves so many publicity, the ending oh my I AM SO HAPPY FOR MARGOT. I love Fliss character developments. Okey I'm off to shower but to those who read my review and reading my rant through please pick it up and give it a go. I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!!!
April 24, 2023
Una nieta empieza a conocer más a su abuela gracias a un diario. Aunque bueno, la realidad es que hay dos historias. La de la abuela (Margot) y la de Fliss.
He de decir que hacía tiempo que no me atrapaba tanto una lectura. Necesitaba seguir leyendo sin parar.
Además, en mi caso lo he leído en inglés y tiene bastantes expresiones de C1. Así que he disfrutado y reforzado mi inglés.
He de decir que hacía tiempo que no me atrapaba tanto una lectura. Necesitaba seguir leyendo sin parar.
Además, en mi caso lo he leído en inglés y tiene bastantes expresiones de C1. Así que he disfrutado y reforzado mi inglés.
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