- Published: 1 August 2014
- ISBN: 9781775535508
- Imprint: RHNZ Children’s ebooks
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 272
I Am Rebecca
- Published: 1 August 2014
- ISBN: 9781775535508
- Imprint: RHNZ Children’s ebooks
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 272
a long-awaited and equally compelling sequel
Weekend Herald
A psychological thriller out of the top drawer with a stunning ending.
Weekend Press
Good writing can reveal our prejudices as being the shallow things they are. Really good writing does that and entertains the reader at the same time. Such is the case with New Zealand author Fleur Beale's latest book, I am Rebecca, the sequel to her bestseller of 16 years ago, I am not Esther. ... This is a tension-filled, thrilling read that affirms genuine belief while exposing hypocrisy.
Rene Nol, Otago Daily Times
This is the sequel to Fleur Beale’s young adult bestseller I am not Esther, published in 1998. I am Rebecca is every bit as good. The story stands alone, however I’m sure once you have read this book you will go looking for the first.
Linda Hall, Rotorua Daily Post
I Am Rebecca is an indictment of the manipulative power of such cults where the Leaders claim to be instructed by the voice of God, and the members are kept in isolation from the outside world and the opportunity to think for themselves. However, Beale is not disrespectful to those who willingly choose such a life. She is able to enter the minds of the young girls whose lives she is describing and tells of their concerns and beliefs convincingly. Beale's story is compelling and tragic; it moved me to tears.
Margie Michael, New Zealand Books
A riveting story of a teenage girl struggling to emerge from long-term repression and psychological abuse; it will surely become as popular as Esther's tale.
Lorraine Orman, Magpies
This novel is so good I read it in one day. Fleur Beale’s writing is powerful yet so simple. The sentences are short, the chapters are short, the subject is beguiling and the characters stand out like the figures on Mount Rushmore . . . Stunning stuff with a stunning ending.
Bob Bocherty, Bob's Book Blog
Fleur Beale is one of my favourite Kiwi YA authors...I am Rebecca is a follow-up to her bestselling book from1998, I am not Esther...At no stage in the book does Beale let up on the tension, as we follow the sisters through impossible situations with regards to the Rule regarding every aspect of the Children of the Faith and how they manage themselves. The sisters must abase themselves each time they need to tell their Father something, for fear of earning hours of prayer. The tension builds, with death, bad marriage matches and new babies adding to it, until Rebecca begins to doubt, finally, the wisdom of her elders...While I won’t tell you what happens, I will say that Rebecca is a strong and admirable character. You feel that Beale really lets you into the mind of somebody who has grown up within a strict environment such as The Children of the Faith. Beale’s books have dealt with cults several times previously, but always from theoutside looking in, so this is a refreshing point of view.
Sarah Forster, Booksellers Blog
From award-winning author Fleur Beale, I Am Not Esther and I Am Rebecca are gripping psychological thrillers that...[are] guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat.
Girlfriend Magazine
Page turner...Imagine if you weren't allowed to cut your hair, go to the shops or even look in a mirror. This is what life is like for 14-year-old Rebecca who lives in a strict religious cult and is about to be forced into marriage!
Creme
a compelling read
Rochelle Gribble, Kiwi Families
Fleur Beale has created a detailed and convincing picture of life in a patriarchal religious community, and her characters are well-described and convincing. Rebecca is a sympathetic narrator who finds herself in an intolerable situation. The moral and ethical dilemma facing Rebecca is a genuine one. The closing chapters of this book are some of the most moving passages in New Zealand children’s literature.
The Source
gripping
New Idea
LIANZA Children and Young Adult Book Awards
Winner • 2015 • Winner of the LIANZA Librarian's Choice Award
Storylines Notable Young Adult Fiction Award
Awarded • 2015 • Winner of a Storylines Notable Young Adult Fiction Award
LIANZA Children and Young Adult Book Awards
Shortlisted • 2015 • Shortlisted for the Librarians' Choice Category of the LIANZA Children and Young Adult Book Awards
LIANZA Young Adult Fiction Award
Shortlisted • 2015 • Shortlisted for the Young Adult Category of the LIANZA Children and Young Adult Book Awards
New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults
Shortlisted • 2015 • Shortlisted for the Young Adult Category of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults