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Face
In the moving and compelling debut novel from Benjamin Zephaniah, a young man's life is completely changed when his face is badly scarred in a car accident.
Martin seems to have it all. He's cool, funny, and he's the undisputed leader of the Gang of Three, who roam their East London estate during the holidays looking for fun. But one night after the Gang leave a late night rap club, Martin accepts a ride from Pete, a Raider's Posse gang member. Too late, he realises that the car is stolen, and that the police are after them.
What happens next will change Martin's life and looks, and show him the true meaning of strength, courage, discrimination and friendship.
Brilliantly written and with a real ear for dialogue, fans of Angie Thomas and Malorie Blackman will love Benjamin Zephaniah's novels for young adult readers.
Martin seems to have it all. He's cool, funny, and he's the undisputed leader of the Gang of Three, who roam their East London estate during the holidays looking for fun. But one night after the Gang leave a late night rap club, Martin accepts a ride from Pete, a Raider's Posse gang member. Too late, he realises that the car is stolen, and that the police are after them.
What happens next will change Martin's life and looks, and show him the true meaning of strength, courage, discrimination and friendship.
Brilliantly written and with a real ear for dialogue, fans of Angie Thomas and Malorie Blackman will love Benjamin Zephaniah's novels for young adult readers.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
186 people are currently reading
1997 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Zephaniah
78 books421 followersA British-Jamaican writer, dub poet and Rastafari. He was included in The Times list of Britain's top 50 post-war writers in 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
March 5, 2016
I've always enjoyed and looked out for Benjamin Zephaniah's poetry so I knew I had to read his books too! I absolutely loved Face for its simplicity and insight. Even though the book did not meet my expectations of some crazy story (but that's not a problem with the book but with my assumptions) I still loved it when I realised it wasn't going where I'd assumed. This is definitely an important book and the writing is quite simple so I'd recommend it to younger kids and adults as well. Zephaniah shows the different ways in which the society/world reacts to huge physical changes and how difficult it can be to cope with it. It also shows us a strong young protagonist who is able to deal with the situation maturely and learn as it goes on. I think I'd categorise this under coming of age stories, and even though it's a book about young adults the wonderful maturity in the book makes me want to not call it a YA.
February 5, 2018
Martin's life looks good with a model for a girlfriend, the best gymnast in school, and as a class clown. But, his life is drastically changed by one choice - to get into a car unknowingly with a stoned driver. Martin is left to deal with the burns he received after the car rolled and blew up. Through this trial he discovers who his true friends are, the difference between love and lust, and what it really means to be beautiful.
This is a book that actually transmits the message "looks don't matter at all"
I read this book ages ago but I remember that it scarred me for life (but in a good way) and made me appreciate things more.
This is a book that actually transmits the message "looks don't matter at all"
I read this book ages ago but I remember that it scarred me for life (but in a good way) and made me appreciate things more.
October 14, 2022
Pudo haber sido mejor
July 21, 2016
Face was okay, but it wasn’t Zephaniah’s best – it was a little too preachy, too much like a moral tale, and it took me a while to get into it. Even once I’d been absorbed into the story line, I didn’t enjoy it much, although I did appreciate that the large print made it easy for me to power through it.
It’s just a little too shaky in places, and whilst there aren’t any overt mistakes in terms of grammar and punctuation, I did occasionally find myself being jerked out of the story when somebody behaved strangely or said something unusual. You could tell it was purely for the sake of advancing the moral. And then there was the part where Zephaniah said it was a Friday, and in the following scene it was “the next day” and still Friday, somehow.
Plot-wise, it follows the story of a kid who gets into a car accident and who badly injures his face. It explores the way that – as a society – we take things at face value, and teaches us that what’s inside a person is what counts, and not how they look.
It’s just a little too shaky in places, and whilst there aren’t any overt mistakes in terms of grammar and punctuation, I did occasionally find myself being jerked out of the story when somebody behaved strangely or said something unusual. You could tell it was purely for the sake of advancing the moral. And then there was the part where Zephaniah said it was a Friday, and in the following scene it was “the next day” and still Friday, somehow.
Plot-wise, it follows the story of a kid who gets into a car accident and who badly injures his face. It explores the way that – as a society – we take things at face value, and teaches us that what’s inside a person is what counts, and not how they look.
