This is one of the few books I had to read for English at primary school that actually intrigued and amazed me, and it still does even in adulthood.
'Holes' follows the story of Stanley Yelnats (Stanley spelled backwards) IV, a poor chubby boy (I hate that the film version changed this) who is made to go to a prison camp in the middle of nowhere - ironically named Camp Greenlake - for a crime he didn't commit (a pair of 'Sweet Feet' trainers literally fell from the sky and landed on him, and he is accused of stealing them). His family has been plagued with bad luck ever since his "dirty, rotten, pig-stealing" great-great grandfather broke a promise to a gypsy, Madame Zeroni, who then proceeded to curse him and his future generations for all time. Stanley and several other boys at camp are forced by a wicked woman Warden to dig holes every day in the scorching hot sun, with no sign of water - or indeed civilization - in sight. This is supposedly a character-driving exercise - to make the boys understand hard living and responsibility. But that is not the true reason.
Not everything in 'Holes' is as it seems. The present tries to dig up the secrets of the past, and everything in between is linked. Plot threads and characters - from whatever timeline - are connected together like grain in sand, holding microscopic pieces together to make a whole to walk on and breeze through. The stories of the past are the best moments of 'Holes', and I especially loved reading about the legend of Kissin' Kate Barlow, a femme fatale who killed and then kissed the men she robbed.
The harshness of living in an endless and dangerous desert - with the sun above and poisonous creatures under never-changing sands - is brilliantly realised. The revelations and family connections in this book could have easily turned it into a contrived mess, with plot twists added just for the sake of it. But 'Holes' is a well-written and original literary achievement, with elements of a classic.
I am happy to have read this book at school; it is a genuinely great story to teach about. Many kids can learn from it - not just about how history and people function, but about friendship as well. Stanley and Zero work wonderfully together, and they help each other out of the worst possible situations when living in a desert with immature kids and ruthless, controlling adults. Plus, I will always remember the "If Only, If Only..." song.
Utterly charming and humourous. A read for all ages and generations.
Final Score: 4/5
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