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jules_writes's review against another edition
4.0
http://thegreatthegoodandthebad.blogspot.com/
‘An act of love’ surprised me in quite a few different ways, mostly because I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I have to admit that this isn’t the type of book that I usually read, I tend to avoid most fiction to do with war, politics, racism and real contemporary violence, which were among some of the difficult subjects that this book deals with. But having said that this book is far from a difficult book to read, in fact when I started it I just couldn’t put it down. Yes it deals with tough subjects, but it does so in an honest and thoroughly gripping way.
It is clear from reading this book that a lot of time and effort has gone into the research and not just about the timeline of terror attacks, such as the terrible events of September 11th as well as the London bus bombing, but also about the cultures of the characters and the setting of the story.
The writing was impeccable and the story hurled along with never a dull moment, but it was the two main characters of Chris and Imran that really made this a memorable book for me. The story is told from both of their perspectives, with the use of flashbacks chronicling their childhood friendship and the different paths that their lives took them along even thou in some small way their futures were always connected. Even despite the fact that one has joined the Army and served in Afghanistan while the other is a potential jihad recruit. The book spans about 11 years of their lives and the lives of their families, for me this was a great insight into the Muslim community, which is something that I know very little about.
Sometimes titles for books can have little actual relevance to the book, other than being an eye catching and fun way of getting people’s attention. However, this title really works well for the story because at the heart of this novel was love, the love between brothers, between parents and their children, between friends, between partners. Love although not a dominant theme within the novel was certainly the driving force of a lot of the actions of the characters. Also the ending, which I won’t spoil for you really wraps the story up nicely and completely encapsulates the title.
If I did have anything negative to say about this book it would be that I just don’t like the cover of the book. On first glance this really doesn’t make me want to pick it up and it could be to too easily pigeon holed as a war story, which although in some respects it is, it really is so much more than just that.
I would highly recommend this book to people, it is a brilliant story and one that has been told with excitement, compassion and honesty. Even if you don’t initially think that this book might be for you I would still recommend it, because like me you might just be surprised at how much you enjoy the story of Chris and Imran and the balanced portrayal of some very emotive and immensely important current day issues.
GREAT – 10/10, this has been one of the best books that I have read all year.
katrinaschaffede's review against another edition
5.0
This was a really good book, you don't have to be a Muslim, a British soldier or even live or know about the UK.
cjlikesbooks8's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Murder, Grief, Hate crime, Racism, Religious bigotry, War, Blood, Body horror, Gun violence, Islamophobia, Child death, Death, Genocide, and Racial slurs
jowillread's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
“Imran dabbed at is nose. ‘Hey, look at that. We still bleed the same colour.’ He cleared his throat. ‘This proves we are blood brothers’. He offered his hand and pulled me to my feet.”
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
Perfect ending for a beautiful book.
High Points.
Honest portrayal of the situation. Unflinching. Neutral. Impossible questions. Impossible truths. Growing up. The past. The present. The future. Change. Hope. Beliefs. Family. Friendship. Love.
Low Points.
I would have liked more chapters told from the perspective of Imran. His journey was so fascinating and raw. It seemed much more honest than Chris’ in some way.
Heroes.
What struck me the most about Chris and Imran, best friends since they were born until history/prejudice/ignorance/circumstances/call-it-what-you-want dragged them apart, was how young they were. The story flits around on their timeline but focussing mostly on when they were eight, seventeen and then, in present day, when they are twenty. That is just two years younger than me. I can’t even begin to fathom that.
Our two heroes, just two ordinary boys, have been broken, torn apart and forced to grow up in a world that is decided and moulded by ignorant and mindless people who refuse to see beyond their own narrow views. They are in the hands of extremists and their lives are no longer theirs to control. It was difficult to read about these two boys stumbling blindly down the paths that history and ignorance has paved for them but there was a definite sense of inevitability as well.
Both Chris and Imran are terribly flawed characters. They both make unfortunate decisions and they make mistakes that they will undoubtedly regret for the rest of their lives.
But it is the way that they both atone for their mistakes and never give up hope, after everything, that make Chris and Imran such endearing characters and ones that will stick with me for a long time.
I feel I also need to mention Rafiq, Imran’s troubled older brother. He was definitely my favourite character in this novel. His story, like Imran’s, was not easy to read but it was honest and full of anger, redemption and, above all, hope for the future.
Theme Tune.
Mass Destruction- Faithless.
