How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
RATING: ****
GENRE: YA Romance, War
“Every war has turning points and every person too.”
Fifteen-year-old Daisy is sent from Manhattan to England to visit her aunt and cousins she’s never met: three boys near her age, and their little sister. Her aunt goes away on business soon after Daisy arrives. The next day bombs go off as London is attacked and occupied by an unnamed enemy.
As power fails, and systems fail, the farm becomes more isolated. Despite the war, it’s a kind of Eden, with no adults in charge and no rules, a place where Daisy’s uncanny bond with her cousins grows into something rare and extraordinary. But the war is everywhere, and Daisy and her cousins must lead each other into a world that is unknown in the scariest, most elemental way.
MY THOUGHTS:
This book follows Daisy, who moves from America to England because of her wicked stepmother. Once settled in her countryside home, she becomes to love her newly introduced cousins - especially Edmond. However, disaster strikes when the war becomes at large and the cousins are separated and sent to different homes. Longing for the company of Edmond and his brothers, Daisy and her little cousin Piper set off on a journey to find them.
After closing the cover of this book, I was left with a feeling that I usually don't experience. WHAT ON EARTH JUST HAPPENED? This girl has just moved to a completely different country, to fall in love with her nicotine addicted cousin and do inappropriate things - underage. Also, why did she even move in the first place when they knew England was on the brink of war. "I know, let's just send my daughter to a place threatened by war instead of here in a safe environment!2 No, you just don't do that! And the goat. After the depressing journey home and the horrific sights seen, the little girl sees hope when she finds her underweight goat. Yay! Hope! Lets shoot the goat! WHY, WHY, WHY? Oh, and Daisy and Edmond have telepathic powers. Yeah.
Despite the slightly disturbing and confusing aspects (and there are many), I loved the writing style of Meg Rosoff. The book is unique in the fact that there are no speech marks used throughout the first part - showing just Daisy's side of the story. This allowed me to really understand her as a character, without getting distracted by others. Also, the bonds created between the characters are heartwarming, especially during Piper and Daisy's journey. The setting described is beautiful - gorgeous fields and countryside homes that often reminded my of Cathy Cassidy's books.
Overall, a very unique aspects, though sometimes confusing, but definitely make you think deeper. A lovely writing style and fantastic bonds created between the characters. However, I feel the ending was a little disappointing. It wasn't bad but I feel there was room for so much more. Looking forward to watching the film soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment