It's a definite departure from the other books I've been reading. The dystopia is present, but it's woven into the backdrop and is never directly confronted. That does not detract from this beautiful story, though. The hints of what is wrong with the society blend in with the rest of the events, which take place largely at a boarding school in England. The majority of the book is the recollection of a "carer" (sort of like a nurse, but with a slightly darker role) and her time from early childhood to young adulthood.
The pain of adolescence and the forging and breaking of friendships, the realization of missed opportunities, is as fresh and stinging as an adhesive bandage ripped from unwilling skin. If you've ever felt awkward, uncertain, or lonely while growing up, this brings it all back. Starkly. But with enough distance that it isn't unbearable to read, just very, very recognizable.
I loved this book. It is beautifully written and haunting. And, of all the books I've read that are part of trilogies, this one isn't, and I wish it were.
No comments:
Post a Comment