Unfortunately I really struggled with "The Rules of Seeing" by Joe Heap and have to admit to skimming a few of the paragraphs towards the end in order to finish it.
"When her brother convinces her to have an operation that will restore her sight, Nova wakes up to a world she no longer understands. And then she meets Kate, whose past hides a different kind of darkness. Together, can they both open their eyes to the lives they could be living?"
I did start off by being very intrigued by Kate's story which had the potential of including a physiological element to this light love story. I enjoyed reading how she met Nova at the hospital, though I couldn't help feeling the pairing of the two women and their ensuing relationship rather odd. I did feel for Nova, who being blind from birth was very concerned at how she would find being able to see and thought the rules she followed after gaining her sight, a witty addition to the story.
Sadly as a whole, it didn't keep my attention and I found parts exceedingly slow, though I am quite sure the book will be appreciated by a lot of readers and I could well be in the minority who didn't enjoy fully.
Although very well written and researched, I do believe a YA audience would enjoy this story better. I'm just sorry I didn't find it as gripping as I'd hoped, especially considering the poignant issues covered.
Two stars for the potential of the premise and I do wish the author Joe Heap, every success with this, his first novel.
2 stars
"When her brother convinces her to have an operation that will restore her sight, Nova wakes up to a world she no longer understands. And then she meets Kate, whose past hides a different kind of darkness. Together, can they both open their eyes to the lives they could be living?"
I did start off by being very intrigued by Kate's story which had the potential of including a physiological element to this light love story. I enjoyed reading how she met Nova at the hospital, though I couldn't help feeling the pairing of the two women and their ensuing relationship rather odd. I did feel for Nova, who being blind from birth was very concerned at how she would find being able to see and thought the rules she followed after gaining her sight, a witty addition to the story.
Sadly as a whole, it didn't keep my attention and I found parts exceedingly slow, though I am quite sure the book will be appreciated by a lot of readers and I could well be in the minority who didn't enjoy fully.
Although very well written and researched, I do believe a YA audience would enjoy this story better. I'm just sorry I didn't find it as gripping as I'd hoped, especially considering the poignant issues covered.
Two stars for the potential of the premise and I do wish the author Joe Heap, every success with this, his first novel.
2 stars