Customer Reviews

The otherwise girl

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first read this book seven years ago as a 6th year in school and it has haunted me ever since. It is breathlessly delicate, wonderfully and, at points, terrifyingly beautiful whilst still remaining simple and uncomplicated. Claire handles all the themes he tackles with a remarkably sensative touch including death, friendship and sexual discovery and his handling of grief, as anyone who has lost anyone will recognise, is marvelous. I would challenge anyone not to fall softly and perminantly in love with this book.

Again I have searched for any information on the author and indeed anyone who may know to whom the rights belong but to avail.

I first read this book in 1977, and have been re-reading it regularly ever since. It is a marvellous story, quite unique ... spooky without being frightening, and with an ending that will haunt you.

Keith Claire has written at least two other short novels (one is "The Tree Wakers", but I've forgotten the name of the other one). They are all hard to find these days - all were written in the early seventies. They are also all quite quirky. But "The Otherwise Girl" is the pick of the bunch - the writing style is extremely mature and likable - the story is very tight, no wasted words, but at the same time paints a very vivid picture. Overall it packs a very solid emotional punch.

If anyone reading this review has any information about the author, I would be very interested. I have been unable to find out anything at all; although there is some evidence that "Keith Claire" may be a pseudonym, possible for more than one person.

I first read this book when I was 10 and I have never forgotten it. I still read it now 20 years on and it never fails to make me shiver. It is the beautiful story of a teenage boy, Matt, who travels to a village to spend a week with a family friend learning how to draw. But when he meets the sparkly Chloe, he begins to notice the unusual. Dogs and horses shy away from her and no-one wants to talk about who she really is. When Matt uncovers her secret, he should be afraid. Instead, he discovers the only thing she truly longs for and he is the only one who manages to give that gift to her.

WOW! What a wonderfully written story. Not sure why the story isn't a classic, as it is so well written and so awe inspiring. I recommend this book to everyone, young and old, male or female. It really is a brilliant book! It is a quick read as well. I read it in a couple of hours after I found it on a bookshelf in the house we rented at the beach this summer. What a treasure! So very beautiful... so touching... I want to read it over and over again.

I picked up this book completely by chance in a second-hand fair and have treasured it since then. It is my very special book and I am surprised to have found no information at all on the author.

Well crafted, very interesting novel. This is one of my favourites and one that I love to reread.

The characters are likeable, the scenes superbly described and at no point does interest drop in the unfolding plot.

Keith Claire paints his scenes with suspense from page one until the page turning becomes a blur. Recommended only for those who can read it all in one sitting. Be warned...