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A review by reneschaefer
Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I originally picked up Julia and the Shark because The Portobello Bookshop in Edinburgh had a stunning window for this book that made me immediately curious. Yesterday, I took it off my shelf to read it as a quick and easy break from To Paradise, thinking it being an illustrated children’s book it would be an easy, lighthearted story for an afternoon.
The book isn’t anything like that. It’s a stunning story of family, friendship, loss, mental illness and trauma that builds in the most beautiful way. The characters, writing and imagery is beautiful. The way the book uses form, prose, poetry and dialogue is nothing like I’ve seen before. And the illustrations are not only incredibly beautiful but also add another, deeper dimension to the story. 🐋
This book is definitely not just for children, please read it and don’t be put off by on what shelf it might sit on at the bookstore 💛
The book isn’t anything like that. It’s a stunning story of family, friendship, loss, mental illness and trauma that builds in the most beautiful way. The characters, writing and imagery is beautiful. The way the book uses form, prose, poetry and dialogue is nothing like I’ve seen before. And the illustrations are not only incredibly beautiful but also add another, deeper dimension to the story. 🐋
This book is definitely not just for children, please read it and don’t be put off by on what shelf it might sit on at the bookstore 💛
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Suicide attempt
Minor: Child death and Death of parent