Time for Jas The Diaries of Bluebell Gadsby

Natasha Farrant Press Reviews

Praise for The Diaries of Bluebell Gadsby

‘Written with subtlety, wit and insight, this teen diary with depth follows the Gadsbys through difficult times (and Blue’s enlightening first crush) towards a feel good ending.’ The Sunday Times

‘It’s a fine read - funny and moving - and a classic portrait of a family just damaged enough to be interesting.’ Sunday Telegraph

‘Highlights in a touching study of family life are Blue’s spiky and tender relationship with her older sister and chief rival, and Zoran’s care beyond the call of duty for his charges, who begin to understand his own troubled past.’ Observer

‘Farrant injects new life into an old form’ Guardian

‘This gentle, moving but funny family story, is beautifully told through a combination of diary entries and transcripts of the videos Blue makes of those around her. Tender, sensitive and astute about the complex nature of grief, this is an emotionally rich novel that is nonetheless told with a delicacy and lightness of touch. With something of Hilary McKay’s Casson family series, After Iris is an utterly charming story, and young readers are certain to be enchanted by the wonderfully eccentric Gadsby clan.’ Booktrust

‘The Diaries of Bluebell Gadsby series will make 10+ readers feel warm, cosy and safe and provide the perfect alternative to vampires, dystopias and ‘issues’. The humour, reality and drama in the Gadsby’s lives will definitely make them everyone's new favourite family!’ Gransnet

‘Farrant’s easy to read writing style - including transcripts of videos Bluebell films, which really add to the story - a good plot, and some hilarious scenes mean that it’s well worth checking out. I’ll look forward to reading the next in the series!’ Bookbag

‘I have fallen in love with the Gadsby family and their pet rats!’ Wondrous Reads

‘I loved how subtle and quietly powerful Blue’s observations are of her life and the little ways in which her family is broken and of the baby steps they all take together to heal in some small way. After Iris was a really emotional read for me - one that made me smile and laugh, one that made my heart hurt and tears leak from my eyes. I can't wait to read more!’ Fluttering Butterflies Blog