Where did I get it? Netgalley, thank you so much to Penguin
Random House UK Children's publishers.
What's it about? Flora Banks is seventeen and lives in Penzance in Cornwall with her parents. Her best friend is Paige. Flora has amnesia and every day, she forgets who she is. She can remember things from before she turned ten, but can't make new memories.
Right at the beginning
of the novel, Paige's boyfriend Drake is leaving to go to study in Svalbard. He
and Flora kiss on the beach and Flora remembers it, the first new memory she
has made in years. Soon after, Flora's parents have to leave Penzance to go and
see her ill brother in Paris, leaving her with Paige. But Paige isn't talking
to her because she found out about the kiss with Drake, so Flora is left by
herself. She starts an email correspondence with Drake, and eventually decides
to go to Svalbard to see him.
Because Flora doesn't
remember things, she writes things on her arms a lot. She also has a notebook
that her Mum has written in. Because of this, the novel is somewhat repetitive
which can be annoying but also puts the reader in Flora's head, which must be a
frustrating place to live.
I loved the descriptions
of Svalbard, it's somewhere I've always wanted to go and the idea of the
midnight sun is really appealing! I've read several of Emily Barr's adult
novels - Backpack, Baggage, and Cuban Heels over ten years ago, and Stranded
more recently in 2012 - and I've always found them entertaining enough. This
novel is certainly in a similar style to those, so if you enjoy that I'd
recommend those too. Even though they're for adults, their subject matters are
no harder than this one, so you may like them. Even though these novels seem
really frothy and dismissable, Emily's style belies deep novels and this is
definitely one of them. She's made her first foray into YA literature really
well, I think. I was expecting twists and turns because I know that's what
Emily does, but I didn't see the exact ones coming which was great!
What age range is it for? 15+
Are any main characters LGBTQ+? No
Are any main characters people of colour? No
Are any main characters disabled either mentally or physically? Yep, obviously. It's hard to read but worth it and you really sympathise with the character.
Is there any sex stuff? No, and for which I'm glad. I find it hard to believe that someone like Flora could consent to sex in an informed way.
Are drugs mentioned or used? Yes, prescription medication
Is there any talk of death? Yes
Are there swear words? No, very few
Would I recommend the book? Yes, absolutely. A great start to my new year!
Why did I choose to read it at this point in life? I've heard so much stuff about it on other book blogs and Twitter, and I don't regret choosing it now!
How many stars? Nine out of ten. A very convincing book.
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