I first read Vicky Angel when I was the target audience and I don't remember whether I ended up liking it or not, but it wasn't a story that stuck with me.
I'm definitely not the target audience now (and will never be), but I decided to reread this book because it's short and I didn't have to concentrate on it or think too much about it.
I didn't like the characters. Vicky is extremely unlikable and while I don't mind unlikable characters, she's a bully and she's mean for no reason (or none that was explained) and I couldn't sympathise with her situation. The parents and teachers aren't great either and I also wasn't a fan of the fat-shaming that's directed towards Sam. However, I liked seeing Jade slowly come out of Vicky's shadow.
I like how Vicky Angel shows a potential manifestation of grief, through Vicky's ghost, but the way this book deals with death, loss and grief is so shallow. However, Wilson is able to write books for a younger audience about serious themes without coming across as condescending.
There are a few heartfelt scenes such as Jade and Vicky's mom having a moment after Vicky's funeral, but the narrative is a little jarring and the manner in which the story is told is bland and all over the place. The ending is also abrupt and rushed and things get resolved too easily.
I like the idea of Vicky Angel and appreciate what it was trying to do, but the execution and the storytelling doesn't work.
“Life is short. You don't know how long you've got so make the most of it.”