Emily the Strange: The Lost days
7 /10
Reviewer: Yondette Larsen
Who remembers Emily the Strange? She has been the face of an alternative clothing brand since I can remember. Now she has a book! This novel is sort of (as I see it) the lead up to her being Emily the Strange. The story begins with her in a strange town with amnesia. It is really difficult to get into the book, but I think the fact I know who she is kinda helped. The book is presented beautifully. It’s a black hardback, with white designs on it, and inside it is set up like a diary. “Earwig”, as she refers to herself, enjoys lists of 13 and sticking in photos and tid-bits.
This novel has been advertised for ‘tweenagers’ and definitely written so. The language used is fairy basic, but at the same time the ideas are quite advanced. It gives your imagination a kick start. With is almost magical theme running through it; that said, you don’t figure out this magical type stuff until a bit later in the book.
Not only is the language used really descriptively but also, with the little cartoons, you can see the town and the people in your head. I think the idea of following a 13 year old through her journey of self discovery could be a bit creepy, but due to the fact it is aimed at 13/14 ish year olds, I see it as alright.
I found “The Lost Days” to be a really adorable story; although ‘Earwig’ attempts to be anything but cute, she still pulls it off. My favourite part of the story is the sub-plot with the kittens that she finds who seem to have a mind of their own! The cats, who she names, then renames, have distinct personalities and as you find out later, are actually her cats from the beginning.
I do wonder how a 13 year old gets to wander the streets at night and hangs out in a cafe alone without anyone blinking an eye.
It is the kind of book that if you look at it through the eyes of a 13 year old, then you are bound to enjoy it! It is really hard to explain what I love about this story, without spoiling the ending! But I do recommend this novel to anyone who has loved Emily the Strange in the past.