October 31, 2022
esperaba otro final pero igual me gustó
March 5, 2017
I really wanted to like this book. The cover is good and thought provoking and the concept behind it was really interesting. I feel like if it had been executed better this book could have been brilliant. Unfortunately it wasn't.
The first problem I had was with Martin and his two friends called Matthew and Mark, it took me until the accident to be able to differentiate between the two of them and at that point they became much small characters. While they seemed like they could have been more interesting it also seemed as though they were assigned one character trait and that was the whole basis of who they were. Little depth was given to them.
I did like his friends from after the accident the Jamaican sisters and Anthony. I thought that they were interesting and unique characters and I would have loved to learn more about them.
I think the big problem with the book was that it just didn't seem finished. It was a good base but there wasn't a lot of depth in the characters, there was a lot of telling and not showing (which was the biggest problem in my opinion.) Then things seems to happen all at one. Before the accident he hated gymnastics at school and then on his second day back it was his favorite activity and two days later he was the captain! Slow it down, add more scenes and let the plot and characters develop.
I did think the poem at the end of the novel was great. I haven't read much Zephaniah but from what I can tell he is significantly better at poetry. Perhaps this novel would have really shown had it been written in verse.
The first problem I had was with Martin and his two friends called Matthew and Mark, it took me until the accident to be able to differentiate between the two of them and at that point they became much small characters. While they seemed like they could have been more interesting it also seemed as though they were assigned one character trait and that was the whole basis of who they were. Little depth was given to them.
I did like his friends from after the accident the Jamaican sisters and Anthony. I thought that they were interesting and unique characters and I would have loved to learn more about them.
I think the big problem with the book was that it just didn't seem finished. It was a good base but there wasn't a lot of depth in the characters, there was a lot of telling and not showing (which was the biggest problem in my opinion.) Then things seems to happen all at one. Before the accident he hated gymnastics at school and then on his second day back it was his favorite activity and two days later he was the captain! Slow it down, add more scenes and let the plot and characters develop.
I did think the poem at the end of the novel was great. I haven't read much Zephaniah but from what I can tell he is significantly better at poetry. Perhaps this novel would have really shown had it been written in verse.
July 26, 2021
Face by Benjamin Zephaniah is an interesting, compelling and emotional story that tackles social problems about physical disfigurement. Benjamin Zephaniah writes with art and skill with simplicity but yet profound insight. Although there was at least for me a confusion between some character names with three people called Martin, Mark and Matthew. In spite of this it’s a well written story one that I think anyone can enjoy.
Martin thinks he has his life sorted. He is good looking, funny and the undisputed leader of the gang of three. Until one night he accepts a ride home in a stolen car, and the police give chase. What happens next will change Martin inside and out. Because for some people, life is only skin deep…
Overall Face is a very good book I would recommend to anyone who wants to read a moving story that’s stand up against social norms.
Martin thinks he has his life sorted. He is good looking, funny and the undisputed leader of the gang of three. Until one night he accepts a ride home in a stolen car, and the police give chase. What happens next will change Martin inside and out. Because for some people, life is only skin deep…
Overall Face is a very good book I would recommend to anyone who wants to read a moving story that’s stand up against social norms.
July 1, 2018
Face, a young adult book, by Benjamin Zephaniah unravels the story of a 15-year-old boy named Martin who chose mistake after mistake until he found a burden too heavy to replace. Fortunately, the burden helped Martin find his voice of reason and uncovered who his loyal and faithful friends really were. The book however did tell more than show the reader the events which made the book a bit less enjoyable. Nevertheless, the poem at the end will be one I won't forget so easily with specifically the last sentences, but don't read the poem until you've finished reading the book. The value of support repeats throughout the book and generates the events that Martin will choose. Anyone keen enough to face a new reality and not to judge someone too quickly will enjoy this book.
October 7, 2009
Face taught me that looks dont matter at all. It's kinda devistating what happens in the book because its good details. You can visualize what going on. Also theres some akward parts that are kinda funny.
October 30, 2016
Face is an amazing book with a inspiring message. You follow the main character Martin with his emotional ups and downs after his accident. Some parts are scary and some bring you tears of joy and sadness. Over all an amazing book with a good poem to finish it of.
May 10, 2021
I liked this story because I found the language very powerful. I also feel the book taught important lessons. I liked the humour and seriousness in the story. I recommend to anyone because of how diverse it is and how easy it is to want to carry on finding out about the story and the characters.
June 13, 2023
With this being my 3rd reading of 'Face' (reading the book twice, and the play once), I still love this book and the message it teaches the reader.
