Strong opening with interesting characters
From the first chapter I am already intrigued by the characters that have been introduced and how the story is alternating between them.
First of all there is Kate and Tony. From the outset the significance of what is written on a white square of paper that Kate finds is made clear. However, we don't know what it says or why it's so bad that Tony wants to keep it a secret but Kate's questioning leads to a verbal altercation between them whereby on trying to escape Tony grabbing the paper she instinctively steps back but falls and hits her head, knocking herself out.
Then we meet Nova and her brother Alex. Nova has a great sense of humour that is instantly noticeable, before we learn that she is blind. I really liked that this personality trait is what comes first. She has such an intelligent outlook too regarding Alex's meeting with her to talk about a procedure he has found that could "cure" her blindness. She makes some interesting arguments and I really want to learn more about her thought processes and reasoning regarding all of the light that people who aren't blind don't even see and how the thought of gaining her sight, something which she has never had is a scary prospect for her. When perhaps to a sighted person it seems like the easiest decision in the world to make.
We know Kate is ok after hitting her head however there is a real sense of irony that Kate is not able to see how damaging and controlling Tony is in their relationship despite having sight, unlike Nova. We also learn she no longer paints and I am intrigued to know why.
Nova then goes to Oxford to visit her old tutor, a professor named John and she also meets up with an old friend, Rebekah and their romantic history is hinted at. She goes to seek out both of their views regarding the operation her brother has suggested and I like how this link to her past is introduced. I am already learning so much about Nova's experience of the world around her and how much sound and touch are vital to her everyday life. Also Nova's life seems much happier than Kate's. I am therefore really looking forward to seeing how the two stories will play out and how they will no doubt connect. Also, what decision Nova makes regarding the proposed operation.
First of all there is Kate and Tony. From the outset the significance of what is written on a white square of paper that Kate finds is made clear. However, we don't know what it says or why it's so bad that Tony wants to keep it a secret but Kate's questioning leads to a verbal altercation between them whereby on trying to escape Tony grabbing the paper she instinctively steps back but falls and hits her head, knocking herself out.
Then we meet Nova and her brother Alex. Nova has a great sense of humour that is instantly noticeable, before we learn that she is blind. I really liked that this personality trait is what comes first. She has such an intelligent outlook too regarding Alex's meeting with her to talk about a procedure he has found that could "cure" her blindness. She makes some interesting arguments and I really want to learn more about her thought processes and reasoning regarding all of the light that people who aren't blind don't even see and how the thought of gaining her sight, something which she has never had is a scary prospect for her. When perhaps to a sighted person it seems like the easiest decision in the world to make.
We know Kate is ok after hitting her head however there is a real sense of irony that Kate is not able to see how damaging and controlling Tony is in their relationship despite having sight, unlike Nova. We also learn she no longer paints and I am intrigued to know why.
Nova then goes to Oxford to visit her old tutor, a professor named John and she also meets up with an old friend, Rebekah and their romantic history is hinted at. She goes to seek out both of their views regarding the operation her brother has suggested and I like how this link to her past is introduced. I am already learning so much about Nova's experience of the world around her and how much sound and touch are vital to her everyday life. Also Nova's life seems much happier than Kate's. I am therefore really looking forward to seeing how the two stories will play out and how they will no doubt connect. Also, what decision Nova makes regarding the proposed operation.