Helpful Score: 3
I'm sure a lot of readers found the narrative voice of this novel off-putting. The story is being told by eight year old Sebbie in the late 90's. I don't believe Sebbie is identified as autistic as such in the book, but is definitely an unusual young man.
As the story evolves, the loss of his mother and the repercussions become the central theme. If you remember what it's like to be little and that vibrant inner monologue that children have about why things are the way they are...or the constant curiosity they have...you may appreciate Sebbie's perspective more keenly.
It's a quick and easy read. I found it a pleasant change to see the world through the eyes of an innocent.
As the story evolves, the loss of his mother and the repercussions become the central theme. If you remember what it's like to be little and that vibrant inner monologue that children have about why things are the way they are...or the constant curiosity they have...you may appreciate Sebbie's perspective more keenly.
It's a quick and easy read. I found it a pleasant change to see the world through the eyes of an innocent.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a dark yet beautiful book, narrated by the insightful, intuitive and confused 8-year old Sebby. It's a horrible scenario to imagine, losing one's mother at such a young age. Sebby's descriptions of trying to "block everything out" are uncomfortable to read at times, the silent suffering of a child.
But Sebby's character grows throughout the book, and his family -- father, brother, sister -- go through a new phase of their own (here I don't want to spoil the book).
I had a hard time putting this one down, Brinkman draws you in immediately and with swift prose makes you believe this is an 8-year-old talking. This is one of those books that makes you a part of it, willingly or not.
You will not finish this book without strong feelings of your own family, I am sure. The universal messages are there. Brinkman's writing is a delight that will captivate you and keep you hooked.
But Sebby's character grows throughout the book, and his family -- father, brother, sister -- go through a new phase of their own (here I don't want to spoil the book).
I had a hard time putting this one down, Brinkman draws you in immediately and with swift prose makes you believe this is an 8-year-old talking. This is one of those books that makes you a part of it, willingly or not.
You will not finish this book without strong feelings of your own family, I am sure. The universal messages are there. Brinkman's writing is a delight that will captivate you and keep you hooked.