There was no other song I could pick as theme tune for this book. In my opinion, this song (and it’s brutal and profound video which has a definite resonance with this novel when you look at the age of the subjects) is one of the most effective anti-ignorance songs that has ever been written.
I've never been religious but I believe in Maxi Jazz.
Angst Level.
Gibbons expertly writes with an unwavering view of what is happening right now and, considering recent events in Norway, this book is all too terrifyingly real. A more contemporary book you will not find.
What I respected most about this book was that Gibbons took a neutral stance. It is difficult to write a book on a subject that is happening right now and that has affected everyone in some way, whether it is simply reading an article in your local newspaper or seeing new poppy-adorned crosses and laminated pictures placed at the foot of your hometown memorial or seeing yet another boy being brought home through the streets of Wootton Bassett.
It is obvious that this book does not have an agenda, to mouth-off and spout an opinion is easy, but I believe that depicting difficult issues from all perspectives and every moral standpoint that is much more commendable.
But if you can take anything from this book it is that there are no easy answers and everything falls into that shade of murky grey that often plagues history.
In his Author’s Note, Gibbons states that he is often asked why he chooses to write about such dark and bleak subjects (he wrote another novel about two young teenagers in love after the September 11th attacks) and he said:
Gibbons may not have answered the questions that he raises, but he asks them and that is the first step to lighting the room.
This book is not easy to read. It may not be easy to read but it’s a necessary one and one that should be read by all ages, not just teenagers.
You can read this review and lots of other exciting things on my blog here.
“Imran dabbed at is nose. ‘Hey, look at that. We still bleed the same colour.’ He cleared his throat. ‘This proves we are blood brothers’. He offered his hand and pulled me to my feet.”
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
Perfect ending for a beautiful book.
High Points.
Honest portrayal of the situation. Unflinching. Neutral. Impossible questions. Impossible truths. Growing up. The past. The present. The future. Change. Hope. Beliefs. Family. Friendship. Love.
Low Points.
I would have liked more chapters told from the perspective of Imran. His journey was so fascinating and raw. It seemed much more honest than Chris’ in some way.
Heroes.
What struck me the most about Chris and Imran, best friends since they were born until history/prejudice/ignorance/circumstances/call-it-what-you-want dragged them apart, was how young they were. The story flits around on their timeline but focussing mostly on when they were eight, seventeen and then, in present day, when they are twenty. That is just two years younger than me. I can’t even begin to fathom that.
Our two heroes, just two ordinary boys, have been broken, torn apart and forced to grow up in a world that is decided and moulded by ignorant and mindless people who refuse to see beyond their own narrow views. They are in the hands of extremists and their lives are no longer theirs to control. It was difficult to read about these two boys stumbling blindly down the paths that history and ignorance has paved for them but there was a definite sense of inevitability as well.
Both Chris and Imran are terribly flawed characters. They both make unfortunate decisions and they make mistakes that they will undoubtedly regret for the rest of their lives.
But it is the way that they both atone for their mistakes and never give up hope, after everything, that make Chris and Imran such endearing characters and ones that will stick with me for a long time.
I feel I also need to mention Rafiq, Imran’s troubled older brother. He was definitely my favourite character in this novel. His story, like Imran’s, was not easy to read but it was honest and full of anger, redemption and, above all, hope for the future.
Theme Tune.
Mass Destruction- Faithless.
There was no other song I could pick as theme tune for this book. In my opinion, this song (and it’s brutal and profound video which has a definite resonance with this novel when you look at the age of the subjects) is one of the most effective anti-ignorance songs that has ever been written.
I've never been religious but I believe in Maxi Jazz.
Angst Level.
Gibbons expertly writes with an unwavering view of what is happening right now and, considering recent events in Norway, this book is all too terrifyingly real. A more contemporary book you will not find.
What I respected most about this book was that Gibbons took a neutral stance. It is difficult to write a book on a subject that is happening right now and that has affected everyone in some way, whether it is simply reading an article in your local newspaper or seeing new poppy-adorned crosses and laminated pictures placed at the foot of your hometown memorial or seeing yet another boy being brought home through the streets of Wootton Bassett.
It is obvious that this book does not have an agenda, to mouth-off and spout an opinion is easy, but I believe that depicting difficult issues from all perspectives and every moral standpoint that is much more commendable.
But if you can take anything from this book it is that there are no easy answers and everything falls into that shade of murky grey that often plagues history.
