Book Reviews |
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 Amelia, the protagonist in Lightning Chase Me Home, is an intricately crafted character who shatters stigma about children with learning difficulties and empowers readers through embracing her flaws and reinforcing themes of bravery and self-belief. We find out that on her 11th birthday, Amelia must make a wish on the Serpent's tooth however suddenly odd things begin to happen and danger creeps into her life. Set on a isolated Scottish island of Dark Muir, Amelia is drawn into world of fantasy - overflowing with mythology and spellbinding tales, a retreat from her otherwise mundane life. Such magical aspects of the novel are tastefully intertwined with a realistic edge - a modern day girl trying to cope with secondary school and dyslexia. Amelia’s struggle with confidence and such relatable aspects helped the flow of the story’s narrative.
Overall, the lyrical storytelling complimented the flowing nature of the book and the juxtaposition between Amelia’s school and home life with her new abilities created a compelling read. What begins as a seemingly sad story escalates into an enthralling tale of a girl’s life overturned by magic and a new quest she must fulfill, and challenges she must overcome. When Amelia’s dyslexia degrades the chance of her doing well at school, we yearn to see her rise from the predicament. This is exactly what she does. This aspect of the novel provides a much needed example to many children today; the message being to not let others or other's views of you hinder your personal growth or dictate your happiness. This bewildering novel, combining a relatable contemporary context and a timeless tale of magic, is a must read. Appropriate for young and small, this is a book I highly recommend and I believe everyone can enjoy.
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 John Boyne’s newest novel, My Brother’s name is Jessica, explores the complex topic of gender and identity while bringing to light the significance of friendship and a support network and providing an insight into the value of gender and identity in the dirty political world. Sam Waver, Jason’s younger brother, narrates the story and describes how his family and community is affected by his brother coming out. As a result of his parents political lifestyle, Sam idolises his older brother and looks up to him like a guardian. Jason often helps him with his reading as he struggles with dyslexia, this scenario further allowing Boyne to highlight another issue which need more attention, learning difficulties. To an extent I valued the fact that the narration was from his perspective - his role is to try an understand the transition from the popular, football fanatic Jason to introverted and closed-off Jessica - this dynamic worked well and increased my interest in the novel as it highlighted a change in atmosphere and character.
However, I would have much preferred to have the story written from Jason’s perspective - I would love to have an insight into what it’s like to live in a body and constantly feel out of place and wrong as I don’t know much about it. The parents throughout this novel are demonised and presented in an almost monstrous way through their dismissal of their sons transition, their ignorant remarks and abusive treatment of Jason. I believe this is Boyne’s attempt to metaphorically parallel their reaction and treatment of their transgender son to the often negative and destructive reaction of society to the transgender community. This issue is very relevant today and is heavily stigmatized - therefore the continual theme in this book - the undeniable friendship between Sam and his transitioning brother; shows us that support and love can withstand almost any challenges we face. This novel also showcases the role of gender and identity in politics and how ignorant and obnoxious politicians can become in their desperate aim to get votes and win elections - thus causing destructive fractures in their relationships and interactions with people from the trans community. This timely exploration of the LGBTQ+ community and the often confusing experience of coming out is delivered poignantly with great humour, wit and clarity. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book but I think storyline lacked some structure and I would have preferred the story from Jessica’s perspective. |
