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A review by annettebooksofhopeanddreams
The Supreme Lie by Geraldine McCaughrean
4.0
I've been reading a lot of middle grades lately. I've also been reading a lot of New Adult lately. However, the young adults actually written for the young young adults, that has been a while. One could even argue if this is a young adult. Yes, the main character (one of the) is 15 going on 16, but a lot of typical young adult themes, like first love and first kisses and stuff like that, are not explored. However, I would say that's a positive. I'm very happy Book Box Club picked this book!
Mostly because the book does an amazing job portraying everything that happens to a country when disaster knocks on the door. Of course there's politics in this book, in its most ugly form, but the book is actually focussing mostly on human behavior when the worst happens. What do people do when there are ways to profit, to lie, to riot, to steal and to kill? And what do people do who are trapped in that game with everything to lose and nothing to win?
I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but I can say that McCaughrean doesn't shy away from the darker topics either. Without there being many details, which means that the book never becomes too heavy for the target audience, it does mention and show a lot of cruel things. Innocent animals are being killed, not all the people, and even the children, in this story make it and there are a few sickening moments that will leave a lasting impression for sure.
However, in between all that we have Gloria, the girl being 15 going on 16 who all of a sudden has to fake being the Suprema even though she knows nothing about politics and little about the ugly games people play. And we have a few amazing dogs, who tell us what's going on through their eyes. And especially Gloria grows so much in this story and learns so much! It's quite a joy, especially because she has such a beautiful heart.
A nice book with a few very valuable lessons too!
Mostly because the book does an amazing job portraying everything that happens to a country when disaster knocks on the door. Of course there's politics in this book, in its most ugly form, but the book is actually focussing mostly on human behavior when the worst happens. What do people do when there are ways to profit, to lie, to riot, to steal and to kill? And what do people do who are trapped in that game with everything to lose and nothing to win?
I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but I can say that McCaughrean doesn't shy away from the darker topics either. Without there being many details, which means that the book never becomes too heavy for the target audience, it does mention and show a lot of cruel things. Innocent animals are being killed, not all the people, and even the children, in this story make it and there are a few sickening moments that will leave a lasting impression for sure.
However, in between all that we have Gloria, the girl being 15 going on 16 who all of a sudden has to fake being the Suprema even though she knows nothing about politics and little about the ugly games people play. And we have a few amazing dogs, who tell us what's going on through their eyes. And especially Gloria grows so much in this story and learns so much! It's quite a joy, especially because she has such a beautiful heart.
A nice book with a few very valuable lessons too!