Follies occasionally appear in literature, but seldom in works aimed at a younger readership. So it was hugely exciting to find that one of Britain’s best-loved writers of children’s fiction had featured a folly in a recent work. This year, a new work by the acclaimed writer Dame Jacqueline Wilson (100 plus books and counting) was published. The Girl Who Wasn’t There is a ghost story within a tale of family life and is beautifully illustrated by Rachael Dean. The reader is only a few pages in when young Luna and Aurora are first introduced to the dilapidated Stark’s Folly, somewhere on the south coast of England…
‘What’s a folly?’ asks Luna when she visits the tower, ‘Isn’t it something foolish?’. Her step-father, Greg, is quick to correct her, and explains that a folly is ‘an amazing building made by someone eccentric’. After years of neglect Stark’s Folly is falling apart, but it is a listed building – much to the fury of the landowner, who would very much like to reverse his tractor into it. Dreaming of sea views and a quirky home Greg snaps it up – but without asking the family first, and it is fair to say their reaction is mixed. This being Jacqueline Wilson, there are the disputes and dramas of family life, but also friendship and warmth, and whilst there is not a fairytale ending, it is a heartwarming (and spine-tingling) one.
Stark’s Folly is the product of Dame Jacqueline’s considerable imagination, beautifully brought to life by Rachael Dean, but Molly the cavapoo is real and is the author’s own dog.
Dame Jacqueline’s touching story and Rachael Dean’s enchanting illustrations will introduce a whole new generation to follies, and that can only be A Very Good Thing. The book is the perfect Christmas present for any young readers you might know (the Flâneuse is not on commission).
And proving that one is never too old to learn, the book introduced the Flâneuse to the word bungaroosh, of which Stark’s Folly is constructed (and therefore crumbling). Thanks to her bonny Brighton correspondent, the Flâneuse now knows that bungaroosh is an unusual building product. It was used almost exclusively in the Brighton area and is made of miscellaneous materials, including stones from the beach, mixed into hydraulic lime and then poured into shutters until set. It is the ‘bane of Brighton’ as it is hygroscopic and soaks up moisture from the air causing damp and collapse. The etymology of the word does not seem to be known, but as Dame Jacqueline says, it’s a ‘fantastic name’.
See the Penguin website for more on The Girl Who Wasn’t There.
And Rachael Dean’s website will tell you more about her vibrant illustrations.
Huge thanks to Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Rachael Dean for their help with this post.
Thank you for reading and please scroll down to the foot of the page if you would like to share any thoughts or comments.
JO ADAMS says:
Hi and thanks for your Flaneuseing – I so enjoy them
Re Follies in literature (a lovely new exploration) – would the Tower where Cassandra and Rose imprison their father in I Capture the Castle count as one? I’m not sure but love the novel so much and think it so underestimated, it would be lovely if it could sneak in! This is a great recent article about it and how if it had been by a male author it would be viewed as great literature! http://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/07/13/small-girls-proust-dodie-smith
Keep up the wonderful work, it’s much appreciated….
Editor says:
Good morning Jo. It is many years since I read I Capture the Castle, so thank you for this prompt and I will revisit it over the festive season. Thank you also for your kind comments and the link to the perceptive article.
Mr Gwyn Headley says:
One of my favourite opening lines: “ I write this sitting in the kitchen sink.”
Editor says:
Hello Gwyn I’m looking forward to revisiting I Capture the Castle – I’d forgotten about that wonderful beginning.
Nic Orchard says:
Hooray for Dame Jacqueline! I shall put it on my wishlist immediately (even though I’m the only person who reads it) or maybe the shopping list. One is never too young inside, after all.
Thank you .
Editor says:
I don’t know her works well, as our daughter was reading independently by the time she was introduced to Dame Jacqueline’s books, but I do know how much she loved them. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Moira Garland says:
Thanks again for an even more magical Folly Flaneuse posting.
I’ll take this opportunity to wish you the best for the season, and on to a Happy New Year in 2025.
Editor says:
Thank you Moira, and I wish you a fun festive season and health and happiness in 2025.
Moira Garland says:
That is a tempting idea, for the same reason as you! I think I’ll take a trio to the library children’s section.
Moira Garland says:
*trip
Editor says:
Good afternoon Moira. One is never too old to enjoy a book aimed at the younger generation – we were all children once, after all.
TOM GARDNER says:
THOUGH MY COLLEGE DEGREE … B.S. IN EDU. – THE ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION WAS:
… (WITH) A FOCUS ON: ‘EARLY CHILDHOOD’ EDUCATION – GRADES K – 6.
I EVEN THEN, REALISED THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT ONLY FOSTERING THE ‘THIRST’ FOR
READING IN ‘OUR’ YOUTH; BUT THE MAGIC WORLD THAT OPENS AND GROWS, WITH THE
CAREFUL CULTIVATION OF THAT MOST PRECIOUS, FLEETING – TIME SPAN.
THIS WORK SEEMS TO ANSWER BOTH.
Editor says:
Good morning Tom. I absolutely agree – all children should have access to books and there are many excellent charities in the UK working to make that happen.
Garance Rawinsky says:
Many thanks for making and sharing this link, which is not only introducing young people to the idea of follies, but also the concept of a Listed Building. Hats off to the author and the illustrator.
Editor says:
Hello Garance. Yes, hopefully some future heritage professionals in the making!