Overview

A novel about a young boy's struggle to adapt to a new life with his father in a self-supporting community, and of the relationship between the inhabitants of the group with the local community; for children aged 9-12 years. -- Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru

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9781843232896

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Reviews

Uncertainty about the adult world and adult reactions is at the heart of Open Secret. Charlie decides to live with his father in a small commune in West Wales. Fearing the intrusion of bureaucracy into their attempts to develop 'green' ways of living, the adults in the group warn him against drawing attention to their settlement. Charlie adapts well to their way of life but is drawn to explore the surrounding countryside and, in doing so, is not only observed by a stranger, but develops a friendship with a local farmer's daughter. When the commune attracts unwelcome press attention, Charlie blames himself, but cannot explain his guilty feelings to the kindly and concerned adults in the group. It is his inner conflict which carries the story along and which may have resonance for children near the end of primary school or the lower secondary years. Some aspects of the plot are not entirely successful and the attempt to represent the Welsh-speaking community through the character of Megan and her family does not convince. However, West Wales is indeed a complex society, and this is an optimistic and decent book which seeks to explore ideas of tolerance and mutual respect. -- W. M. Crockett @ www.gwales.com

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