Review: Walking on Trampolines – Frances Whiting

Praised as “a tender exploration of friendship, families, and first love” (Liane Moriarty, New York Times bestselling author of The Husband’s Secret), this coming-of-age novel from bestselling author Frances Whiting is equal parts heartwarming, accessible, and thought provoking.

“Tallulah de Longland,” she said slowly, letting all the Ls in my name loll about lazily in her mouth before passing judgment. “That,” she announced, “is a serious glamorgeous name.”

From the day Annabelle Andrews sashays into her classroom, Tallulah ‘Lulu’ de Longland is bewitched: by Annabelle, by her family, and by their sprawling, crumbling house tumbling down to the river.

Their unlikely friendship intensifies through a secret language where they share confidences about their unusual mothers, first loves, and growing up in the small coastal town of Juniper Bay. But the euphoria of youth rarely lasts, and the implosion that destroys their friendship leaves lasting scars and a legacy of self-doubt that haunts Lulu into adulthood.

Years later, Lulu is presented with a choice: remain the perpetual good girl who misses out, or finally step out from the shadows and do something extraordinary. And possibly unforgivable…

It’s not how far you fall, but how high you bounce.

Series:
Release Date: February 3rd 2015
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Joelle
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

4.5 Cocktails

This “review” will basically be a love letter to Frances Whiting.  I just loved Walking on Trampolines. Whiting’s writing is witty and thoughtful. I have not enjoyed a coming-of-age story like this since She’s Come Undone (one of my all-time favorites).

While the friendship of Lulu and Annabelle from young girls into adulthood is an intergral part of this book, Whiting managed to seamlessly weave other storylines in as well. The entire book is full of complex relationships and interactions. The characters are so well-developed, readers will feel as if they know the people of Juniper Bay personally–for better or for worse. My favorite character by far was Duncan. He was hysterical–even from the grave (read the book!).

Whiting delves into complicated family relationships, romantic relationships and of course, the ever complex- female friendships. She has the ability to show us the ugly side of these relationships without us hating the characters doing the hurting. You will wonder if poor Lulu will ever catch a break. Readers will identify with insecurities and short-comings as well as her triumphs and successes.

I could go on gushing and never do this book justice. My recommendation is to READ it, I don’t think you will regret it!