A Seven Letter Word - Book review

Scrabble genius Finlay McIntosh is a different lad to the one his mother left behind. One day she was there, the next she was gone. And his dad won't even mention her name. All Finlay has to remember her by is a bag of letter tiles and an empty journal. Then a chance remark by a mysterious new player he meets online changes everything. has he stumbled on to a major clue that could help him find his missing mother? Finlay will do whatever it takes to find out the truth. But can he find his voice... before it's too late?

A Seven Letter Word is an astounding book. It was gripping and near impossible to put down.


Slater has managed to provoke sympathy throughout the book for not only Finlay (the main character) but for Maryam too. I loved seeing Finlay's thoughts as he struggled to vocalise them and faced the everyday ignorance of bullies who make his life hell. I enjoyed seeing Finlay grow from the beginning of the book to the end. Maryam was my favourite character. Her care for Finlay and her own struggles made it hard not to love her. I loved how topical this book is in regards to the current treatment to Muslims and those with seemingly 'abnormal' illnesses like stutters.

The plot was fantastic and managed to keep me gripped. So much so, I finished it in one day (something I haven't done in a long, long time). It was eye-opening to see the personal effects of ill-patience, ignorance and prejudice has on young people who are virtually the same age as me. I found myself frustrated that even authorial figures in the book judged Finlay and didn't give him any support.  It certainly made me more aware of stutters but I hope it opens more peoples eyes to the intolerance faced in schools not only from peers but from staff as well. I like the fact that Scrabble was Finlay's escape and the Scrabble tips throughout the book were a fantastic little added extra.

Kim Slater has written a beautiful book. The ending was lovely and rounded off the book perfectly. I would totally recommend this book especially to those who struggle to read longer books or want a diverse read. I will definitely be reading more of her writing in the future.

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