The Flask

The Flask is a sensitive novel, dealing with the themes of grief and belief. Protagonist Jess is coping with the death of her great aunt and anxious about the imminent birth of her half-brothers when she finds an old fashioned corked flask, which appears to have special powers.

Jess goes on a journey, exploring various nations of spirituality and asking where we come from, in an effort to understand more about the mysterious flask. The Flask is a slow-moving thoughtful novel, with beautiful imagery and imaginative use of language throughout. Jess’ friendship with her best friend Zoe feels real, as does her sometime antagonistic relationship with her grandmother. However, sometimes Jess comes across as a little too well-behaved for a pre-teen. The reader hopes for some occasional petulant stomping and door slamming!