What do you think?
Rate this book
De dag van Eden
Als Eden op een dag niet op school aankomt, zet haar beste vriendin Jess alles op alles om haar te vinden. Niet lang geleden heeft Eden háár leven gered – nu moet zij hetzelfde doen. Jess vecht zich een weg door haar herinneringen, wanhopig op zoek naar een aanwijzing die haar naar Eden kan leiden. Maar door terug te blikken komen zorgvuldig begraven geheimen weer aan het licht…
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2016
12 people are currently reading
777 people want to read
About the author
Liz Flanagan
20 books54 followersLiz writes for children and young adults. She teaches creative writing, and lives in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, with her husband and two daughters. She used to be Centre Director at the Ted Hughes Arvon Centre, and previously worked in children's book publishing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
September 20, 2025
Words are influential, able to constructively and destructively affect both the speaker and the audience. Final words feel eerily efficacious; especially when there is absolutely no expectation that they are indeed, last words. Vicious, venomous verbalizations can compound an already catastrophic event. In and of itself, crippling in its cruel randomness; devastating and gut-wrenching when choked with guilt.
A cloud of culpability completely cloaked the sun inside of Eden just as its rays tentatively began to reach out again. Regret remained whenever she recalled begging her bestie, Jess, to walk her to the bus stop in a dismal downpour months ago. Of course, she did not commit the heinous hate-crime, nor could she have stopped it; but that knowledge isn’t enough to alleviate feeling at fault.
Being the best nurse-cheerleader-therapist-buddy that she could be, Eden was instrumental in Jess’s healing and found that she was also helping herself move forward and focus on the important matters. After all, she is a normal teen girl and she did catch the eye of the admittedly adorable Liam that Jess was always talking about.
Liam and Jess, comfortable chums and coffee-shop coworkers, both love Eden with the all-encompassing, unconditional, wholly-heart-felt love of fierce friendship. The bond built from “…looking after Eden all summer.” seems strong enough to support Eden indefinitely, until she disappears. Will their devotion, even when paired with resilient determination and dogged belief, be enough to find Eden?
“She’d gone inside herself, somewhere a long way down, and I didn’t know how to follow.”
Wonderfully woven with stunning, unique, yet complimentary, threads; Eden Summer is a familiar, but fresh fabric. Ms. Flanagan’s finesse in tackling two terrifying topics results in a relatable, engaging read that is as enjoyable as it is significant. Fast-paced with flashbacks filling in details, the story quickly captivates and keeps hold, even after “the end”.
This review was written for Buried Under Books by jv poore.
A cloud of culpability completely cloaked the sun inside of Eden just as its rays tentatively began to reach out again. Regret remained whenever she recalled begging her bestie, Jess, to walk her to the bus stop in a dismal downpour months ago. Of course, she did not commit the heinous hate-crime, nor could she have stopped it; but that knowledge isn’t enough to alleviate feeling at fault.
Being the best nurse-cheerleader-therapist-buddy that she could be, Eden was instrumental in Jess’s healing and found that she was also helping herself move forward and focus on the important matters. After all, she is a normal teen girl and she did catch the eye of the admittedly adorable Liam that Jess was always talking about.
Liam and Jess, comfortable chums and coffee-shop coworkers, both love Eden with the all-encompassing, unconditional, wholly-heart-felt love of fierce friendship. The bond built from “…looking after Eden all summer.” seems strong enough to support Eden indefinitely, until she disappears. Will their devotion, even when paired with resilient determination and dogged belief, be enough to find Eden?
“She’d gone inside herself, somewhere a long way down, and I didn’t know how to follow.”
Wonderfully woven with stunning, unique, yet complimentary, threads; Eden Summer is a familiar, but fresh fabric. Ms. Flanagan’s finesse in tackling two terrifying topics results in a relatable, engaging read that is as enjoyable as it is significant. Fast-paced with flashbacks filling in details, the story quickly captivates and keeps hold, even after “the end”.
This review was written for Buried Under Books by jv poore.
July 6, 2017
This is going to be pretty short, because unfortunately this was a bit of a let down. I was expecting deep emotional pain, an intriguing mystery, and a story of friendship and discovery. Unfortunately, everything got lost in unlikable characters and underdeveloped plot points.
