This is a wonderful story about
the close bond between a young girl, fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and her
inspirational uncle, the noted artist Finn Weiss. He’s the only person that
June feels she can share her secrets with, and reveal her true self to. When
Finn passes away, June finds herself adrift, wondering how her life can
possibly go on without Finn being a part of it. Then June meets Finn’s partner
Toby, who has never been mentioned to June before, and a new friendship is
slowly formed which will alter the way she views herself and her late uncle.
They are both lonely, struggling to cope with life without Finn, united in the
immense loss and grief they share.
It is also about siblings, and
the changing relationship between June and Greta as they grow up, having lost
the closeness they once shared, both wanting it back but seemingly unable to
rediscover it from under all the layers of jealousy and misunderstanding.
This is a lovely, sincere,
warm-hearted book, with a story rooted in the early days of AIDS awareness,
when misconceptions abounded and most people didn’t openly discuss the illness.
It is about our perceptions of people, the judgements we make, and how we can
discover so much about ourselves and those close to us through the most unlikely
friendships and in the most unexpected places.
I found this a profoundly moving
novel, and a highly accomplished and heartfelt debut.
Published by Macmillan on 7th June 2012.
Reviewed for lovereading.com - Thank you very much to them and the publisher for a proof copy of this novel.
5/5
5/5
I love the cover of this book! Where do you find these great books Lindsay? I always love reading your reviews.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I've written a review of The Novel in the Viola if you want to read it! :)
Megan
It's a beautiful cover isn't it? Thanks Megan that means a lot to me. I appreciate your comments so much.
DeleteI've just been and read your review earlier, lovely to find out what you thought of this one.
x
That sounds very good!
ReplyDeleteThanks for following Rose City Reader. I am following you right back. On Twitter too!
Ah thank you that's kind. I was glad to discover your site.
DeleteOh wow, that is a very lovely cover. And I love the title too, so mysterious. :) great review Lyndsay! I may just keep my eye out for this one.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely I agree. And the title gets you thinking before you start to read. Thanks Toni.
DeleteI've been wondering about this one. And I'm so glad you included that example of June at the party because I can so relate too!! You really made this book sound like something I'd really like.
ReplyDeleteRowena Hailey (Washington Personal Injury Attorneys)
I started the day with a one, maybe two cup. In bed. With this book. And it was a good thing that there was nothing urgent I had to do that day, because I read it in one sitting. Loved everything about this wonderful story. There are many kinds of love, and this story explores love, envy, jealously, family, grief, loss and redemption. There were several times when I cried. The good kinda of crying, not the sad kind. I hugged this book to my chest when I was done. What a lovely debut novel. The world is a better place with this book in it.
ReplyDeleteMarlene Detierro (Steelhead Fly Fishing)