"Nothing but the Truth"

Nathania Carissa Vida Octaviani (392020032)

January 31th,  2021 

Reading Diary - Entry 3 

Introduction

“Nothing but the Truth” is a fiction novel by George Kershaw. The book was first published by Cambridge University Press on 1 April 1999. The name of the illustrator is not listed in this book. In fact, this book has 80 pages. However, because I don't have the original book, I only read it through the e-book. I read it in English e-Reader.net and the e-book is only available for 70 pages. So, I have completed the 70 pages. I choose to read this e-book, because I was interested with the title of the novel. 

The Setting 

The story takes place in Bangkok, Thailand in 1998. The most highlighted place in this story is at international school in Bangkok (Hu's school) and at Khao Yai National Park (when Hu & her friends went on a field trip) in Hing Tung, Thailand. 

Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. Meanwhile, Khao Yai National Park is no doubt the best national park in Thailand for regular visitors where it is relatively easy to see some impressive animals. Established in 1962 as Thailand's first national park, it is the third largest national park in Thailand. Situated mainly in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Khao Yai extends into Prachinburi, Saraburi and Nakhon Nayok provinces. The main checkpoint of the park is 180 km from Bangkok.

    Khao Yai National Park 

    Source: https://www.easyvoyage.co.uk/thailand/khao-yai-park-3368

The Characters 

The main character is Hu. Hu was seventeen and a good student. She studied at the Bangkok International Academy, an international school for the children of foreign people working in Thailand. Hu has complete parents, but the parents name is not listed in this story. Her father is the father who insisted on his daugther's will, he really wanted Hu to become a doctor. 

Hu has cat. The cat's name is Lao Mao, because Hu loved animals. She has friends too, their name is Marwa, Thomas, Yoshiko, John and Sean. Other than that, Hu has teachers too, he's name is Mr. Stanyer. Mr. Stranyer is a crafty english teacher.  

  

Plot 

Hu, a seventeen year old Chinese girl, is being blackmailed by her English teacher, Mr Stanyer, who says she cannot be entered for the International Baccalaureate unless her English grades improve. She dare not tell her parents, whose ambition is for her to be a doctor, so she agrees to pay Mr Stanyer for private lessons, although she cannot understand her poor grades. She uses her savings and sells a ring given to her by an aunt. 

Hu makes friends with a new American student, John Truman, whose mother is Head of the Upper School. She also becomes involved in the school show, The Wizard of Oz taking the leading role of Dorothy. 

There is drama during a school trip to Khao Yai National Park, when Hu and her friends become lost. They are eventually restored to safety. During the trip Hu learns from one of her friends that Mr Stanyer has been blackmailing other girls too, usually those with wealthy parents.

Back at school, Hu becomes very anxious and her parents eventually discover about the extra lessons. A meeting is held with the headmaster and a school counsellor but no-one believes Hu. John’s mother, Verity Truman, however, supports Hu’s story and begins an investigation into Mr Stanyer’s background. She uncovers his corruption – he lied about his qualifications and has no degree, he has got an entry visa into Thailand by deception, and he has been marking students down in order to get them to pay for extra lessons. She confronts the school authorities with the truth and Hu is finally vindicated. 

Conclusion 

In my opinion, this novel teaches us many things, especially in terms of honesty, we have to be honest, especially to our parents. Although it is difficult, it must be. We must be open to our own parents. Second, message to all parents reading this, don't force their child's will to be what you want. Third, don't be a cunning person. we have to be kind, obey the rules.

That's all, thank you :)