Wednesday 16 December 2009

Love, Aubrey - Suzanne LaFleur

Love, Aubrey - Suzanne LaFleur

Pages: 262
Publisher: Puffin
Release Date: 25th June 2009

Something heartbreaking has happened. Eleven-year-old Aubrey is on her own.

'It was fun at first, playing house. Nothing to think about but TV and cheese. A perfect world.’

She’s determined to hide away and take care of herself, because facing the truth is too much to bear.

‘I couldn’t let anyone know that I as alone. I was staying right here.’

But with the love of her grandmother and the letters she writes, can Aubrey begin to see that even though she’s lost everything - all is not lost?

Love, Aubrey is a heartbreaking tale of grief, loss and, ultimately, hope. You’d never guess that this is Suzanne LaFleur’s first novel. It’s beautifully written.

Though Aubrey is a much younger protagonist than I usually read about, she quickly became one of my favourites. Her voice is one that I connected with immediately and I felt like I was riding the wave of her emotions along with her. Sometimes, Aubrey was far more mature than her eleven years, having to make decisions that a child should never have to make. But she also hated doing certain chores, refused to get out of bed some days and liked to get messy. Aubrey is a completely loveable character.

Aubrey’s memories of before were scattered throughout Love, Aubrey along with her letter. I loved the insight they gave me into her life and family from before and also her innermost thoughts. What’s more, they showcased just how much she’d had to grow up. These were also the bits than made me cry!

But the thing about Love, Aubrey that captured me most was Suzanne LaFleur’s writing. Her effortless prose carried me through Aubrey’s story beautifully. The language wasn’t complex and the descriptions brought both the blistering heat of summer and bitter cold of winter in Vermont to life.

I loved every word of Love, Aubrey and I’ll read whatever else Suzanne LaFleur writes. She’s definitely an author to watch.
Sophie

9 comments:

  1. I agree, this is a wonderful book. I loved your review!

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  2. I'm so glad you enjoyed this - I knew you'd love it. Great review Soph!

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  3. Thanks for a great review. I haven't read many for this book.

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  4. What a lovely review! This book sounds excellent.

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  5. Thanks for the review! I really want to read this too, but admit I'm a bit scared to because it sounds like such a sad read? But I don't think I'll be able to resist it for long, especially after reading your review! ;)

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  6. I just read this too, and your review completely expresses the beauty of this book. Definitely the tear-jerker of the year.

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  7. Excellent review. I've never been sure about whether or not I should pick this book up. You've made up my mind.

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  8. I really like this book. I would like to find out if there are others to this series....

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