Everybody should experience this book
Augusta Hope has never fit in, and what makes her most endearing is that she has never really wanted to. Augusta is an absolute joy to read about as she moves through the world a little differently, deeply aware, curious and observant, in a way others are not. All the while being aware that no one around her is quite like her. Augusta mostly takes this in her stride '' 'I can't think of anything less exciting than the new Asda'. I said to my mother and Julia. Because I like to be dramatic and difficult, my mother would say. And oppositional, I would say, because I like finding new words''. However the unrelenting oppressiveness of being 'normal' and content with how they are, eats away at Augustas’ spirit, and, it transpires, this is what finally breaks her twin sister, Julia.
Parfait Nduwimana lives half the world away in Burundi with his large loving family, he endures a life of great hardships and loss due to the civil war. Joanna Glens’ writing is incredible throughout the book, however I enjoyed it most when it vividly conjures up the beauty of Parfait's home country, backdropping the horror of the war. It added a dimension and depth to Parfait, his home and the war that can often be overlooked - how beautiful his country is.
The parallels of both main characters living within intolerable confines echo and reflect each other throughout the book. I appreciated the different approaches Glen took - the obvious difficulties of living through a civil war alongside the difficulty of being surrounded by un-curious and close minded people when all you want to do is learn and are open-hearted.
This book felt like an experience, it takes you on an emotional journey, covering belonging, heartbreak, grief and acceptance. Another reviewer wrote 'it breaks your heart and fills you with joy' which I wholeheartedly agree with. It is beautiful and heartbreaking. Everybody should experience this book.
Parfait Nduwimana lives half the world away in Burundi with his large loving family, he endures a life of great hardships and loss due to the civil war. Joanna Glens’ writing is incredible throughout the book, however I enjoyed it most when it vividly conjures up the beauty of Parfait's home country, backdropping the horror of the war. It added a dimension and depth to Parfait, his home and the war that can often be overlooked - how beautiful his country is.
The parallels of both main characters living within intolerable confines echo and reflect each other throughout the book. I appreciated the different approaches Glen took - the obvious difficulties of living through a civil war alongside the difficulty of being surrounded by un-curious and close minded people when all you want to do is learn and are open-hearted.
This book felt like an experience, it takes you on an emotional journey, covering belonging, heartbreak, grief and acceptance. Another reviewer wrote 'it breaks your heart and fills you with joy' which I wholeheartedly agree with. It is beautiful and heartbreaking. Everybody should experience this book.