I'll Give You the Sun
by Jandy
Nelson
Sept 2014
(US) | Dial | $29.95 hb
We completely and utterly adore this book! I’ll Give You the Sun is the story of
twins, Noah and Jude. At thirteen they share everything - hopes, dreams, fears
and even artistic ambitions, but by the time they are sixteen they are barely
speaking to each other. I’ll Give You the Sun is the tale of how their
connection is broken and, ultimately, beautifully, healed.
Noah tells of the twins' early years, Jude of
those that come later, but each has only half the story right. It’s a
well-documented fact that twins can often share magical bonds – in this case,
that magic extends beyond, in the form of exceptional artistic talents. Woven
throughout are the threads of several deeply moving love stories, each one
complex, heartfelt and very real. It is in the unfolding and merging of the
twins' stories that the magic really happens; it's a meditation on art, life,
family, grief and how even the most broken of people can fix one another.
Reading this incredible young adult novel is
like discovering a wonderful secret or being given the best present you can
imagine. Each and every sentence feels profound, finds its way - soaringly -
into your chest. It’s like riding an amazing emotional rollercoaster, one
you'll never want to end!
Gushing though our review is, it's almost
impossible to explain how gorgeous I'll Give You the Sun is until you immerse
yourself in Nelson's carefully crafted characters - beautifully written, at
times even electric. With a unique, evocative language all of its own and full
of passion, joy, sorrow and intrigue, this book is so good that we are going
out on a limb and declaring it our favourite young adult book of the year. A
book to literally take your breath away.
