A review by sweekune
A Galaxy of Whales by Heather Fawcett

emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

⭐ 3.25/5 ⭐ 

Audiobook narrated by Cassandra Morris.

A young girl called Fern starts the summer holidays helping with her family's whale watching business. She enters a photography competition with her rival and neighbour Jasper.

- The author captures very well the awkwardness and changing relationships of preteen life. I felt for Fern as she becomes more aware that she and those around her are not little kids anymore and with that there are changes to her friendship dynamic.

- For a book that has whales in the title, the whales do not feature heavily. They are in the background for the most part.

- I realise I am not the intended audience for this book. However, I found the plot frustrating and that it did really go anywhere. I also found Fern quite whingey, some of which I understood, and it became quite grating after a while.

A simple read that I would think would be enjoyed by actual preteens who might empathise more.