Reviews with content warning for Terminal illness - Boys Don't Cry

A fantastic debut novel from Fiona Scarlett – a full-time primary school teacher from Dublin - that had me captivated the entire time. This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year because it had me sobbing which just shows how powerful the writing is. I absolutely loved how the narrative was told from two perspectives throughout - Finn (12) and Joe (17) - two brothers living in Dublin navigating their difficult lives with family, society and health pressures. Scarlett’s writing style is beautiful; she conveys such depth and emotion even when writing as a young child. The story is raw, honest and authentic to the bone. Although it broke my heart, it also had me laughing and feeling full of love and warmth.

‘Boys Don’t Cry’ is such a special book and one that will stay with me for years to come. Although only a short story at 238 pages, so much is packed in there and the pace moves the story on well; at times it feels like a thriller! 100% recommend this book :)

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dark emotional funny reflective sad

5.0

Some stories leaves and indelible mark on you. This is one such story. Set in Dublin, it tells the tale of two brothers, Joe (17) and Finn (12). The story alternates from Finn to Joe and back again. You know from the opening that Finn is seriously unwell, and facing the end of his short life. Joe perspective is later, when he has to deal with life without his little brother.

This is a heart breaking story, but there is so much humour too, particularly in the parts narrated by Finn. There is also love, so much love. Joe wants to protect his brother from the harsh realities of living on an estate, where their father is involved with the local gang leader. There is the love shared between friends, work colleagues and medical staff. And there is Annie, Joe and Finn’s mother, plunged into every parent’s nightmare, regardless of who you are or where you come from.

The language is brutally honest, the family come from a tough background and their language reflects this. It is full of fantastic turns of phrase that immediately place you in the location. Close your eye and you are watching children play football on a concrete square that was meant to be a garden, or you are inside the pub where Annie serves behind the bar.

What is the definition of a great story? One where you are no longer reading, you are experiencing. Yes, this is heart-breaking. Yes, you too may sob. Yes, you will think about Joe and Finn at random times days, even weeks and months later. It is a story that lodges itself firmly under the skin.

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