Things I Liked :
Eden Summer is an emotionally packed story of grief, loss, friendship, and guilt. The emotions are there and genuine, if dramatized, but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters so I didn't really buy the emotions.
Things I Didn't Like :
I thought that Eden was pretty unlikable. I understand that she is dealing with a lot emotionally after her sister's death, but even before that she wasn't that nice of a person. I didn't care about her, so I never cared that she was missing - which was the entire point of the story.
I thought it took way too long to figure out the trauma that happened to Jess over the summer, and once we did figure it out I thought it was really stupid and unbelievable. I just didn't buy it.
One of my least favorite things, especially in YA is cheating. It's always unnecessary and makes the characters unlikeable.
While this wasn't really for me, I feel like a lot of people will really enjoy this story, so I would still recommend it. I skimmed a fair bit in the middle, but the end did have more emotional pull which was nice. This just didn't really do it for me.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Things I Liked :
Eden Summer is an emotionally packed story of grief, loss, friendship, and guilt. The emotions are there and genuine, if dramatized, but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters so I didn't really buy the emotions.
Things I Didn't Like :
I thought that Eden was pretty unlikable. I understand that she is dealing with a lot emotionally after her sister's death, but even before that she wasn't that nice of a person. I didn't care about her, so I never cared that she was missing - which was the entire point of the story.
I thought it took way too long to figure out the trauma that happened to Jess over the summer, and once we did figure it out I thought it was really stupid and unbelievable. I just didn't buy it.
One of my least favorite things, especially in YA is cheating. It's always unnecessary and makes the characters unlikeable.
While this wasn't really for me, I feel like a lot of people will really enjoy this story, so I would still recommend it. I skimmed a fair bit in the middle, but the end did have more emotional pull which was nice. This just didn't really do it for me.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2019
Ik vond dit boek echt heel goed geschreven. Met een eind dat ik niet had verwacht. 4 sterren!
March 11, 2017
I thought this book was really awesome. It is a perfect example of what I want from good a UKYA novel
I loved the characters because they felt so real. Their story made me feel like a teenager again in the way it just captured that essence of being young and confused and angry. I thought how it did pain grief and suffering was really poignant.
I loved how the story kept me guessing throughout as you start to work out both what happened in the recent past but also where it is that Eden might be. It was effortless to read. This is a good thing. I hate novels that feel like a real slog to get through. I want my books to be a pleasure to read. This book was an utter pleasure as the writing flowed beautifully meaning I zoomed through in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down.
All in all a perfect example of the brilliance of UKYA. I'll be very impatiently waiting for Liz's next book.
I loved the characters because they felt so real. Their story made me feel like a teenager again in the way it just captured that essence of being young and confused and angry. I thought how it did pain grief and suffering was really poignant.
I loved how the story kept me guessing throughout as you start to work out both what happened in the recent past but also where it is that Eden might be. It was effortless to read. This is a good thing. I hate novels that feel like a real slog to get through. I want my books to be a pleasure to read. This book was an utter pleasure as the writing flowed beautifully meaning I zoomed through in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down.
All in all a perfect example of the brilliance of UKYA. I'll be very impatiently waiting for Liz's next book.
August 3, 2017
Although there are two emotionally charged story lines included in this book, Eden Summer did not move me as much as I expected. Part of the reason was that Eden herself was not very likeable, but it was also because the author took so much time to get to the heart of the matter. Between the time shifts and the exhaustively slow reveal, I lost interest in both of the backstories. In a genre full of books about pain, violence, and even hope for the future, Eden Summer just does not stand out.
March 8, 2017
Eine Geschichte, die nach hinten raus unglaublich gut wird! Nachdem Edens Schwester gestorben ist, ist Eden traurig. Mehr als das, sie kommt mit ihrem Leben so gar nicht mehr zurecht und verschwindet irgendwann spurlos. Ihre Freunde machen sich große Sorgen und haben das Gefühl, sie im Stich gelassen zu haben, obwohl sie so gut es ging, für sie da waren.
