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A review by heather_lt
The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drake
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is such a difficult book for me to review. I liked it but I also didn't like it, which is an odd experience. Mostly didn't like it because I'm not a fan of contemporary fiction at the best of times and I enjoy YA contemporaries even less. Which isn't really the story's fault.
What made me pick up this book was the mention of a search for a shipwreck, but really it was less about finding a shipwreck and more about fixing the wreck that is the Larkin family. Which is fine. It was the only thing I liked about this story - the multitude of issues it addresses. Mental illness runs rampant in this fictional family and the main character, a teenage girl named Violet, struggles to specifically cope with her little brother's suicide attempt. This book freaked me the heck out because I had no idea it was going to be so relatable to my current life. A case of right book at the right time. I related to Violet so much as my brother attempted suicide too and it touched a raw nerve. It made me... uncomfortable. Shocked me into thinking about it rather than burying it amongst the shit show that was 2020. I appreciate this book for that at least.
On a more objective level, it's angsty. Full of teenagers doing teenage stuff. And a sort-of love triangle. Didn't appreciate that thread of the story. But it is well written and packs an emotional punch. Another reviewer said "my heart grew bigger after reading this" and I certainly agree with that sentiment!
What made me pick up this book was the mention of a search for a shipwreck, but really it was less about finding a shipwreck and more about fixing the wreck that is the Larkin family. Which is fine. It was the only thing I liked about this story - the multitude of issues it addresses. Mental illness runs rampant in this fictional family and the main character, a teenage girl named Violet, struggles to specifically cope with her little brother's suicide attempt. This book freaked me the heck out because I had no idea it was going to be so relatable to my current life. A case of right book at the right time. I related to Violet so much as my brother attempted suicide too and it touched a raw nerve. It made me... uncomfortable. Shocked me into thinking about it rather than burying it amongst the shit show that was 2020. I appreciate this book for that at least.
On a more objective level, it's angsty. Full of teenagers doing teenage stuff. And a sort-of love triangle. Didn't appreciate that thread of the story. But it is well written and packs an emotional punch. Another reviewer said "my heart grew bigger after reading this" and I certainly agree with that sentiment!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt