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marisnini's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
errie's review against another edition
emotional
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Death of parent, and Cancer
soakedonsplash's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
f33lthesun's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. This is an important, wonderful, gut-punchingly powerful book which will stay with me. I sobbed my way through the last third of it, as it was very close to home for me.
The author, choosing to write the story from the point of view of Frank, a 10 year old with a younger, autistic brother, deftly pulls us into their lives and we feel what Frank feels…love, pride, shame, anger, pain, frustration, hatred.
The author, choosing to write the story from the point of view of Frank, a 10 year old with a younger, autistic brother, deftly pulls us into their lives and we feel what Frank feels…love, pride, shame, anger, pain, frustration, hatred.
flobeulah's review against another edition
5.0
It breaks your heart and it makes you laugh.
It’s a lovely book for anyone who knows someone autistic.
It’s a lovely book for anyone who knows someone autistic.
spring_lilac's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.5
A heartwarming, but also struggle-filled, novel about the relationship between brothers and how that relationship can impact life. While the overall storyline expresses frustration, the message of hope and love shines through.
mat_tobin's review against another edition
5.0
Whenever a new author debuts on the children's literature scene, I always approach their work with a measure of excitement and caution. It is yet another publishing cog whose teeth are just set to roll along the mainstream line or has a publisher taken a leap of faith and presented us with a unique and engaging voice? I can assure you that Balen's debut stands firmly in the latter.
Having completed an MPhil in exploring the impact of stories on autistic children, Balen turned her writing towards a domestic novel. It tells of a family of four: Mum is artistic, caring, thoughtful and has sacrificed her painting to raise her sons. Dad's life revolves around his work and although he loves his wife and boys, they remain somewhat on the periphery. Frank is ten, enjoys football, exploring the wild with his friends and cracking codes whilst Max is five, only eats quavers and repeatedly reads [b:The Baby's Catalogue|1208498|The Baby's Catalogue|Janet Ahlberg|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348065777l/1208498._SX50_.jpg|2444709]. Everyone in the family must work around Max who is soon to start school and whose severe autism means that he requires a lot of attention and needs. What happens then when a singular event throws the whole family into disarray?
Told from Frank's perspective, Balen invites us to view and empathise with a ten year old's struggles to cope with and understand not only his brother but also the great changes that shake his life. We may recognise bias and even be familiar with it but Frank's voice is so perfectly handled that Balen deftly offers us insights into the lives of all those around Max. This is a story as tender and heartbreaking as it is true.
But the real magic comes from this being a story shared in its telling. Lauren Carlin, whose illustrations and codes are thoughtfully set throughout the book bring the tale to life in a way that words alone would not have accomplished. Her codes, full page illustrations and abstract images invite us into Frank's world and the possibility of unraveling some of his deeper thoughts. It is rare to find an illustrator being able to enrich an already engaging reading experience but Carlin is masterful in her application.
The Space We're In, sadly, won't work for all readers. It is deep and clever in a way that many won't have the time for. Yet to not acknowledge its pace, characters and timely plotting is to miss out on the subtle craft of the book. If this is the only book Balen writes then she should know that she has left us all with something very special and deeply memorable.
Having completed an MPhil in exploring the impact of stories on autistic children, Balen turned her writing towards a domestic novel. It tells of a family of four: Mum is artistic, caring, thoughtful and has sacrificed her painting to raise her sons. Dad's life revolves around his work and although he loves his wife and boys, they remain somewhat on the periphery. Frank is ten, enjoys football, exploring the wild with his friends and cracking codes whilst Max is five, only eats quavers and repeatedly reads [b:The Baby's Catalogue|1208498|The Baby's Catalogue|Janet Ahlberg|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348065777l/1208498._SX50_.jpg|2444709]. Everyone in the family must work around Max who is soon to start school and whose severe autism means that he requires a lot of attention and needs. What happens then when a singular event throws the whole family into disarray?
Told from Frank's perspective, Balen invites us to view and empathise with a ten year old's struggles to cope with and understand not only his brother but also the great changes that shake his life. We may recognise bias and even be familiar with it but Frank's voice is so perfectly handled that Balen deftly offers us insights into the lives of all those around Max. This is a story as tender and heartbreaking as it is true.
But the real magic comes from this being a story shared in its telling. Lauren Carlin, whose illustrations and codes are thoughtfully set throughout the book bring the tale to life in a way that words alone would not have accomplished. Her codes, full page illustrations and abstract images invite us into Frank's world and the possibility of unraveling some of his deeper thoughts. It is rare to find an illustrator being able to enrich an already engaging reading experience but Carlin is masterful in her application.
The Space We're In, sadly, won't work for all readers. It is deep and clever in a way that many won't have the time for. Yet to not acknowledge its pace, characters and timely plotting is to miss out on the subtle craft of the book. If this is the only book Balen writes then she should know that she has left us all with something very special and deeply memorable.
youreadyoulearn's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.5
liamrowlands's review against another edition
5.0
Might have shed a tear or two. Heartbreakingly beautiful!