This moving novel took me into the emotional world of fourteen year old June Elbus. Set in the late 80‘s, June is struggling with the news that her beloved Uncle Finn (a highly acclaimed artist) is dying of AIDS. Adding to her misery, her sixteen year old sister Greta - whom she had always been close with - has become distant and remote. Finn decides that he must paint one more painting before he dies. It will be a portrait of June and Greta. The completed painting sparks a mystery and holds an unknown secret. The gradual introduction of Uncle Finn’s boyfriend Toby and the unlikely friendship that follows adds an interesting plot twist to the story. A roller-coaster of emotions including love, hate, denial, acceptance and finally forgiveness are woven within the pages. The poignant final revelations created a simply beautiful ending. With a talented hand, the author has written a compelling story about complex relationships and the strong emotions that kept them tied together in the end.
Paperback, 355 pages
Published June 2012 by PanMacmillan
ISBN 1447202139
Hi Suzanne, Thanks for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteI love to read. I read constangly through high school but after I became and adult I stopped. But just over the last couple of years I've started again because I found it so much easier to read with my IPad. I love how it is backlite and you can change the size of the font! I need to start a new book now. I joined your blog. It puts me under my other blog becasue it only allows me to sign in under one of them.