Relatively Strange by Marilyn Messik

 

If ever a book were 'right up my street', this is it! This is the book I would like to have written and I'm really hoping it will be the start of a long series (it would make an amazing film too!). It all takes place in North West London, where I am from, and I recognise the references (even I, who gets lost in Edgware 😂). It also all takes place in a Jewish family, and the humour and family dynamic is very similar to my own childhood.

Stella knows from the age of 5 that she is different to other people, she calls it Strange. After all, none of her friends can fly - can they?  This is just the start of what Stella can do - she finds herself very popular as she can read minds, and in so doing, tells her friends exactly what they want to hear. She can also manipulate, just a little you understand, until one day it goes too far and someone ends up dead - although he probably deserved it.  Stella has to be very careful about who she is, and all the other things she can do. She knows there are others like herself but they are very few and far between. When she is tested, and with a little guidance manages to escape, she has no idea that this could eventually be a favour she is asked to repay.

Stella just wants to be 'Normal', but if 'Strange' means helping others, how can she be anything else?

I read this book in 24 hours, and didn't want to put it down. I'm really looking forward to the sequel!