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element of vulnerability which makes the monstrous believable. The happy ending required by the romantic novel is also tempered by realism, an awareness that the relationship is not set in stone. This introduces an interesting element of grit. Sophia agrees ‘I really wanted the grit to be there’. She had been horrified reading fan fiction, much very well written, to find that the story would end with the girl in the traditional role of wife. She was keen to provide a different role model within the genre; the idea that life held different possibilities.


Song writing is an integral part of the Love Song story. Was this important to Sophia? Certainly when younger she had written poetry but ‘I didn’t think I would be any good at song writing, but I had to do it: when I wanted to quote a song I discovered you have to pay for the right!’ But she enjoyed it. Within the novel the collaboration required in writing songs enabled her to portray the strong friendships that are so important in this world of the boy band.


The book is full of references to the songs that have inspired her – by Blondie, Led Zeppelin and Muddy Waters among others. These are all listed in the back of the novel. In fact, Sophia is delighted to report that the novel will have its own QR code that will allow young readers to access this playlist. Sophia’s enthusiasm is infectious. Now I want to listen too!


– especially the levels of fan devotion which was something she wanted to celebrate. However, the contemporary background was inspired by One Direction and the relentless pressure of performing. ‘It came from watching One Direction and loving the interplay between them ... but you just can’t be so happy all the time. What’s it really like being you? I was fascinated by that.’ She imagines what it must be like to be four very different, very gorgeous, young men forced together day in day out, on public show whether performing or resting. Into the mix comes practical Nina who despite herself is attracted to one of the group. But he is already spoken for by the beautiful but appalling Sigrid. The hothouse setting allows the creation of extreme characters but even here Sophia introduces an


Books mentioned Love Song, Chicken House Books, 978-1910002728, £6.99 Threads, Chicken House Books, 978-1910002940, £6.99 Beads, Chicken House Books, 978-1910002957, £6.99 The Look, Chicken House Books, 978-1906427917, £6.99 You Don’t Know Me, Chicken House Books, 978-1910655733, £6.99 The Family from One End Street, Eve Garnett, Puffin Classics, 978-0141355504, £6.99


Ferelith Hordon is active member of CILIP YLG and has served as Chair of both YLG London and of the National Committee. She is editor of Books for Keeps and of IBBYLink, the online IBBY UK.


Books for Keeps No.217 March 2016 9


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