It's no secret that I love Keren David's books - I don't think there's any other author that nails the British teenage experience quite like she does.It's no secret that I love Keren David's books - I don't think there's any other author that nails the British teenage experience quite like she does. Although I've haven't reviewed it here, her previous book Salvage manages to balance realistic characters, engaging plot and heart-rending issues, something that I imagine is far trickier than it looks. I hate describing reads as 'issue' books, because it somehow feels like a disparaging comment rather than a compliment, with an automatic assumption that for a book to deal with tough or diverse issues, it has to sacrifice something in terms of plot or character. Ok, this has been true of some books but as This is Not a Love Story shows, just as Salvage did, it's more than possible to write about issues without sacrificing anything at all.
This where the similarities with Salvage end, however. Whereas that previous book put me through the emotional ringer by confronting some of the darker parts of society, This is Not a Love Story beams positivity and is one of the most refreshing books I've read in a long time. In fact, I can't think of anything it really falls into the same bracket as at all. Kitty's optimistic outlook on life is infectious and seeps through every page. I adored Kitty, but then I adored Theo and Ethan too - can't actually choose between them and wouldn't want to! This is the most realistic depiction of modern teens I've read in a long time - they're funny, emotional, they don't always have all the answers and they make mistakes, but then they move on. Their small expat community reminded me a lot of my gap year interactions many moons ago - you arrive in a new place, you fall in with a group and you get along with people no matter what your differences.
This is the first YA book I've read about Judaism and I loved the way it was presented as both a uniting force and common ground between Kitty and Theo, but also showed how religion isn't one dimensional - their upbringings had more differences than they did similarities and this connection wasn't the be all and end for them. Also, a shout out to the structure of the story - the added element of mystery ensured this a proper, bonefide page turner.
So whereas This is Not a Love Story isn't a love story (or is it?...), this review definitely is - a love story between woman and book (imagine a heart emoji right here - I don't how to do one on my desktop, sorry)....more
I really wanted to like this one more. I just didn't feel the chemistry between the two main characters and the writing style started to get on my nerI really wanted to like this one more. I just didn't feel the chemistry between the two main characters and the writing style started to get on my nerves after a while - I'm all for dual pov but this felt like it switched between the two in all the wrong places and consequently there were gaps in character development, especially with Linda.
But it was clearly meticulously researched and the author balanced the many issues here really well. And the fact that so many people are reading and talking about this book is a wonderful thing. ...more
Quick warning: the odd spoiler on the horizon folks...
That Burning SummerWith that amazing title and a synopsis that strongly hints of a secret wartiQuick warning: the odd spoiler on the horizon folks...
That Burning SummerWith that amazing title and a synopsis that strongly hints of a secret wartime love affair, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this book is an out-and-out romance. Ok, it is a bit of an out-and-out romance, but as much as I adored this particular relationship and the mammoth objects put in its path, the thing I took away was a different sort of fire - having the strength to cope with the day-to-day realities during some of the most difficult and tense events in history.
As with her previous book, Syson's writing takes a particular point and place in the past and opens it up in a way I don't think I've come across in YA before. All the research and attention to detail is evident, yet it never feels like you're sitting through a history lesson. Or maybe just like you're experiencing the best history lesson ever. This book not only sheds light on the contribution of Polish pilots to the war effort, but also the story of those who chose to stand by their pacifist principles in the face of overwhelming pressure and the ripple effects this had on their families. I was initially a bit apprehensive about the large part Peggy's younger brother Ernest appeared to be playing in the story ( just wanted to get to the kissing bits to be honest), but his journey and how this tallied with Henryk's experiences, ended up being my favourite part of the book. This is a tale about a different sort of war time bravery - of coping with overwhelming mental as well as physical hurdles as well as standing up for beliefs in the face of public opinion and convention. But with all the complex issues floating about, there is still a strong and powerful chemistry between Peggy and Henryk that was a joy to read. Some of the scenes actually made my page CRACKLE, I swear.
As with all the best historical fiction, this provides a new perspective on a period that has been depicted on paper many, many times before. It's a very welcome addition to the growing number of YA books set during this period that I've had the pleasure to read in the last couple of years. Not only does it make you think AND swoon, but there's also does a rather good sideline in suspense too. Oh, and the cover's ace as well. Seriously, what more could you want?
The thought of JK Rowling writing a crime novel was one that intrigued me and in many ways I wasn't disappointed. This was a gripping mystery, if sligThe thought of JK Rowling writing a crime novel was one that intrigued me and in many ways I wasn't disappointed. This was a gripping mystery, if slightly cliched and old-fashioned, complete with slightly bonkers Christie-esque ending that added to its charm.
The pacing was a bit off - the first two thirds were so heavily bogged down in detail and not too much else. I would expect a good crime story to give the reader and few little nuggets of drama and the odd twist and turn, but this was all procedure with not too much insight into what was going on in the brain of the MC.
Also, the main character. I just didn't get him. He's supposed to be mid-30s, but came off more middle-aged (this might have been deliberate), and I found the detailed description of his appearance a bit distracting and odd. But I can forgive all of this because a world in which JK Rowling uses the word 'Pubehead' on several occasions is no bad place in my opinion. ...more
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