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avrilhj's review
5.0
It took me 18 months to read this book because it made me so angry and so sad. I had to keep taking breaks to breathe, to cry, to work through the nausea. It is beautifully written. Compelling. Devastating. Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers who arrive by boat is evil, and one day we will look back on this period of history with the horror with which Germans look back on the Third Reich.
jazzy_books's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book right until the ending. I really enjoyed the character progressions as well as the progression of certain character relationships. I enjoyed how this book gave my an insight of what it would be like coming to another country as a refugee and what a struggle that would be. I liked the way that Jono's character changes from the beginning to the end from before meeting Ana, and the different perspectives of Kenny, Jono and Ana which give us an insight of different peoples opinions and perceptions on topics such as refugees.
myahicks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
stories's review
challenging
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This will haunt me, as it should. Important stories, deftly told. Special shout out to the use of poetry v prose.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Blood
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Blood, Death, Drug use, Islamophobia, Racism, Alcohol, Suicidal thoughts, Cursing, and Police brutality
Minor: Abandonment, Eating disorder, and Death of parent
kellymack's review
5.0
I started crying about half way through, and didn’t stop until the end.
This is an absolutely beautiful book that perfectly describes the lives of asylum seekers, and the way that indefinite incarceration can impact not only the detainees, but also the insidious way that it can influence the guards of detention centres.
A heartbreaking story of young love and mental health breakdowns. Highly recommended.
This is an absolutely beautiful book that perfectly describes the lives of asylum seekers, and the way that indefinite incarceration can impact not only the detainees, but also the insidious way that it can influence the guards of detention centres.
A heartbreaking story of young love and mental health breakdowns. Highly recommended.