Nova Weetman, The Secrets We Keep, University of Queensland Press, 28 March 2016, 232pp., $16.95 (pbk), ISBN: 9780702254215
Eleven-year-old Clem Timmins is having a tough time when this story begins. After her childhood house burns down, she loses most of her worldly possessions and her mother. Then she’s forced to move into a shabby flat with her Dad and change schools a third of the way through Grade 6. At her new school, Clem is instantly befriended by Ellie – a girl whose mother is dying of cancer.
The dark themes were softened by the addition of a compassionate neighbour Maggie and her tropical fish and Clem’s warm relationship with her best friend Bridge. My favourite scene was when Bridge took Clem on a surprise belated birthday treat to get her ears pierced.
It’s hard to write about this book without doing spoilers because the revelation in the climax turns everything on its head. Suffice to say, this novel movingly portrays the emotional upheaval and confusion for a child with a parent suffering a mental illness. And how sometimes, under stress, children can tell lies or variations of the truth which might hurt another person’s feelings. I think this novel would provide reassurance for children going through a similar experience – that it’s okay to feel angry and confused. It could be a good starting point for a discussion about depression and negative emotions.
The target audience might also empathise with Ellie’s long-term best friend Tam. When Ellie pals up with Clem, Tam is filled with doubt and rage. Protecting best friend status can be a big issue for this age group. Again, this might provide impetus for a class room discussion about friendship and inclusion.
Recommended for upper primary and lower secondary students.
Reviewed by Heather Gallagher