A 5-Star Review
Disclaimer -
One thing you will notice with my book reviews, they don’t refer to much of the ACTUAL story itself. There are no regurgitations of the story line, and definitely no spoilers. My reviews centre around my interaction with the story, my emotional journey along the way, and writing techniques I found captivating. If you were after a brief rehash of the book, this isn’t the review for you. However, if you wish to read about why I personally loved this book, then please, keep on reading.
Now, onto my review…
When I was less than a hundred pages in, I felt like a deer trapped in the headlights of an oncoming vehicle. At that time, there was no way I could have predicted myself giving this book a 5-Star rating. But yet, here I am, doing just that.
Boy Swallows Universe focuses on and revolves around main character Eli Bell and his journey from early teens to late teens with many life defining moments along the way. Strongly supported by his brother August, and further shaped by his biological father, Robert, stepfather Lyle, mother, Frankie, and ‘best friend’ Slim Halliday.
I’ll admit, it took me a little while to find my grove reading this one. Wondering what on earth I was doing even trying to read it. So far out of my reading genre that I felt like an intruder. Sticking with this book was the best decision I could have made for my reading log, for many various reasons.
I’ll begin with the UNPREDICTABILITY. This is the first book I have read in a very long time that I didn’t foresee what would happen on the next page, let alone how the story would end. I’ll admit there are definitely moments where, if it was on a screen, I would have brought my hands to my face to peer through my fingers as a shield. With this not an option while reading, all I could do was try to calm my unsettled stomach as the words came to life with some gnarly images that will stick with me for some time to come. I’ll admit right now, I’m a Hallmark reader and watcher. This does NOT fit that category.
The FLOW of the story was fantastic, it didn’t stall, it didn’t repeat monotonously and most importantly, it didn’t leave anything unfinished. The speed at which the story moved along, to me, felt just right. I was drawn into the characters’ worlds by the perfect amount of backstory, connecting seamlessly with the character’s current day lives.
The QUIRK factor. I’m sure there are better suited words, but for me, this one works. I’m referring to techniques I have never seen used in books whilst reading. The repetition of the book’s catchphrase, the over-described setting of a scene (through Eli’s inner monologue as he fixates on minute subtleties that interconnect) and my favourite, the double meaning of events which leave you wondering what the real meaning was.
If you are after a book that will keep you intrigued, turning pages and often saying WTF just happened, then this is the book for you. If you loved watching the Underbelly TV series of the late noughties, then you are going to love this book.
I can’t wait to explore Dalton’s back catalogue including Lola in the Mirror and All Our Shimmering Skies.
Happy Reading.
Shelby Xx
Commentaires