SuitabookRun, Rebel
Manjeet Mann
- Reading
- Read in manageable sections and pause after particularly difficult family scenes. The verse layout may reward reading aloud or discussing how spacing and rhythm shape Amber’s feelings; agree beforehand how to revisit anything upsetting.
- Themes
- Freedom and control: Amber feels trapped by her father’s rules, his expectations and her own fears, and wants to make choices about her life. The situation clearly centres on resistance to control, but the complete evaluative direction and ending are unclear.
- Family harm and protection: Amber is described as fighting for her mother and sister while living with an abusive, controlling father. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Running and expression: Running gives Amber a sense of freedom and peace, while the novel uses rhythm, spacing, fonts and varied verse forms. The book presents this favourably.
- Worth knowing
- The book includes domestic abuse, fear within the family, controlling expectations, ill-treatment, alcoholism and emotionally difficult material. It also addresses cultural or community expectations, school life, friendship and the pressure of making choices for oneself and others.