Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

Icarus by K. Ancrum

1 review

bookishmillennial's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial

“If you’re such a good thief, then why haven’t you stolen me yet?”

I absolutely adored this young adult, contemporary coming-of-age story about Icarus Gallagher, a 17-year-old thief who steals exorbitant art from Mr. Black's home, and replaces it with his father Angus's forgeries. Due to their lifestyle, Icarus has to keep a distant profile, meaning he doesn't have many close friends at school, and they certainly have never come to his home, full of stolen art and forgeries! One day, Icarus is caught by the son of Mr. Black, Helios, but instead of exposing Icarus, Helios simply asks for him to stay and to befriend him. Helios is confined to the Black house, and is not allowed outside, so Icarus continues to climb up to Helios's window and visits him, developing the deepest connection he's ever had.

Icarus and Helios' unraveling of their generational trauma, and why Mr. Black has been Angus Gallagher's target for so long is paced perfectly alongside the buildup of Icarus and Helios's romance, a slow and beautiful burn. They discover exactly what led to this hatred, jealousy, and need for revenge. The teens also explore their chronic illnesses and other parts that make up their identities, parts that they hadn't particularly shared so openly and bravely with anyone else.

I appreciated how as Icarus's relationship with Helios grew, so did his friendships with Celestina, Luca, and Sorrel. It was like ... once Icarus opened himself up to one person, it became a muscle he began to more comfortably flex with others. Once he was brave, vulnerable, and hopeful with Helios, it allowed him to try it out with others in his life. Platonic love and friendship is such a beautiful part of life; Icarus discovers this as he lets himself be loved and cared for, in ways he hadn't known were possible. Growing up with his spiteful and vengeful father Angus, -who didn't physically hit him, but also never showed him softness or unconditional affection- this was Icarus' only frame of reference for connection, companionship, love.

To be shown the love you never knew you craved? That's one of the most unique yet universally humbling feelings in the world. To be fully seen, wanted, and encouraged as you are? How wildly freeing and magical. I'm sure so many of us could remember the first moment we felt wholly and unconditionally supported or loved. It's an illuminating moment, to realize that you had been lied to when subscribing to the idea that you had to be stronger, smarter, quieter, etc. When you realize you actually never had to make yourself smaller, palatable, a "good" kid; and you were indeed always worthy of being loved or cared for, it's something words just don't do justice. 

The chapters were short, so I felt incredibly accomplished each time I picked up this book and finished a *few* chapters hehe. K. Ancrum is an author I will continue to read from, and Icarus is a story I will return to. The author's note had me sobbing, and was just the reminded I needed about how we show up for each other, and how powerful and impactful such small moments can be.

representation: I don't want to spoil the journey for yall, but there are characters with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, a character navigating addiction, and an intersex character. There is achillean romance and a Black side character.

see content warnings below & take care while reading <3 
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