A review by serendipitysbooks
Boys Don't Cry by Fíona Scarlett

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 Oh my poor heart. I don’t think it will ever be the same after I read Boy’s Don’t Cry. It’s the story of two brothers, 12 year old Finn and 17 year old Joe. They are growing up impoverished in a block of flats in inner city Dublin. Their Dad drinks heavily, is involved in a local gang, and is abusive. Their mother tries to hold everything together but is overwhelmed and beaten down. Joe is a talented artist, has a scholarship to a private school, and is determined never to be like his father. But forces seem to be conspiring against him, and he really needs money to help a friend who is in debt to the gang. Meanwhile Finn has managed to stay delightfully childlike, innocent and naive in the best way. Until he is diagnosed with leukaemia.

Their story unfolds in two alternating timelines, one from Finn’s perspective and one from Joe’s. The prose is understated and almost stark, yet brilliantly and evocatively captures each brother’s struggles and emotions.

I really thought this was going to be a 5 star read for me. But it just fell short. Towards the end there was one pivotal scene and, despite rereading it three times, I’m still unclear exactly what happened. Reading other reviews indicates I’m not the only reader who struggled with this.

Regardless, I’d still highly recommend this book for its memorable characters who you’ll root for, a heartwarming example of brotherly love, and an unflinching yet not sensational depiction of place. This was a fantastic debut and I’ll be keen to read whatever Fíona Scarlett writes next. 
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