I received a review copy from the publisher as part of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
Genre: Dystopia
Age Range: YA
Star Rating: 5 stars
Series: standalone
Blurb:
In the near future, in a world that could be, but is not quite, ours, sixteen-year-old Clem is happy. Celebrating her birthday surrounded by friends, family and a warm summer evening, there’s nothing that could ruin this day. But by morning, everything has changed . . .
After years of a growing totalitarian regime, civil unrest in London has reached an all-time high, and it’s no longer safe to stay in the city. Fleeing with nothing but her half-sister Billie, a notebook filled with stories and memories of home, Clem must make the treacherous journey to Edinburgh, first by road and then by boat. What waits for the sisters on the other side – the start of a new life, or a mirror held up to the past?
Blurb taken from Goodreads. Add to your shelves here. Read my interview with the author here.
Review:
THE THINGS WE LEAVE BEHIND is a thought-provoking, heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful tale of a country turning on itself and a young girl’s attempt to survive and find safety.
It’s a dystopian tale where a populist government takes power then does its best to ensure it cannot be overthrown, turning on “outsiders”. It is chillingly possible, drawing on recent political events to create a world that feels like only a few bad electoral votes away from reality. It makes for unsettling reading at times as you see things happen that are far too believable – some of which is already happening. It challenges you to think about what can be done to stop this – and how and why it feels so possible.
The story is split between Clem recounting what happened to her and Billie on their trip to Scotland and Clean struggling to find a new normal in Scotland, talking to a psychiatrist. I liked that juxtaposition as it shows just how much those experiences linger, how much work and kindness it takes from strangers to reach out to those in need – in a society that often looks away.
The big twist ending is heartbreaking. I predicted it about 67% in (because it felt like there was going to be something even more awful happen!) but even preparing myself for it didn’t make it hit any less. It’s so sad. However, there is hope at the end, a light at the end of the tunnel.
In all, it’s a brilliant tale that stays with you for a while after finishing the last page.
Read my interview with the author here.
Sifa Elizabeth Reads 