My Very First Verse Novel! | We Come Apart Review
Hey friends!
Today I thought I’d do a mini review of We Come Apart by Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan!
I hadn’t heard much about this books going in but I was
quite intrigued to see what would happen and decided to give it a try!
Book: We Come Apart
About the book.
Book: We Come Apart
Author: Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan
Pages: 320
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication date: March 2017
Australian RRP: $17.99
Publication date: March 2017
Australian RRP: $17.99
Synopsis: Nicu has emigrated from Romania and is struggling to find his place in his new home. Meanwhile, Jess's home life is overshadowed by violence. When Nicu and Jess meet, what starts out as friendship grows into romance as the two bond over their painful pasts and hopeful futures. But will they be able to save each other, let alone themselves? (source)
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Recommended for: Anyone 12+
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia for sending my a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and this is an honest review.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia for sending my a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and this is an honest review.
My thoughts.
I was really intrigued by this book because it was about an
immigrant boy, written in verse and I thought that would make for such a unique
reading experience! I was quite intrigued by the diverse aspects of this too
and the dual point of view!
Sadly, this one was a let-down. There were things I did like
about the book but it turned out to be quite unmemorable and average by the
time I put it down that a few days after reading it, I can’t even remember what
about it I had originally liked.
Firstly, the verse did nothing for me. It didn’t work well
with the writing style, which was quite plain and it felt unnecessary and
forced. There wasn’t much description because of this and it was quite hard to
picture the character. However, it did make it a tad easier to read and much
quicker.
Secondly, it is impossible to know who is talking. There are
NO chapter headers or different fonts to indicate which of the two characters
is talking or when their part ends so you are in a constant guessing game when
you begin. I finally figured out it starts with Jess’s chapter and the chapter
changes when there are three words CAPITAL
LETTERS and BOLD (like that).
Thirdly, the lack of description made it impossible to
connect with the characters. I felt nothing for them, especially Jess who I
didn’t like very much for her bratty attitude. You can feel a little for Nicu
who struggles with his English and fitting in to his new surroundings but not a
lot was explained (such as why he needed a wife). He also seemed a bit whiny to
me as he trailed after Jess even though she was clearly not interested. (Not a
spoiler, you figure this out pretty quick!)
The way Nicu was shown to be treated is absolutely appalling
though and I felt the authors did a decent job of portraying that. They also
managed to cover the struggles of immigration smoothly, even if it was hard to
connect with Nicu.
And of course, I cannot not talk about the ending! Not gonna
say more because it’ll spoil everything but watch out!
I didn’t dislike this book but it certainly wasn’t as good
as I hoped or very memorable!
OVERALL RATING:
★★
★★
Have you read this book? What did you think? And what are some other verse novels you've read or enjoyed? Let me know below!
26 happy thoughts
It's too bad that this one was a let down. I've read a few verse novels that I really loved, but it can be hard to connect to the characters. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this Lori! Glad you enjoyed it! <3
DeleteHmm. I don't read much in the way of verse novels--it's just a style that's never worked all that well for me--but it sounds like one I'd steer clear of. You gotta know who's talking!
ReplyDeleteRachel @ Paper Cuts
YES!
DeleteShame this one fell flat :( I've been scared to read novels written in verse because of the fear I won't be able to connect to them. I've never been the best at reading poetry.
ReplyDeleteYeah me neither but I want to try!
Deletesorry this did not work for you, I've never read verse. I have always been curious tho. I keep seeing not such great reviews of this one tho
ReplyDeleteAha yeah I just think this one wasn't for me sadly!
DeleteAw, I'm sorry you didn't like this book! Honestly, I can't think of any books written in verse that I've enjoyed.. it's just not my thing, so I will be skipping this one. I really appreciate your thoughts! Fantastic post :D
ReplyDeleteBrittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles
Thank you so much Brittany! You're too kind!
DeleteGreat review (and beautiful pictures)! I have an ARC of this that I haven't read yet, and for whatever reason I hadn't even realized that it was in verse. I have read several other novels in verse, and while some of them worked, some of them didn't really manage to make the style work out, so I'm on the fence about this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kelly! And I think if you enjoy verse novels you might like it but for me, it just wasn't my cup of tea!
DeleteI haven't read a ton of books in verse, but I liked the ones I have read. I especially liked Sonya Sones' books. I am sorry to hear you didn't enjoy this, but at least you got some great pictures.
ReplyDeleteSam @ WLABB
Thank you so much Sam!
DeleteI've never tried verse novels, and hearing you say this means that it probably isn't best for me to start with this as my first verse novel. Great review though, Anisha!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steph! <3
DeleteYeah honestly, I wasn't such a fan either. But don't give up on verse novels!! Some of them are really incredibly. Ellen Hopkins does them really well, and I loved ONE by Sarah Crossan.
ReplyDeleteOOOh I shall try those out! Thanks Emily!
DeleteThe ending really destroyed this one for me too Anisha. I like verse novels, an author who writes Australian YA verse beautifully is Steven Herrick. It's a mark of a great author who can create a story with so few words. I couldn't connect with Jess either unfortunately, Nicu was lovely but I was concerned about his representation considering both authors are white. Wonderful review Anisha and sorry you couldn't have enjoyed this one a little more <3
ReplyDeleteAha I shall try those out! And yes, the representation didn't feel 'deep' enough if you know what I mean!
DeleteOOOH! This was my first verse book as well, and I read it all in one sitting and I rather liked it!
ReplyDeleteWhile I wish it all wasn't SO DRASTIC at then end, my heart really broke for Nicu and everything that he was going through. It was a super fast read though.
Aditi @ http://athousandwordsamillionbooks.blogspot.in/
YES I DID FEEL QUITE SADDENED BY THE ENDING! I hope there is something for them out there though after the events of the novel! *crosses fingers*
DeleteAwww, it sucks this ended up being a big let down. I'm always on the lookout for novels written in verse because I've read some great ones but, yeah, this one doesn't sound like one I would enjoy either. As for novels written in verse that I've enjoyed, Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder is one of my favorites. It's pretty good if you like something a bit sad with paranormal aspects. And although I haven't read any of her books yet I've heard Ellen Hopkins writes great ones. Anyway! Lovely review. :)
ReplyDeleteI will try that one out because it sounds super cool! Thanks so much for the rec Melissa and for reading too! <3
DeleteI was really excited to read this but after this review I think I might pass!
ReplyDeleteAha yeah! Thanks for reading anyway!
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