A review by dherzey
Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

3.0

“That is the strangest thing about the world: how it looks so different from every point of view.”

Liesl and Po came to be as a product of Lauren Oliver's loss of her best friend. She further states that writing this book is not an escape but a way back in. And, indeed, this book felt like an assurance -- a comforting guide -- amidst a black and white world where the sun cannot quite reach out its golden light. In a way, too, this book is a journey in seeking out truth.

The plot of this book is simple yet it is beautifully and meaningfully written. Its characters are interesting, each with a sad background to their own persona. And its ending has that touch of bittersweetness to it. Everything is perfect and smooth, yet the problem is that, maybe, I'm too old for this.

“People need other people to feel things for them... it gets lonely to feel things all by yourself."

I never have a required age limit when it comes to reading books. I read everything my hands could grab; I read anything I find interesting and I read anything I could find. But alas! I think I'm a bit too old for this book. I'm not saying that it won't appeal for older readers, but I think I might have enjoyed this more if I'm a bit younger, new to this world of literature and still clueless about the magic of reading. There's also some 'grown-up' questions that I encountered while reading this, which I understand would not be a problem for the target audience of this book. I doubt I will even notice them if I'm like, nine.

I also find out that, unlike the older readers who've read this, Liesl and Po didn't affect me much as it intended. Maybe because, eventhough I find the characters interesting and brave, they somewhat feel flat because of the lack of inner monologue and development in their part. The ending, too, I think is not as bittersweet enough for me. And there's also the fact that I've heard familiar stories like this one quite a lot of times. But I think the main problem with this book is not actually the book itself, but the circumstances and myself.

"Coincidences; mix-ups; harmless mistakes and switches. And so a story is born."

Did I enjoy it? Yes, I did. It kept me up all night with its adorable story and its beautifully written prose and passages brimming with Lauren Oliver's tangible grief. It's that kind of tale that will make a very good bedtime story. It is the kind of tale too that doesn't picture the world as a happy place, but most of all, Liesl and Po is the kind of tale -- a way back in -- on how to bring back light into this dreary world.

3.5 stars