The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston
I adored this book. From the very first whimsical page to the last. The premise of the book is that Frankie Pratt, a girl growing up in the 1920's, is given a scrapbook which she then fills with memorabilia from her life as she goes to college, New York, then Paris. Meeting friends, enemies and lovers along the way.
Even though no page can have over 100 words, and most have much less, the story feels full, and real, and totally immersive. The pictures, newspaper cuttings, adverts, and other odds and ends tell just as much of the story as the words do. This isn't just a book to read, but to experience.
I am surprised I hadn't heard anything about this book before I picked it up. I assumed it was new, but it was published in 2011. It is too bad that it flew under the radar. Thank goodness I found it on display at the end of a bookcase, else I might never have picked it up. Some librarian out there knows what's what!*
I found it displayed in the YA section of the library, though it is catalogued as adult fiction. While I agree it would do well in the YA section, I am dismayed at such disorganization...This library in question also have many shelves of book organized by colour. It looks nice, but I am much to horrified by the mayhem of it to enjoy it. I itch to rearrange them every time I come in.
Recommended for fans of 1920's, graphic novels, and independent woman characters. If you like the Flappers series by Jillian Larken you might like this.
*As they often do.
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