Zanni Louise, Cora Seen and Heard, Walker Books Australia, April 2024, 304 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760657666
Cora Lane and her family have moved to a new town where she knows no-one and, while this may be an opportunity for Cora to reinvent herself, she continues to ‘hide out’ in the school library during recess. It is her safe place where she can be herself and not worry about the ups and downs of life as a 12-year-old in Year 6. But deep within herself, Cora wants to be so much more. She wants to be seen and heard, be popular and interesting.
As a way of dealing with all the changes, Cora pens her thoughts and concerns in the form of letters to a famous local performer of many years past—Claire de Lune. De Lune had lived in the town and performed at the theatre where Cora now lives. The letters, which are never posted but tucked away in a first edition book about Claire de Lune, are signed in Cora’s nickname, Bug. Coincidently, this is her best friend Elle’s nickname which gives rise to a whole lot of mystery, uncertainty, misunderstanding and eventually, the realisation that Cora is definitely Seen and Heard—for the person that she is.
It was rather difficult writing the synopsis of Cora Seen and Heard as it has so many themes, all of which are explored with sensitivity, insight, and cleverly crafted writing. Louise tackles important issues within this book and her ability to broach difficult (or awkward) subjects is skilfully achieved with a gentle touch and honesty. There is no gender bias; this is not a ‘girls’ book,’ but an all-encompassing portrait of the pre-teen years experienced by most young people. Cora’s inner thoughts, presented in these letters, bring us closer to the protagonist who ‘speaks’ for so many with her doubts and worries. Louise draws the reader into the lives of her characters through lively direct dialogue as they navigate relationships, expectations, community, and the complexity of family.
This is a difficult book to describe. It is complex yet beautifully easy to read; challenging at times and endearing, there is sadness and love. Cora Seen and Heard is a contemporary story which raises subjects within the framework of the everyday ‘normal’ life of a family with all its ups and downs. This is a terrific book for pre-teens and an important one for those of us trying to navigate the world of our growing up families.
Teaching notes are available at the publisher’s website.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mors
