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angelo_vossen 's review for:
I'll Give You the Sun
by Jandy Nelson
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jandy Nelson’s „I’ll Give You the Sun“ is a luminous, emotionally charged novel that masterfully explores themes of grief, identity, love, art, and forgiveness. Told in alternating perspectives by twin siblings Noah and Jude, the story unfolds in a fragmented but deeply poetic narrative, revealing how tragedy and secrets have reshaped their once-inseparable bond.
Noah narrates the earlier timeline, a sensitive, closeted artist struggling with adolescence and his burgeoning feelings for the boy next door. Jude, speaking from a few years later, is broken in her own way — wrestling with guilt, family silence, and her connection to the spiritual world and art school. As their stories gradually interlace, the novel builds toward a cathartic reconciliation and rediscovery of truth.
Nelson’s prose is uniquely lyrical, filled with vivid metaphors and emotional intensity. The internal worlds of the twins are surreal and rich, especially Noah’s imaginative vision of painting his every feeling. This style won’t be for everyone — it leans toward the dramatic and whimsical — but for readers who embrace it, the book offers a deeply immersive and moving experience.
What truly sets „I’ll Give You the Sun“ apart is its authenticity. The characters are flawed and raw, and the emotions—love, jealousy, loss—resonate with striking honesty. It’s not just a story about romantic love, but also about familial love, artistic passion, and self-acceptance.
„I’ll Give You the Sun“ is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching novel that captures the intensity of adolescence and the power of forgiveness. Perfect for fans of contemporary YA fiction who appreciate lyrical storytelling and emotionally complex characters.
Noah narrates the earlier timeline, a sensitive, closeted artist struggling with adolescence and his burgeoning feelings for the boy next door. Jude, speaking from a few years later, is broken in her own way — wrestling with guilt, family silence, and her connection to the spiritual world and art school. As their stories gradually interlace, the novel builds toward a cathartic reconciliation and rediscovery of truth.
Nelson’s prose is uniquely lyrical, filled with vivid metaphors and emotional intensity. The internal worlds of the twins are surreal and rich, especially Noah’s imaginative vision of painting his every feeling. This style won’t be for everyone — it leans toward the dramatic and whimsical — but for readers who embrace it, the book offers a deeply immersive and moving experience.
What truly sets „I’ll Give You the Sun“ apart is its authenticity. The characters are flawed and raw, and the emotions—love, jealousy, loss—resonate with striking honesty. It’s not just a story about romantic love, but also about familial love, artistic passion, and self-acceptance.
„I’ll Give You the Sun“ is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching novel that captures the intensity of adolescence and the power of forgiveness. Perfect for fans of contemporary YA fiction who appreciate lyrical storytelling and emotionally complex characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Alcohol
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Cancer, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Outing