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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a good book and well written
This was a really nice book- it was written really accessibly and managed to truly get across how Leon's mind was working and how the different changes in his life impacted him. I was very impressed with how the author conveyed his age, and how convincing his logic was. As someone with no experience of social work, it was interesting to explore how it feels for a young child, especially as a family breaks up.
French review: https://manoubooks.wordpress.com/2016/10/07/je-mappelle-leon-kit-de-waal/
Thanks to Netgalley FR and french editions Kero for giving me the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange of an honest review.
The thing that bothered me the most in this book was the pace. It started with an interesting premise, had a really great ending, but the middle.. I got bored a little. I think I was expecting something different, and what the author proposed instead did not convinced me as much as I would have liked. Also, beside Leon I didn't care for any other characters unfortunately.
But that doesn't mean that I didn't like this book: on the contrary there were some aspects that I really liked. Although I would have prefered a 1rst person narrative (instead of a 3rd person narrative), I liked following Leon's life and what he's forced to endure (the separation from his mother then his brother) was told in a realistic way. This novel also dealt with how black people are treated by policemen and this problematic took a huge place in this story and was written in a very good way.
It was a good read that a lot of people -I am sure- are going to love (I'm one of the few that rated it less than 4 stars) but I expected something different I guess.
Thanks to Netgalley FR and french editions Kero for giving me the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange of an honest review.
The thing that bothered me the most in this book was the pace. It started with an interesting premise, had a really great ending, but the middle.. I got bored a little. I think I was expecting something different, and what the author proposed instead did not convinced me as much as I would have liked. Also, beside Leon I didn't care for any other characters unfortunately.
But that doesn't mean that I didn't like this book: on the contrary there were some aspects that I really liked. Although I would have prefered a 1rst person narrative (instead of a 3rd person narrative), I liked following Leon's life and what he's forced to endure (the separation from his mother then his brother) was told in a realistic way. This novel also dealt with how black people are treated by policemen and this problematic took a huge place in this story and was written in a very good way.
It was a good read that a lot of people -I am sure- are going to love (I'm one of the few that rated it less than 4 stars) but I expected something different I guess.
Good allotment theme and therapy of gardening and cycling
Really moving story of a boy struggling with being in care. The classic trope of more is revealed through a child’s eyes than the child realises but beautiful. And I’m glad he got fostered at the end!
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Not something I would usually read but it was for a book club. Really enjoyed it, glad I chose audio version as narration was excellent and really helped bring some parts alive.
Very tough subject matters, very emotional and hard at times. Some light humour as well. The author did a great job at writing from perspective of a child. Would highly recommend.
Very tough subject matters, very emotional and hard at times. Some light humour as well. The author did a great job at writing from perspective of a child. Would highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Police brutality
Moderate: Blood, Suicide attempt, Abandonment