A girl, far from a child and not yet an adult, abandoned by both parents and searching for her sense of self.
April, the 16-year-old main char5 stars!
A girl, far from a child and not yet an adult, abandoned by both parents and searching for her sense of self.
April, the 16-year-old main character, stole my heart on the first page and kept tugging at my heartstrings until the very last page.
This is a coming-of-age story. A girl whose mother abandoned her as a toddler and whose father doesn’t know how to take care of himself let alone a child. April is left to fend for herself for most of her childhood and ends up living alone in the motorless motorhome her dad won in a gambling bet. April’s love of music is the only happiness and company she has on many days. This novel follows her personal journey after she chooses to leave the only life she has ever known to find her way in the world.
The writing was gorgeous. I found myself pausing several times while reading to appreciate the beautiful words that seemed to jump off the page and into my heart. So many sentences and paragraphs were highlight worthy - extremely touching and impactful. I was fully connected and engaged. This was a slow burn, character driven story and although the pace was on the slower side, I was hanging on every word, rooting for April, never wanting the book to end.
This isn’t a happy story. April faces a plethora of life’s struggles alone and without adequate financial means. There were several points where I wished I could jump into the story to help her get through her struggles whether it be financially or from a maternal aspect. She was vulnerable yet tough. She meets several people throughout these pages that each leave an impact on her personal journey.
The theme of family is strong in this novel. Yet family doesn’t always have to be people related by blood. Family can be the ones we choose to love.
Music is a main topic yet it doesn’t overshadow the plot. Music main themes can be a hit or miss for me, and in this it worked phenomenally. It was an important and impactful piece of April’s identity that I connected strongly with.
This book sat on my shelf for way too long. A lovely bookish friend gave it to me years ago and I am so glad I was drawn to read it over the holidays as it seemed to be the perfect time. This won’t be for everyone, but the ones who connect with the writing and characters will surely put this on their Favourites Shelf when they finish, just like I am. I look forward to reading whatever this author comes out with next!...more
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