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littlerah's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
“If women hold up half the sky, then why are we so disposable?” (211)
Leanne Hall has written something utterly gripping and moving. ‘The Gaps’ feels unlike most YA novels I’ve read, as it tackles the emotions of both Chloe and Natalia, two entirely different girls, coping with the abduction of classmate Yin Mitchell.
This novel is really important, as it explores what is left behind and who is left behind, not just in moments of trauma, but in moments of transition.
Chloe is new to the school, scholarship student, Singaporean-Australian.
Natalia is the popular girl, Yin’s childhood best friend.
“All these girls or women from different circumstances, all missing or dead. There’s a burning in my chest about the unfairness of it all. It could happen to any of us” (79).
It was really touching to see the ways that grief is dealt with in Hall’s words. She is gentle and emotional at the same time. The way that Hall grapples with abduction and resolution, is something that I resonated particularly with. Sometimes there is no answer. It’s chilling, especially in our current climate with the recent public disappearance of a four-year-old in Western Australia. But it also questions, whose absence is being reported? Who is being forgotten?
I think that’s what is most touching about Hall’s writing. Its sheer truth. I look forward to reading more.
Leanne Hall has written something utterly gripping and moving. ‘The Gaps’ feels unlike most YA novels I’ve read, as it tackles the emotions of both Chloe and Natalia, two entirely different girls, coping with the abduction of classmate Yin Mitchell.
This novel is really important, as it explores what is left behind and who is left behind, not just in moments of trauma, but in moments of transition.
Chloe is new to the school, scholarship student, Singaporean-Australian.
Natalia is the popular girl, Yin’s childhood best friend.
“All these girls or women from different circumstances, all missing or dead. There’s a burning in my chest about the unfairness of it all. It could happen to any of us” (79).
It was really touching to see the ways that grief is dealt with in Hall’s words. She is gentle and emotional at the same time. The way that Hall grapples with abduction and resolution, is something that I resonated particularly with. Sometimes there is no answer. It’s chilling, especially in our current climate with the recent public disappearance of a four-year-old in Western Australia. But it also questions, whose absence is being reported? Who is being forgotten?
I think that’s what is most touching about Hall’s writing. Its sheer truth. I look forward to reading more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Rape
themixedpages's review
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Eating disorder and Vomit
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