Minty and Jess are identical twins who love their parents, playing the sax, ancient Roman culture, their dogs Romulus and Remus and their best friends Kirsty and Iona. For the most part they are inseparable but like all sisters they bicker from time to time. As the story opens, Jess is moaning that she’d like some space to be herself, on her own. Little did she know this is exactly what she would get.
A family outing to the coast ends in tragedy as Minty, the narrator of the book, ends up in a turbulent sea trying to rescue her dog, Remus. When they reach land and come to, they have crossed a barrier. Minty is stunned to find both she and the dog are bone dry and it takes some time to realise that the inert body on the rocks is her dead self…
The story is aimed at YA but I was captivated by it. Minty, Jess, their parents and friends Kirsty and Iona all have to come to terms with loss and grief. However although the narrative is heartbreaking at times it is in no way depressing and there is plenty of humour and laugh out loud moments.
The subject is dealt with sensitively and is beautifully written.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Minty was a Scottish Book Trust Teen's Book of the Month, shortlisted for the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award and nominated for the Cybils.
Published byThree Hares Publishing, Minty by Christina Banach is available from Amazon and bookshops.
