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February 2017 NewGen Book of the Month.
In a nutshell: unputdownable story, beautifully told | Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan are two of our most garlanded YA authors: she won the 2016 Carnegie Medal, the UK’s top children’s book award; he has just been awarded the 2016 Costa Children’s Book Award. In this fine and extremely moving novel, they share the writing honours. The narrative is split between two young protagonists, English Jess, whose lines are written by Crossan, and Nicu, newly arrived from Romania, voiced by Conaghan. The two meet on a programme for young offenders and secretly, necessarily without the knowledge of friends and family, become close. We suspect it’s unlikely things will end well for these star-cross’d lovers but the authors keep us hoping for the happy ending we want for them and to the very last page. Nicu’s narrative in particular lightens the tone, sharp and often funny, his interior monologues disarmingly honest. The authors have chosen to write in blank verse, and it strips setting and emotions to the absolute essence, succinctly creating the dull North London streets, and distilling the characters’ experiences and emotions into spare, shining lines. Highly recommended. ~ Andrea Reece
Reader Reviews
Kids love to read and so in addition to the review by one of the Lovereading4kids editorial experts some of our Lovereading4kids Reader Review Panel members were also lucky enough to read and review this title. Click here to read their full reviews.
- Humaira, age 18 - 'I think this book is an important one. It's more than two kids falling in love. It's about how we see people and accept them for who they are...I love that no words were wasted telling this story. Truly beautiful and captivating.'
- Rosa Boran, age 17 - 'A wonderful love story featuring two very damaged young people who blossom when they find one another. A gem.'
- Rebekah Marsh, age 14 - 'I was unable to loosen my grip on it for hours - a totally inspirational and unique read that will never be topped by another young adult novel.'
- Sofia, age 17 - 'A heart-breaking portrayal of friendship, love and being different.'
- Edel Waugh - 'I recommend this to all fans of a good tearjerker.'
- Bethan Scarr, age 15 - 'A read in one sitting, with intriguing characters who you really get to know.'
- Ruth Ward, Library & Resources Manager, Great Torrington School - 'The writing flows with a beautiful rhythm yet the story is as bittersweet as it could be. Recommended!'
Synopsis
We Come Apart by Sarah Crossan, Brian Conaghan
Jess would never have looked twice at Nicu if her friends hadn't left her in the lurch. Nicu is all big eyes and ill-fitting clothes, eager as a puppy, even when they're picking up litter in the park for community service. He's so not her type. Appearances matter to Jess. She's got a lot to hide.
Nicu thinks Jess is beautiful. His dad brought Nicu and his mum here for a better life, but now all they talk about is going back home to find Nicu a wife. The last thing Nicu wants is to get married. He wants to get educated, do better, stay here in England. But his dad's fists are the most powerful force in Nicu's life, and in the end, he'll have to do what his dad wants.
As Nicu and Jess get closer, their secrets come to the surface like bruises. The only safe place they have is with each other. But they can't be together, forever, and stay safe - can they? An extraordinary, high-impact, high-emotion collaboration between two Carnegie honoured rising stars of YA.
Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan first met at a dinner to celebrate their respective books being shortlisted for the 2015 CILIP Carnegie Medal. After meeting only once the two began to write a collaborative novel, told in verse. Sending chapters back and forth on WhatsApp Sarah and Brian created the extraordinary We Come Apart.
Reviews
This is a verse novel, consummately crafted, where the position of each word on the page is as important as its meaning... a beautiful tale of love, hope and survival Guardian
Complex and original...The outlook may seem bleak, but don't be put off: this beautifully crafted novel has genuine joy at its heart for the light and hope that friendship can bring in a chaotic, unpredictable world Observer
It crams into its two vivid voices ideas about prejudice, immigration, forced marriage, abuse and poverty, and movingly transcends issues to feel universal Sunday Times
Extraordinarily gripping Irish Independent
Praise for One:
This is a strikingly brave, sensitive and unusual book that pack such a powerful emotional punch, I defy anyone not to weep at the end Daily Mail
One of the most powerful as well as the most unusual novels of the year Independent on Sunday
Read, think, enjoy and weep, because the novel is quite simply an achingly sad and beautiful story about what makes any of us human Telegraph
Praise for When Mr Dog Bites:
Beautifully observed and hilariously uncomfortable Guardian
This is a portrayal of young male bonding, complete with all the lively banter of true camaraderies, at its most tender and affectionate Irish Times
An outstanding debut, packed with energy and a brilliant distinctive voice Bookseller
Surprising and charming Observer
About the Author
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Book Info
Publication date
9th February 2017Author
Sarah Crossan, Brian ConaghanMore books by Sarah Crossan, Brian Conaghan
Author 'Like for Like'
recommendations
Author's Website
www.sarahcrossan.comPublisher
Bloomsbury Publishing PLCFormat
Hardback336 pages
Categories
NewGen - YA FictionBooks of the MontheBook Favourites
Romance & relationships stories (Children's / Teenage)ISBN
9781408878859For me, to read is to learn, to reflect, to escape, to think, to contemplate and my time for space and calm.
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