This is a novel about media manipulation - by the media and of the media.  Jim Schembri has drawn on his long experience as a newspaper writer to make some very sharp observations of the games that can be played by "media personalities".

Amira Dolanes was the hottest teen star in the hottest soap on TV, until someone decides that her character needs to be "rested".  Suddenly the media have her as yesterday's news - no more photo shoots, or gala openings.  But, rather than accept that her 15 minutes of fame are up, Amira plots a comeback.

Having been brought up in a world of publicity agents and tabloid papers, she uses all their tricks and ploys against them as she works at regaining her Number One billing.

It is a very funny story, at times.  You can play "Pick the real life model" very easily, recognising TV shows, actors, newspapers, even the Logies.  But gradually, the darker cost of Amira's obsession becomes evident.

Jim Schembri certainly has us sympathising with Amira, but he also suggests that playing the manipulation game can reduce her from a real person to a created "personality".  In the end, she must choose.

This is another very good read from Lothian's strong Young Adult list.  Read it and TV soapies just won't be quite the same.

Review by David Beagley

© 2000 David Beagley