Book Review: Wider than the Sea by Serena Molloy

This week I am reviewing Wider Than The Sea by Irish author Serena Molloy. The story, written in verse, tells the story of Ró (short for Roisin) and her struggles in school, her worries at home, and the happiness she experiences watching Sunny the dolphin in the company of her friend The Bean. I haven’t read a story in verse since Rupert the Bear (I think I had the entire collection but that was a long, long time ago!). Now I’m wondering why I haven’t read any others since then! Wider than the Sea is a powerful, emotional and hopeful tale, about bravery and self-belief, and also about how kindness and encouragement can make the world of difference to somebody.

Ró has a problem reading, for the words all dance and spin and wriggle together. Somehow she has managed to keep her dyslexia hidden from her school for years as well as from her parents but when a new teacher replaces her existing teacher, Ró finds it much harder to keep up the pretense. Miss C’s kind eyes seem to see right through her. Making everything worse are the constant arguments her parents have, and then her lifelong friend The Bean (real name Cian) seems to have no time for her, and with impending puberty, Ró finds it all too much.

Here are a few of my favourite poems (taken from the sample in Amazon and I wanted to include one of the wonderful illustrations by George Ermos):

SOMETIMES….

Here’s another:

BROKEN THINGS

The poems are emotionally powerful, and although a relatively short book (219 pages), the book packs in a lot of story. I haven’t even mentioned the dolphin! The title really sings to me too, and it has a lovely cover, so I totally recommend this wonderful, heart-felt story. By the way, it’s inspired by the author’s own experience with dyslexia, and there’s a wonderful author’s note accompanying the text.

If anyone is feeling nostalgic (or curious!) about Rupert, here are pictures of some of his books:

Valinora Troy

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18 responses to “Book Review: Wider than the Sea by Serena Molloy”

  5. This sounds like an excellent read, Valinora, and I’m always glad to see more stories highlighting experiences with dyslexia, which so many kids deal with! Thanks for bringing the book to my attention!

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  7. What a wonderful review! I don’t believe I’ve read a novel in verse. If I did, it must have been years ago. I love that you incorporated the pages of poems. It displays how the size and placement of the words shows Ro’s true feelings on another emotional level! Love it!

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  8. Very nice book review–I liked the sample poems. How did you insert them in your blog? Screenshots from the book. Well done and I’m glad you intro’s Irish authors to us Americans!

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