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A review by katykelly
The Half-Life of Love by Brianna Bourne
5.0
Genuinely moving YA love-and-death story.
Really very touching, a few tears were shed throughout this. As a parent I felt for the adults in this, but I empathised with Flint and September as well.
Who couldn't? Flint half-lifed at 8. As everyone does in his world, a twinge and reaction that means you know your life is half-over. Meaning for him - death at 16. Before graduation, before he's had a chance to live. So he doesn't. He's been waiting nearly 8 years for the end to come, not getting close to anyone, even pushing his parents away.
In the town he's returned to for his last weeks, September is feverishly working to try and 'cure' this half-life and help people live past their pre-determined death day. Like her adored sister... who died the previous year after half-lifing at the age of 2.
It's a tragic set-up, intriguing and sob-inducing. And could be rather mawkish and cheesy. But it isn't at all. Flint is a realistic loner/angry/bitter teen. September is a driven, emotionally-tight scientist focused on one thing, above grief and family and her own teenage life.
Which makes it all the more heart-breaking and bittersweet when they meet, unaware of their similarities and connections, and feel attraction, despite everything they are trying to prevent.
There are some lovely descriptions of burgeoning young love and desire, some upsetting preparations, discussions and reflections on death.
I found the whole premise fascinating and the book didn't stint on trying to explain how the Half-Life works, so it wasn't too contrived or unaccounted for.
You want Flint to live, you want September to find a cure, you want their story to continue. But you also know what life is really like and it's a tearing feeling, not knowing how the tale will play out. It's very well judged by Bourne, sensitively handled and a very moving end.
Wonderful stuff. For ages 13+.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.
Really very touching, a few tears were shed throughout this. As a parent I felt for the adults in this, but I empathised with Flint and September as well.
Who couldn't? Flint half-lifed at 8. As everyone does in his world, a twinge and reaction that means you know your life is half-over. Meaning for him - death at 16. Before graduation, before he's had a chance to live. So he doesn't. He's been waiting nearly 8 years for the end to come, not getting close to anyone, even pushing his parents away.
In the town he's returned to for his last weeks, September is feverishly working to try and 'cure' this half-life and help people live past their pre-determined death day. Like her adored sister... who died the previous year after half-lifing at the age of 2.
It's a tragic set-up, intriguing and sob-inducing. And could be rather mawkish and cheesy. But it isn't at all. Flint is a realistic loner/angry/bitter teen. September is a driven, emotionally-tight scientist focused on one thing, above grief and family and her own teenage life.
Which makes it all the more heart-breaking and bittersweet when they meet, unaware of their similarities and connections, and feel attraction, despite everything they are trying to prevent.
There are some lovely descriptions of burgeoning young love and desire, some upsetting preparations, discussions and reflections on death.
I found the whole premise fascinating and the book didn't stint on trying to explain how the Half-Life works, so it wasn't too contrived or unaccounted for.
You want Flint to live, you want September to find a cure, you want their story to continue. But you also know what life is really like and it's a tearing feeling, not knowing how the tale will play out. It's very well judged by Bourne, sensitively handled and a very moving end.
Wonderful stuff. For ages 13+.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.