I chose to read Head on Backwards, Chest full of Sand as a member of Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team. I received a copy of the book from the author but this does not affect my review.
Livvy (definitely not Libby!) is a young woman who goes to stay with her aunt, Donna, in Cape Breton. She describes it as a wildly romantic and artistic place, not unlike Livvy herself, who is a poet and besotted with the love of her life, Kane.
The idea is, as far as Livvy is concerned, that she will write to Kane, back in Ontario, telling him all about the place and he will follow her out there. No one knows of their intention to stay out in Cape Breton together, especially not her parents who are not supportive of the relationship, and Livvy is relieved to get to be with Donna, one of her best friends, and someone who understands her.
Livvy spends time with her cousins, Hellah and Piers, and where one relationship strengthens the other becomes more distant, and it’s not hard to see why. Livvy is obsessed with Kane and I could imagine those around her rolling their eyes as yet another tale about him began. She writes to him every day, at least once, as well as penning copious amounts of poetry. The cracks soon start to appear though as we see that all is not as it seems with this relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s relatively short at 121 pages but filled with teenage angst and I felt for Livvy as it became clear, to the reader at least, what was going on. The writing is excellent and flowed with wonderful light touch descriptions that told me all I needed to know. Recommended for all those who like a well told tale.
Thank you Georgia.
You’re welcome, Rosie.
I love YA and shorter works. This sounds interesting, Georgia, thanks for sharing. On my TBR list. (And what a beautiful cover!)
Thanks, Sarah. I hope you enjoy it. I loved the cover too, so pretty.
[…] I previously read Head on Backwards, Chest Full of Sand by Sandy Day and you can read that review HERE. […]