It perfectly executes a change in character for Martin, who you go from having a distaste to, to supporting every step of his lifechanging journey. The pacing is excellent as well, with events naturally following on from one another - whilst never lingering on certain situations for too long. Constantly remaining engaging and new with each chapter.
The other characters are additionally well written - with their portrayals remaining relatable throughout, thanks to Zephaniah's realistic youth dialogue. Fleshing out a very clear world these young characters live in, with the change in dialogue between speaking with their child counterparts and adults conveying an accurate fictional narrative, within a non-fictional setting.
If you are looking for something grounded in reality which manages to perfectly balance issues around discrimination and prejudice towards appearance, race, culture, and personal interest, then this is a MUST read.
An easy 5* rating for a novel that sits at the top of my personal favourite books.
It perfectly executes a change in character for Martin, who you go from having a distaste to, to supporting every step of his lifechanging journey. The pacing is excellent as well, with events naturally following on from one another - whilst never lingering on certain situations for too long. Constantly remaining engaging and new with each chapter.
The other characters are additionally well written - with their portrayals remaining relatable throughout, thanks to Zephaniah's realistic youth dialogue. Fleshing out a very clear world these young characters live in, with the change in dialogue between speaking with their child counterparts and adults conveying an accurate fictional narrative, within a non-fictional setting.
If you are looking for something grounded in reality which manages to perfectly balance issues around discrimination and prejudice towards appearance, race, culture, and personal interest, then this is a MUST read.
An easy 5* rating for a novel that sits at the top of my personal favourite books.
January 22, 2021
Don't judge a book by its cover.
This was a powerful read, highlighting the subject of image and other people's reaction to disfigurement. It reminded me of Wonder by R. J. Palacio, another Young Adult book that I really enjoyed.
Martin is a fortunate teenager; he has a crowd of mates and a stunning girlfriend. Unfortunately he makes one bad decision and ends up in hospital with serious facial burns. He has to come to terms with his new appearance, his parents' reaction to his injuries, and then his friends and the rest of the school. It's a lot to deal with and we travel with Martin on this journey of self discovery.
This would be an excellent prompt for discussion about prejudices regarding appearance and our reaction to those less fortunate than ourselves.
Like Refugee Boy that I also listened to recently, Face was brilliantly read by Ben Bailey Smith, who moves seamlessly in and out of a London accent. I shall certainly look out for other books with his narration.
This was a powerful read, highlighting the subject of image and other people's reaction to disfigurement. It reminded me of Wonder by R. J. Palacio, another Young Adult book that I really enjoyed.
Martin is a fortunate teenager; he has a crowd of mates and a stunning girlfriend. Unfortunately he makes one bad decision and ends up in hospital with serious facial burns. He has to come to terms with his new appearance, his parents' reaction to his injuries, and then his friends and the rest of the school. It's a lot to deal with and we travel with Martin on this journey of self discovery.
This would be an excellent prompt for discussion about prejudices regarding appearance and our reaction to those less fortunate than ourselves.
Like Refugee Boy that I also listened to recently, Face was brilliantly read by Ben Bailey Smith, who moves seamlessly in and out of a London accent. I shall certainly look out for other books with his narration.
March 3, 2008
Martin's life looks good with a model for a girlfriend, the best gymnast in school, and as a class clown. But, his life is drastically changed by one choice - to get into a car unknowingly with a stoned driver. Martin is left to deal with the burns he received after the car rolled and blew up. Through this trial he discovers who his true friends are, the difference between love and lust, and what it really means to be beautiful.
There is some "light" language and the subject matters are drugs, underage drinking, and lust/love.
There is some "light" language and the subject matters are drugs, underage drinking, and lust/love.
May 10, 2021
Brilliant book!
I did go into reading this book thinking purely about students/ya reading this but a few chapters in and I was hooked and read it for my own enjoyment and forgot about reading it to recommend. Very powerful, gripping and moving.
I did go into reading this book thinking purely about students/ya reading this but a few chapters in and I was hooked and read it for my own enjoyment and forgot about reading it to recommend. Very powerful, gripping and moving.
April 2, 2008
OMG I really don't like this book... it should only deserve about half a star because it was so boring. It shouldn't have been allowed to be published in the first place. SO bad!!!
Read
April 11, 2024This book was a fun,scary and mysterious book. A thank-you goes out to my best freind Kate for suggesting the book.
