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A review by aurorasandsadnovels
Unbecoming by Jenny Downham
5.0
It's a rare book that can tackle the disparate issues of Alzheimer's and sexuality and do thoughtful and sensitive justice to both. It's an even rarer book that can do so in a way that provides wisdom and (realistic, relatable) comfort to a YA reader. This is that book.
Spanning three generations of women within one family, it's the story of the chaos caused by the unexpected arrival of Mary, long-absent grandmother, into Katie's life. Aside from trying to unearth the secrets behind Mary's disappearance from and reappearance in their lives, Katie has her own secrets and questions that she must decide whether she is ready to face.
Having not read 'Before I Die', I approached that book with no preconceptions about Downham as an author. I have been mightily impressed. The writing here is beautiful and hums with original imagery that had me rereading certain sentences over and over again. The narrative voices here, too, are thoughtfully and lovingly rendered.
This book feels important. I won't hesitate to recommend it to my students. I wish I'd been able to read it when I was 17.
Spanning three generations of women within one family, it's the story of the chaos caused by the unexpected arrival of Mary, long-absent grandmother, into Katie's life. Aside from trying to unearth the secrets behind Mary's disappearance from and reappearance in their lives, Katie has her own secrets and questions that she must decide whether she is ready to face.
Having not read 'Before I Die', I approached that book with no preconceptions about Downham as an author. I have been mightily impressed. The writing here is beautiful and hums with original imagery that had me rereading certain sentences over and over again. The narrative voices here, too, are thoughtfully and lovingly rendered.
This book feels important. I won't hesitate to recommend it to my students. I wish I'd been able to read it when I was 17.