Review – The Night Rainbow by Claire King

Reviewed by Cesca Major

The Night Rainbow is a story about a five year old girl called Peony, or Pea as she is known, and her sister Margot. It is the story of one summer in France. Maman is sad because Father has died and because of the baby, and Pea tries everything she can think of to make her happy. When Pea meets Claude and his dog she imagines he might be her new friend, or even her new Father. Others are suspicious of the unusual friendship and the sad little set-up at home.

I adored this warm, wonderful debut. The voice of Pea is marvellously written, amusing and sad. The world she has created is drawn with real attention to detail. You are sitting in the meadow with Pea, drinking in a French summer, as she plans to please her Maman with yellow flowers. Her questions are honest and heart-breaking in their simplicity. I loved the girls rapport and their constant childish observations. I felt suitably nervous at the appearance of the rather shady Claude, but thought this strand to the book was wonderfully explored. It is a book about friendship, family, love, loneliness and grief.