Review by bookishllly - The Sunflower Boys

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bookishllly 's review for:

The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman

5.0

emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: N/A

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

A poignant, immersive and mixed tale of innocence, childhood, loss, war and violence. A devastating story of how things can change suddenly. Of how the rug can be pulled out from under you. An unraveling of the peace you know.

This touching coming of age story follows 12 year old Artem and his simple life in Ukraine with his mother and brother and his relationship with his best friend, Viktor and his family. It continued with the horrors of the Russian invasion and his journey to a new life in the US.

The Sunflower Boys is based on the real life stories/experiences of some of the author’s friends. I loved the author’s storytelling. His style is beautiful and direct. The dramatisation is very real and immersive.

I loved how the book started with the introduction of all the main characters and the ease and quiet of life in Ukraine which set the tone for the bond between Artem and Viktor. The part about the war from the perspective of a pre-teen will stay with me a long time.

I received an advanced copy of this book and the review is mine and voluntary.

Content Warnings