In his Author’s Note, Gibbons states that he is often asked why he chooses to write about such dark and bleak subjects (he wrote another novel about two young teenagers in love after the September 11th attacks) and he said:
“Well, you only enter a dark room if you think you can light the way out.”
Gibbons may not have answered the questions that he raises, but he asks them and that is the first step to lighting the room.
This book is not easy to read. It may not be easy to read but it’s a necessary one and one that should be read by all ages, not just teenagers.
You can read this review and lots of other exciting things on my blog here.
serendipity_viv's review against another edition
5.0
This book looks at the lives of two children from two different religions, Chris and Imran, who begin their childhood as sworn blood brothers. The story follows them through the next ten years where worldwide events begin to affect their friendship,driving a wedge between them and sending them on very different pathways. Chris joins the army, whilst Imran becomes involved with radicalists that want to stop the war their own way.
I was surprised how much I loved the book. I did worry when I saw the cover that it might not be for me, but how wrong I was. It actually made me want to read more about the war in Afghanistan and clarified my ignorance on a war that has raged for so long. I really enjoyed the way real life events are intertwined with the story, allowing you to see how events spiralled out of control within multiracial communities. It is a gritty read, that really made me think and open my eyes to a situation that really hasn't directly affected my life.
The story is told from two points of view, both Chris and Imran guide us through the events of the last ten years. Each giving their voice to their opinions and beliefs and why they made the decisions they did; I felt that this helped to remind me of the events of the last ten years. Chris's voice really stood out to me, especially the insightful passages set on patrol in the Helmund Province, a place I felt constantly alerted to by the media. Imran makes rash decisions but thankfully through the love of his family, he is able to turn them around. Some of the scenes were full of sadness and my compassionate side took over.
From the first couple of pages, I felt like I was on a time limit, an event was about to occur that would change people's lives if it happened and I needed to get to the end of the book to press the timer and save the lives of the people involved. The book moves at an extremely fast pace and you do find yourself holding your breath a little as the story reverts back to the present day.
It is not often that I read a book and come away feeling guilty. Feeling guilty about my own ignorance. My ignorance over a war that rarely interfered with my own life. This book brings historical moments from the last ten years back into focus, with a clear indication at how they affected real lives. I can remember exactly where I was for 9/11 and 7/7 but they never really affected my life directly. This book shows us the real effects of these events; the reaction to the Muslims who have lived all their lives in England is terrible, the way they became targets for their beliefs after events occurred thousands of miles away.
This book should be on every reading list in every secondary school. This book gives teenagers a real account of how the war in Afghanistan actually affected the people around the world. It is a powerful read that leaves you with questions and reflections about the past ten years. I would even petition for it to be included as part of school reading lists. The teenagers of today should be reading this to put their own lives into perspective and to realise how lucky they are to be living in the UK.
I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this book and would happily encourage adults and teenagers alike to read it. An excellent, well written, hard hitting book to make you sit up and take notice.
I was surprised how much I loved the book. I did worry when I saw the cover that it might not be for me, but how wrong I was. It actually made me want to read more about the war in Afghanistan and clarified my ignorance on a war that has raged for so long. I really enjoyed the way real life events are intertwined with the story, allowing you to see how events spiralled out of control within multiracial communities. It is a gritty read, that really made me think and open my eyes to a situation that really hasn't directly affected my life.
The story is told from two points of view, both Chris and Imran guide us through the events of the last ten years. Each giving their voice to their opinions and beliefs and why they made the decisions they did; I felt that this helped to remind me of the events of the last ten years. Chris's voice really stood out to me, especially the insightful passages set on patrol in the Helmund Province, a place I felt constantly alerted to by the media. Imran makes rash decisions but thankfully through the love of his family, he is able to turn them around. Some of the scenes were full of sadness and my compassionate side took over.
From the first couple of pages, I felt like I was on a time limit, an event was about to occur that would change people's lives if it happened and I needed to get to the end of the book to press the timer and save the lives of the people involved. The book moves at an extremely fast pace and you do find yourself holding your breath a little as the story reverts back to the present day.
It is not often that I read a book and come away feeling guilty. Feeling guilty about my own ignorance. My ignorance over a war that rarely interfered with my own life. This book brings historical moments from the last ten years back into focus, with a clear indication at how they affected real lives. I can remember exactly where I was for 9/11 and 7/7 but they never really affected my life directly. This book shows us the real effects of these events; the reaction to the Muslims who have lived all their lives in England is terrible, the way they became targets for their beliefs after events occurred thousands of miles away.
