Jellybean

Geraldine lives with her mother, “the only mother who plays the cello in a pub…in all of Rooms Nine and Ten”. She has never even seen a photograph of her father. Geraldine’s life is a lonely series of babysitters, rehearsals, and performances. All she wants is to spend quality time with her mother. Then she meets Gerald, another mysterious cellist who seems to know her mother quite well, and who finds out the one other thing Geraldine secretly wants…

Geraldine is nearly eleven. “Jellybean” is her mother’s childhood nickname for her. Mostly Geraldine prefers not to be called that, however it is one special thing that the two of them share, so she feels reluctant to drop it completely.

One of the characteristics of the book show more is its atmosphere of longing and loneliness- Geraldine is always seeking a closer relationship with her mother. She “realizes she is actually jealous of her mother’s cello” then acknowledges that she has good reason to be. Many readers will identify with wanting to be a bigger part of a parent’s busy lifestyle.

This is a simple story, the brevity of which is an indication that not much action takes place. The plot is fairly basic, with the climax being an annual orchestra performance at Geraldine’s school. However I found the most exciting part of the story was Geraldine’s various adventures after her mother runs off to avoid being late for a rehearsal, leaving Geraldine to find her own way to the theatre.

The story is realistic, a window into the world of Geraldine and her mother covering about six months of their lives. Some big things happen, but often there are everyday occurrences, and conversations they (and every other family!) must have had several times before. A further aspect of the realism of the book is its recognisable Auckland setting, with many references to One Tree Hill, and the theatre just off Queen Street.

The strength and appeal of the story for me lies in its passion for and pre-occupation with music. Geraldine has a peculiar relationship with music- it is music that draws her mother away from her, yet only music can relieve her own strong emotions. She has no friends, because “no one likes my sort of music…and we don’t have a colour telly, or heaps off Lego or skates or bikes or dress-ups…”

Alone in the house after school, Geraldine turns the tape deck up loud and absorbs the strength of the classics. Interrogated by Gerald about her secret ambition, he says “ ‘The love of music is the first thing. Do you think you love music enough?’ Enough? How much is enough? she wonders.”

This is a story for any musical New Zealander around the same age as Geraldine (10-11 years), or anyone who can identify with being an only child of busy parents. show less

Geraldine (also known as Jellybean) has a very different life to her classmates. Her mother plays the cello and Geraldine often has to go with her to rehearsals and performances. Geraldine is fed up with this and, feeling lonely, strikes up a friendship with Gerald, another musician. To her surprise, when she talks to Gerald she discovers that what she really wants is to be a conductor.
Geraldine is a real, warts and all girl with real problems. It is very easy to care about her and what happens to her. This book would appeal to girls aged 10 and up, particularly those with an interest in music.