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The City Of Invention

The book reviews of UK children's author, Brian Keaney

Brave, Uncompromising And Deeply Moving

Before I Die - Jenny Downham

This is powerful and deeply moving book about a teenager dying of cancer. Jenny Downham writes with great bravery and immediacy and with absolutely no compromises. She makes wonderful use of detail and seems to possess an innately poetic narrative voice. But it's a harrowing read. And not for those who believe that fiction for young people should avoid explicit sex, drug-taking or other taboo areas.