My Very First Verse Novel! | We Come Apart Review

by - Sunday, April 09, 2017

We Come Apart Book Review | sprinkledpages


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!

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
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.


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!

We Come Apart Book Review | sprinkledpages

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!)

We Come Apart Book Review | sprinkledpages

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! 

You May Also Like

26 happy thoughts

  1. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for this Lori! Glad you enjoyed it! <3

      Delete
  2. Hmm. 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!

    Rachel @ Paper Cuts

    ReplyDelete
  3. Shame 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.

    ReplyDelete
  4. sorry 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aha yeah I just think this one wasn't for me sadly!

      Delete
  5. Aw, 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

    Brittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Brittany! You're too kind!

      Delete
  6. Great 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks 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!

      Delete
  7. I 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.
    Sam @ WLABB

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'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!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yeah 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OOOh I shall try those out! Thanks Emily!

      Delete
  10. The 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aha I shall try those out! And yes, the representation didn't feel 'deep' enough if you know what I mean!

      Delete
  11. OOOH! This was my first verse book as well, and I read it all in one sitting and I rather liked it!

    While 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/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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*

      Delete
  12. Awww, 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. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will try that one out because it sounds super cool! Thanks so much for the rec Melissa and for reading too! <3

      Delete
  13. I was really excited to read this but after this review I think I might pass!

    ReplyDelete

Leave me a comment below! And feel free to leave your website URL so I can come visit!