December 4, 2020
Having listened to (and loved) another of Zephaniah’s audiobooks (also narrated by Bailey Smith) I was really looking forward to this one, and I was not disappointed. I really like his writing style; he’s able to cover such complicated topics such as peer pressure, drugs, youth crime, racism, young relationships, preconceptions and a whole host of others, without it getting too heavy or bogged down. There’s a lot of feeling going on in this short read and he’s able to include positive messages at the end that everyone can relate and take notice from. Bailey Smith does an excellent job in narration duty once more.
August 27, 2020
As much as I adore Benjamin Zephaniah's poetry and his presence when he reads, I'm not as certain in my feelings towards Face. While the sentiment of the story is nice enough (I really could not think of a more fitting word than 'nice'), the prose was a little stilted for me and there were some odd moments of characterisation that didn't endear me towards anyone in particular. I would have liked for there to be more depth to Martin; he felt unfinished as a character.
Overall, Face is a decent enough YA (?) read, but it certainly isn't saved by the contrived dialogue...
Overall, Face is a decent enough YA (?) read, but it certainly isn't saved by the contrived dialogue...
December 26, 2022
I read this book as an adult and compulsorily, even though I would say it would be a great piece of reading for a teenager. However, I loved it. I adore the way Zephaniah writes, but what I really liked about it is how, in a very simple way, he shows how people get to realize what they do to others once they suffer the same on themselves (and that's a pity.)
I would recommend it if you're looking for a light reading with a moral at the end.
I would recommend it if you're looking for a light reading with a moral at the end.
December 29, 2022
Well-written and engaging story about overcoming different types of prejudice. Before YA became a genre of literature, Zephaniah wrote a solid book for a young adult audience. This story has heart.
February 10, 2023
Good storyline, wasn't too quick and the ending was savage 🤭
December 19, 2021
meh 🤔🤔🤔🤔 o sea lo leí en inglés y está bueno porque tiene vocabulario y eso pero la historia medio que no me enganchó taaanto. sí está bueno y todo, pero creo que podría haber sido mejor. este también te lo presto, vicu.
September 20, 2022
this was better than what I expected
I really loved Martin´s story and his days in the hospital and the friend he made there reminded me a lot of when I was hospitalized and the friend I made at the clinic <3
Anthony was so <3<3<3
I really loved Martin´s story and his days in the hospital and the friend he made there reminded me a lot of when I was hospitalized and the friend I made at the clinic <3
Anthony was so <3<3<3
May 14, 2025
2.5⭐️
meh
meh
Read
February 15, 2023Gahh I don’t know what to give this book but I have to teach it so I’m going to have to make my peace with it (and not give it a rating😅)
November 30, 2022
muy bonica la historia
mi primer libro en inglés asiq contenta
es bastante libro de la eso que te manda la juana
un bso
mi primer libro en inglés asiq contenta
es bastante libro de la eso que te manda la juana
un bso
June 6, 2020
For a short book, this starts off sooooo slow that I almost gave up on it, but the story kicks in ans everything gets so much better.
Heartwarming.
Heartwarming.
October 12, 2024
Good read, especially for teenager readers.
August 19, 2021
This book is amazing and i would recommend it to 12-15 year olds, it has comedy, romance and lots more.
Martin Turner was a very lucky and spoilt boy, he was 15 and an only child. He had a perfect girlfriend who was a model and 2 bestfriends who worshiped him. He was the class clown and best gymnast in the school. When Martin takes a ride from a stranger with a stolen car, his life will never be the same. When he finds out that his girlfriend and bestfriends had moved on, he realises that for some people life isn't always easy.
What i like about this book is that it has taught me that beauty and looks don't matter. And it has all the different genres in it.
What i dont like about it is........nothing!
It is a little like the book Wonder by R.J Palicio
DEFINITLEY 5 stars
Martin Turner was a very lucky and spoilt boy, he was 15 and an only child. He had a perfect girlfriend who was a model and 2 bestfriends who worshiped him. He was the class clown and best gymnast in the school. When Martin takes a ride from a stranger with a stolen car, his life will never be the same. When he finds out that his girlfriend and bestfriends had moved on, he realises that for some people life isn't always easy.
What i like about this book is that it has taught me that beauty and looks don't matter. And it has all the different genres in it.
What i dont like about it is........nothing!
It is a little like the book Wonder by R.J Palicio
DEFINITLEY 5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews