Output details

Flip

'Flip' is about a boy whose psyche or soul switches from his body to that of another boy. It explores themes of self-identity in adolescence, providing further insights into the meaning of the soul in an accessible way for young people. This theme is supported by research Bedford undertook into scientific, cultural and theological theories on the psyche, consciousness and the migration of the soul. Bedford's research findings resulted in his invention of “psychic evacuation”, a pseudo-scientific process that accounts for the body-switch experienced by the main character. This research also lent substance to the novel’s thematic exploration. The main character’s soul evacuates when his body is in a persistent vegetative state after an accident. Bedford researched this medical condition to ensure that this storyline was accurate and credible.

In the process of writing 'Flip' Bedford surveyed more than eighty teenage novels published from the mid-1990s to 2008. The objectives of this review were to: consider the treatment and range of subject matter in contemporary teen/young adult literature; consider the treatment and range of themes and ideas; and study the narrative and stylistic approaches adopted by contemporary teen/young adult authors. In addition, Bedford studied numerous books, essays and articles by teen/young adults on writing for teenagers, gaining insight into the genre’s traditions and conventions, and the theory behind the practice. This has broadened Bedford’s range and versatility in relation to narrative tone/voice, pace, structure, characterisation and dialogue.