The Ant Colony

Description

An irresistible new novel from Guardian-award-winning novelist, Jenny Valentine.

Number 33 Georgiana Street houses many people and yet seems home to none. To runaway Sam it is a place to disappear. To Bohemia, it's just another blip between crises, as her mum ricochets off the latest boyfriend. Old Isobel acts like she owns the place, even though it actually belongs to Steve in the basement, who is always looking to squeeze in yet another tenant. Life there is a kind of ordered chaos. Like ants, they scurry about their business, crossing paths, following their own tracks, no questions asked.
But it doesn't take much to upset the balance. Dig deep enough and you'll find that everyone has something to hide!

Reviews

Praise for Finding Violet Park:

"A wonderful debut for many reasons ! What marks this book out is not just its charm, warmth and wit, but also the skill with which Valentine braids together the threads" The Guardian

"No plot summary can do justice to the particular flavour of this book, both witty and with moments of genuine sweetness ! Excellent." Books for Keeps

"Ultra-original and brilliantly written, this will have you laughing and crying too." Mizz Magazine

"Has the originality of Mark Haddon, the immediacy of Jacqueline Wilson and the emotional connection of Kevin Brooks. It really does work." Jill Murphy, The Book Bag

"A great story, with a witty and believable main character." tBk mag

For Broken Soup:

"Rich in sympathetic, unconventional characters and precise observation, the book has a lightness of touch that belies its skill! it is most enjoyable: a life-affirming, witty, romantic read." Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times

"Without ever labouring points or sinking into sloppy schmaltz, Valentine injects an intensity of feeling in Broken Soup that blew me away ! It's completely gorgeous. I loved it." Jill Murphy, The Book Bag

"A captivating novel from a compelling new voice in teen fiction!hilarious and dramatic in turns." Liverpool Echo

"I loved every page of this extraordinary book; a completely unique and involving story!a great book which deserves to be read over and over again." Redhouse Review, Hannah Pitts age 15

"If Jenny Valentine doesn't start you reading, I'm not sure what will ! A very creative and highly original plot ! I would also recommend it to sneaky parents who like to snoop around their children's bookcases. But make sure you have time to spare, as you will be unable to put this book down!" Emily Decker, South Wales Argus

"An unpredictable story full of suspense ! If you are looking for an original, creative, page-turner that is filled with mystery, look no further" Megan Davies, South Wales Argus

Author description

Jenny Valentine moved house every two years when she was growing up. She has just moved house again, probably not for the last time. She worked in a wholefood shop in Primrose Hill for fifteen years where she met many extraordinary people and sold more organic loaves than there are words in her first novel, Finding Violet Park, which won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in 2007. She has also worked as a teaching assistant and a jewellery maker. She studied English Literature at Goldsmiths College, which almost put her off reading but not quite.