SWEET SORROW- David Nicholls
SWEET SORROW: a beautifully-penned coming of age tale of first love and parental struggles.
As always, David Nicholls has produced yet again a fantastically written novel that takes the reader on a journey. A journey that only a masterful storyteller can pave and bestow on its many readers. A little slow initially, it’s worth bearing with as Nicholls eases you into the story of 16 year old Charlie Lewis as he finds his way as a young adult during the summer following completion of school. Nicholls negotiates the twists and turns of an average teenager: exam pressure, family troubles/ parental relationships, future uncertainty and of course first love.
Throughout the story, it is clear that Nicholls has nailed the atmospheric uncertainty and awkwardness that is woven throughout the book- it showcases the range of emotions of Charlie and is a reminder to all of those confusing years that all teens go through trying to negotiate their path in life. Throughout the book the chapters bounce between Charlie’s home life and his first love Fran who he meets through an amateur dramatics company where he gets roped into an upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet. Initially the Shakespeare concept and the setting where you see the young couples relationship grow was at times rather slow to read and I found these chapters to be the ones I had to stick with- a personal preference as opposed to a criticism of Nicholls writing. However, the story of Charlie and his unconventional relationship with his dad was for me, and I’m sure others, a much deeper storyline that I was captivated by and how I became more emotionally involved in the story. The family dynamic wasn't one I could personally relate to but due to the way it was written I found myself connecting to it regardless of my own experiences growing up- a clear indication of Nicholls writing talent.
Nicholls biggest feat is how he draws it all together beautifully with a nostalgic reflection from Charlie’s older self and how he is able to develop conclusions beyond the expected- ultimately as the story ties up it is clear that this is more than just a story of first love in the simplest of terms. A cleverly written, emotive and atmospheric read.
I was kindly gifted this book by Hodder in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars.
As always, David Nicholls has produced yet again a fantastically written novel that takes the reader on a journey. A journey that only a masterful storyteller can pave and bestow on its many readers. A little slow initially, it’s worth bearing with as Nicholls eases you into the story of 16 year old Charlie Lewis as he finds his way as a young adult during the summer following completion of school. Nicholls negotiates the twists and turns of an average teenager: exam pressure, family troubles/ parental relationships, future uncertainty and of course first love.
Throughout the story, it is clear that Nicholls has nailed the atmospheric uncertainty and awkwardness that is woven throughout the book- it showcases the range of emotions of Charlie and is a reminder to all of those confusing years that all teens go through trying to negotiate their path in life. Throughout the book the chapters bounce between Charlie’s home life and his first love Fran who he meets through an amateur dramatics company where he gets roped into an upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet. Initially the Shakespeare concept and the setting where you see the young couples relationship grow was at times rather slow to read and I found these chapters to be the ones I had to stick with- a personal preference as opposed to a criticism of Nicholls writing. However, the story of Charlie and his unconventional relationship with his dad was for me, and I’m sure others, a much deeper storyline that I was captivated by and how I became more emotionally involved in the story. The family dynamic wasn't one I could personally relate to but due to the way it was written I found myself connecting to it regardless of my own experiences growing up- a clear indication of Nicholls writing talent.
Nicholls biggest feat is how he draws it all together beautifully with a nostalgic reflection from Charlie’s older self and how he is able to develop conclusions beyond the expected- ultimately as the story ties up it is clear that this is more than just a story of first love in the simplest of terms. A cleverly written, emotive and atmospheric read.
I was kindly gifted this book by Hodder in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars.
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