Zak

France Thomas feels her way uncertainly into the first three chapters of the story; lots of overidentification her teenage audience here. The obscenities are intrusive and unnecessary, the private language spoken by Mark and his friend Wellington irritating. After I'd despaired of the book the narrative changed tack and explored less frenetically the story of Zak, a maladjusted teenager who holds a large part of William Wordsworth School in thrall. The story unfolds predictably - Zak lies about his name, his 'rock star' father, his source of financial support and Mark struggles with feelings of irritation and pity to become the most solid element in Zak's life. The book tries hard - too hard - and fails to offer teenage readers a really convincing or stimulating read. Perhaps next time?