What do you think?
Rate this book
Alison, Who Went Away
Three years after the disappearance of her older sister Alison, fourteen-year-old Sibyl and her family struggle to continue their lives, separately and together. By the author of The Rumpelstiltskin Problem.
211 pages, Hardcover
First published March 26, 2001
2 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Vande Velde
51 books995 followersVivian Vande Velde (born 1951, currently residing in Rochester, New York) is an American author who writes books primarily aimed at young adults.
Her novels and short story collections usually have some element of horror or fantasy, but are primarily humorous. Her book Never Trust a Dead Man (1999) received the 2000 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel. She says that she really likes to write for children. She likes to do school talks to children. She does many book conventions and also gives writing classes.
Her novels and short story collections usually have some element of horror or fantasy, but are primarily humorous. Her book Never Trust a Dead Man (1999) received the 2000 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel. She says that she really likes to write for children. She likes to do school talks to children. She does many book conventions and also gives writing classes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 10, 2016
This is one of the more serious books by Vivian Vande Velde and is, like almost all her books, very good.
The story revolves around Susan, who wants to be called Sybil, and who is 14 years old and the various things she is going through in school. Her family members are seeing a psychiatrist, attempt to get over the loss of their daughter, Alison, who may have been the victim of a serial killer.
Most of the events are fairly basic and some funny, especially when Sybil wants to try out for stage crew for a play but ends up being put in a chorus, then ends up actually walking onstage with a line of dialogue.
The basic theme is the need to come to terms with the loss of someone, and how difficult that can be and what its effects can be on the people left behind.
It's not a happy story, but it's still a good one.
The story revolves around Susan, who wants to be called Sybil, and who is 14 years old and the various things she is going through in school. Her family members are seeing a psychiatrist, attempt to get over the loss of their daughter, Alison, who may have been the victim of a serial killer.
Most of the events are fairly basic and some funny, especially when Sybil wants to try out for stage crew for a play but ends up being put in a chorus, then ends up actually walking onstage with a line of dialogue.
The basic theme is the need to come to terms with the loss of someone, and how difficult that can be and what its effects can be on the people left behind.
It's not a happy story, but it's still a good one.
September 29, 2018
This was a dark and sad story that tried to not to give away too much until the end, when everything was revealed all at once. The narrator's voice was too sarcastic and conversational for me. It felt like a bit much, a bit long, even a bit boring. I might have really enjoyed her character had I been twelve or fourteen. I really appreciate the moments when she sees things for what they are--it gives fourteen-year-olds the credit they deserve.
December 23, 2021
Last night I finished the book "Alison, Who Went Away." It was excellent! I enjoyed all the wry/witty humor. The everyday life events were entertaining and heart-tugging. The last few chapters were both heart-warming and tearful.
June 25, 2023
This one gets me every time. It's hilarious and tragic and those elements are just blended so freaking well!
October 18, 2016
I kept going with the book, hoping it would get better. What happens is predictable and I didn't like the ending.
September 10, 2009
Normally, I love Vivian Vande Velde, but straying from her usual genre was not a good experience for me. Although the book was good, for teen realistic fiction, I really couldn't get into it. I felt that the characters and story plot though worked themselves out in a properly timed way, and the book was not sugar coated unrealistically. However, nothing truly wowed me. Maybe I'm just too old for this book :)
December 4, 2015
I liked this book, but it was not one of my favorites. I found the plot a little confusing and unclear. However, it did have a good message, and even though it was sad in many parts, I still enjoyed it. It is about a girl whose older sister ran away, and throughout the story we are learning why. I may reread this soon to see if I understand it any better than I did before.
November 3, 2015
Reread it for the millionth time this year. I love this book. The voice feels very true to me--I WAS this teenager. If you like the nonstop sarcasm of the narrative voice in something like 'Speak' you might like this one, too.
April 9, 2007
I really liked it. Not your typical plotline. I liked the unpredictability of it. It was sad at the end though.
January 8, 2011
Initial thoughts after reading (found in a notebook): What can I say? I love her books.
August 9, 2011
Unlike most of Vande Velde's books, this is not fantasy. HIGHLY recommended, with a totally believeable ending.
November 1, 2025
This was a slower book and you are wondering where Alison is this whole time. I will say that the ending is not a happy one, but it was a good story. This was from the perspective of her sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2012
It was believable but Vande does better in fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews