There is a certain constant, yet quiet pandemonium throughout this story which I think made it impossible to put down. That, and the abhorrent, very deaf (she is dependent on her ear-trumpet) grandmother, who screams at everyone while eating incessantly will make this a perfect introduction to the off-kilter world of the incomparable Barbara Comyns.
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With a plot set to make you puke due to the odd (great!) maneuvers it takes, The Jade Cabinet by Rikki Ducornet is an absolute wonder. Ibis mummies are crushed for fertilizer, two of the main characters are befriended by Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carrol)and mythology 'n relics a plenty. I am lucky to have had this book recommended to me.
In a world dictated and described in detail by colors of all sorts, Helga Crane is lost. Or is she? Grappling with how her surroundings affect her, as well as her internal stubbornness, Helga's ultimate goal is to find comfort in her own skin, a goal that I (and perhaps you) can easily identify with.
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Struwwlpeter will make you cackle. Perfect for those that need a good talkin' to.