Title: Pobby and Dingan
Author: Ben Rice
First published January 1, 2000
112 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780375411274 (ISBN10: 0375411275)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
In Ben Rice’s heartwarming story, Pobby and Dingan, we are introduced to Kellyanne Williamson, a young girl whose only friends are Pobby and Dingan. These two imaginary friends are invisible to everyone except Kellyanne.
Her brother Ashmol, doesn’t believe in them and thinks they are just a figment of Kellyanne’s imagination. But when Pobby and Dingan go missing and Kellyanne becomes inconsolable, Ashmol must convince others to believe in the two friends in order to help his sister.
This touching tale shows us the power of imagination and the importance of believing in the impossible.
About the Author
Ben Rice, a British author who was born in 1972, has won numerous awards for his exceptional writing skills. He grew up in Tiverton, Devon and was educated at Blundell’s School.
He later pursued his passion for literature and completed his degree in English literature from Newcastle University. He then attended Wadham College, Oxford, where he continued his studies in literature.
Rice’s desire to further enhance his writing skills led him to study Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.
In 2001, Rice’s novel, which was later adapted into a film called ‘Opal Dream’, was awarded the Somerset Maugham Award. Additionally, it was also shortlisted for the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize.
In 2003, he was recognized by Granta as one of the twenty “Best of Young British Novelists”. One of his notable works, a short story about a young girl and her two imaginary friends, teaches readers of all ages that just because something is invisible, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Although disguised as a children’s story, this emotionally charged tale resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
Editoral Review
Ben Rice’s novel Pobby and Dingan, first published in 2000, is a touching story about the power of imagination and the bonds that hold us together. Rice, a British author and playwright, has carefully crafted a narrative that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, exploring themes of family, loss, and community.
Set in a small Australian mining town, the story is told from the perspective of six-year-old Kellyanne, who has two imaginary friends, Pobby and Dingan. The whole town is aware of Kellyanne’s imaginary friends, and she even talks about them to strangers.
Pobby and Dingan are mischievous and love to get into trouble, but they are also Kellyanne’s constant companions and provide her with a sense of comfort and protection. However, when Pobby and Dingan suddenly go missing, Kellyanne becomes inconsolable.
Her father is a rough miner who doesn’t believe in imaginary friends and thinks that his daughter needs to grow up. Kellyanne’s brother, Ashmol, takes it upon himself to help find the missing duo, not only to comfort his sister but also to prove his father wrong.
Rice’s writing style is simple yet elegant, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the dusty Australian outback. He skillfully weaves together the story of Kellyanne, her family, and the townspeople, highlighting the tensions and challenges faced by individuals in a small community.
The novel also touches on the harsh realities of mining towns, where work is scarce, and danger looms around every corner. Despite the novel’s whimsical premise, Rice adeptly addresses serious issues, such as poverty, prejudice, and familial dysfunction.
He provides a nuanced portrayal of the various characters, highlighting their flaws and vulnerabilities, and showing how they come together in times of crisis. If there is one criticism of Pobby and Dingan, it is that the pace may feel slow at times, and the plot is not action-packed.
This is a story that relies on sentimentality and emotional depth rather than thrills and excitement. In conclusion, Pobby and Dingan is a charming novel that will leave readers touched and inspired.
It is a testament to the power of the imagination and the importance of community support in the face of adversity. This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction, family dramas, and stories about the human spirit.
It is an impressive debut from a talented author who brings a fresh voice to the genre. 4/5.
