For the child fascinated by historical secrets and self-discovery, Emily uncovers a mysterious past linked to a painting and her own striking resemblance to its subject.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is beginning to question their own identity and family history, perhaps feeling a little adrift or different from those around them. "The Sylvia Game" is a thoughtful mystery about twelve-year-old Emily, who discovers she is the spitting image of a girl in a century-old Renoir painting. This discovery launches her on a quest to uncover the truth about the mysterious Sylvia, her own family, and her place in the world. It beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, friendship across social divides, and the complexities of family secrets. Perfect for thoughtful readers aged 12-14, it offers a compelling plot wrapped around a gentle, character-driven story of finding oneself.
Uses the term 'gypsy,' which may require context for modern readers as it can be a slur.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with the historical death of a young person, but the approach is one of mystery, not grief. It's a secular story. Class differences are central to the plot, contrasting Emily's precarious financial situation with Rory's inherited wealth and Foxy's life as a Traveller. The father figure is morally ambiguous: loving but deceptive and irresponsible. The resolution is hopeful, providing Emily with a stronger sense of self and belonging.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful 12- to 14-year-old who enjoys classic mysteries with a historical element. This reader is likely introspective, perhaps starting to question their own family's stories or feeling like they don't quite fit in. They appreciate character development and atmosphere over fast-paced action.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the father is portrayed as a lovable but deeply flawed and deceptive figure, which could open conversations about adult fallibility. The book uses the term "gypsy," which parents may want to discuss with their child as a term that is often considered outdated and offensive. Otherwise, the book can be read cold and is gentle in its approach. The parent hears their child asking questions about family history, like "Who do I look like?" or expressing a feeling of being different. The child shows an interest in historical secrets, art, or puzzles about identity.
Age Experience
A 12-year-old will likely focus on the adventure: the friendships, the clues, and the excitement of solving the puzzle. A 14-year-old will connect more deeply with the thematic elements: Emily's search for identity, her complicated relationship with her father, and the social commentary on class and belonging.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many contemporary middle-grade mysteries, this book has a timeless, literary quality. Its unique anchor in the world of art history (specifically, a Renoir painting) provides a rich, atmospheric backdrop for a very personal story of self-discovery. The focus is less on the 'whodunit' and more on the 'who am I'.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old Emily is on a seaside holiday with her charming but unreliable artist father when she discovers a Renoir painting of a girl named Sylvia who is her exact double. Intrigued, she befriends Rory, the young heir of the estate where the painting hangs, and Foxy, a clever boy from a family of Travellers. Together, the trio investigates the long-lost story of Sylvia, uncovering family secrets that connect directly to Emily and force her to re-evaluate her understanding of her own identity and her father.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Emily’s father kept the truth about her connection to Sylvia a secret. Do you think his reasons were good ones? When is it okay for a parent to keep a secret from their child?
2
Emily, Rory, and Foxy all come from very different social and economic backgrounds. How did their different perspectives and skills help them solve the mystery together?
3
Finding out about Sylvia changes how Emily sees herself. How important is knowing your family's history to understanding who you are today?
4
At the beginning of the book, Emily feels like she is just an 'etcetera' in her father's life. By the end, what specific moments show that she has become the main character in her own story?