This book should be on every reading list in every secondary school. This book gives teenagers a real account of how the war in Afghanistan actually affected the people around the world. It is a powerful read that leaves you with questions and reflections about the past ten years. I would even petition for it to be included as part of school reading lists. The teenagers of today should be reading this to put their own lives into perspective and to realise how lucky they are to be living in the UK.
I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this book and would happily encourage adults and teenagers alike to read it. An excellent, well written, hard hitting book to make you sit up and take notice.
veebutts's review
1.0
I was optimistic about this book when I picked it up, as I felt that it could provide a much needed message to children regarding prejudice and racism.
Sadly, I felt that this book only managed to convey tired cliches surrounding 9/11 and the British reaction to Muslims.
I would not recommend this book for children, as I feel it still managed to portray the Muslim faith in a very negative light, and that it contained far too much political information that children don't need to know and wouldn't be interested in. It seemed to me that the author kept forgetting that he was writing for children and spent too much time lingering on subjects that wouldn't appeal to his supposed demographic, and not enough time building the relationshiop between the two boys.
Overall, it was disappointing.
Sadly, I felt that this book only managed to convey tired cliches surrounding 9/11 and the British reaction to Muslims.
I would not recommend this book for children, as I feel it still managed to portray the Muslim faith in a very negative light, and that it contained far too much political information that children don't need to know and wouldn't be interested in. It seemed to me that the author kept forgetting that he was writing for children and spent too much time lingering on subjects that wouldn't appeal to his supposed demographic, and not enough time building the relationshiop between the two boys.
Overall, it was disappointing.
bethkemp's review
4.0
This novel deals with important contemporary issues of identity, terrorism and the radicalisation of teens by means of good honest storytelling. Yes, I appreciated the insight I gained into how kids can be driven into some difficult-to-understand paths, but this is achieved by stealth: what gripped me and pulled me along was the story of a friendship. I simply had to know what would happen between the two boys.
The narration adds a further layer of interest and drama. The novel begins close to the end of the story with an impending disaster, and then unravels through sections covering different times. This is what makes the book a thriller for me: from the very start, we know where it's all heading and the question is how could it get there (and, of course, how is it all going to end?). As well as switching times, the point of view shifts, with first-person narration from Chris and third-person narration from Imran's perspective, as well as occasional sections from other points of view.
If you think this sounds complicated, it is, but it's handled masterfully. Sections are all clearly signalled with headings telling us whose story it is and the date. In the hands of a lesser writer, this complex narrative style could have made the story difficult to follow, but Gibbons' firm grip on all the threads means the telling affords us a closer relationship with both boys, and our sympathies are constantly pulled. Providing both sides with a voice demonstrates the simplicity of the rhetoric on both sides, and allows us to understand in a way that a simpler or more direct style couldn't achieve. Gibbons doesn't preach, lecture or tell us what to think, which is of course always important, but even more so in the YA market.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and believe it has an important contemporary message. Its strength lies in its skilful storytelling, which will allow it to touch its audience and engage them with the issues at a personal level.
Thank you to Orion Books for sending this book for review.
The narration adds a further layer of interest and drama. The novel begins close to the end of the story with an impending disaster, and then unravels through sections covering different times. This is what makes the book a thriller for me: from the very start, we know where it's all heading and the question is how could it get there (and, of course, how is it all going to end?). As well as switching times, the point of view shifts, with first-person narration from Chris and third-person narration from Imran's perspective, as well as occasional sections from other points of view.
If you think this sounds complicated, it is, but it's handled masterfully. Sections are all clearly signalled with headings telling us whose story it is and the date. In the hands of a lesser writer, this complex narrative style could have made the story difficult to follow, but Gibbons' firm grip on all the threads means the telling affords us a closer relationship with both boys, and our sympathies are constantly pulled. Providing both sides with a voice demonstrates the simplicity of the rhetoric on both sides, and allows us to understand in a way that a simpler or more direct style couldn't achieve. Gibbons doesn't preach, lecture or tell us what to think, which is of course always important, but even more so in the YA market.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and believe it has an important contemporary message. Its strength lies in its skilful storytelling, which will allow it to touch its audience and engage them with the issues at a personal level.
Thank you to Orion Books for sending this book for review.
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