Am Anfang versprach das Buch noch nicht so viel. Allerdings wurde es aber der Hälfte richtig spannend und das letzte Drittel war dann wirklich unfassbar gut! In dem Buch steckt eine schöne, traurige und spannende Geschichte, darin steckt Gelächter, stecken Tränen und Gewalt, Angst, Einsamkeit, Verlust, Liebe, Freundschaft, Hoffnungslosigkeit und Hoffnung. Das Buch birgt mehr Emotionen und mehr Story, als man sich zu Anfang denkt und letztlich ist die Geschichte so wundervoll, weil sie so echt war. Sie war mitten aus dem Leben gegriffen, nichts war überzogen, jede Handlung war authentisch und die Charaktere wirklich sehr gut dargestellt. Von einem kleinen Jugendbuch katapultierte sich dieses Buch bei mir im Ranking nach oben. Es ist klasse! Und obwohl ich es sofort nach dem Lesen an einen anderen Blogger weitergeben wollte, werde ich es eventuell doch noch behalten. Einfach, weil es mir schwerfällt, mich davon zu trennen. Es war toll und hat mich beinahe zum Weinen gebracht!
Am Anfang versprach das Buch noch nicht so viel. Allerdings wurde es aber der Hälfte richtig spannend und das letzte Drittel war dann wirklich unfassbar gut! In dem Buch steckt eine schöne, traurige und spannende Geschichte, darin steckt Gelächter, stecken Tränen und Gewalt, Angst, Einsamkeit, Verlust, Liebe, Freundschaft, Hoffnungslosigkeit und Hoffnung. Das Buch birgt mehr Emotionen und mehr Story, als man sich zu Anfang denkt und letztlich ist die Geschichte so wundervoll, weil sie so echt war. Sie war mitten aus dem Leben gegriffen, nichts war überzogen, jede Handlung war authentisch und die Charaktere wirklich sehr gut dargestellt. Von einem kleinen Jugendbuch katapultierte sich dieses Buch bei mir im Ranking nach oben. Es ist klasse! Und obwohl ich es sofort nach dem Lesen an einen anderen Blogger weitergeben wollte, werde ich es eventuell doch noch behalten. Einfach, weil es mir schwerfällt, mich davon zu trennen. Es war toll und hat mich beinahe zum Weinen gebracht!
March 8, 2017
Ich mochte die Geschichte und die vielen Konflikte. Toller Schreibstil
July 15, 2017
'I would get her through this.
I would save Eden's life, like she did mine.'
I would give this book 5 stars.
-SPOILERS INCLUDED-
Eden Summer is a novel that is mainly based around friendship.
Jess's best friend Eden has gone missing and it's now up to Jess to try and find her.
As the novel unfolds, we find out more about the different characters involved, their pasts and secrets.
Memories begin to re-surface in her mind, majority of them with Eden in it, like when she got her first tattoo.
Jess is interviewed by the police about Eden and it is revealed that since her sister died, Jess and her boyfriend had to look after her and keep her going.
Until a party that occurred.
After Jess and Liam had finished at the cafe for the summer, they were all hanging out in their usual place when Eden decided she was going to start a party at her house and was going to invite some random strangers they only ran into a few minutes later, who slipped her drugs.
Trying to stop Eden from doing something stupid at the party, Jess decides to stay but Eden just gets worse and ends up dressing like her sister and sleeping with someone other than her boyfriend.
A couple of days after Jess and Eden go to Leeds for the day and Eden gets a tarot reading, freaks out and disappears, telling Jess that she needed some time alone and would see her at school.
After the police interview, Jess decides that she is going to take matters into her own hands by going back to all the places that they went together and search for awnsers.
In a flashback, Eden tells Liam about her past and we finally see what she's been hiding.
Back in the present, Leads emerge from the police saying that the text that Eden had sent her parents was some kind of goodbye or suicide note, which brings back memories of a time that Eden nearlly tried to kill herself.
A revelation gets made that Eden's sister had been an adopted child.
Eden rings Jess and then hangs up, just as Jess and others are about to give up on hope.
Going to another place that Eden would have been connected to, she finds her lying motionless on the floor but Eden soon wakes up.
Eden had tried to commit suicide.
After Eden is home and safe, she starts to get grief counselling. Jess starts a relationship with Liam.
Wow.
I couldn't put this book down.
I was skeptical at first, but glad that I carried on reading.
I would save Eden's life, like she did mine.'
I would give this book 5 stars.
-SPOILERS INCLUDED-
Eden Summer is a novel that is mainly based around friendship.
Jess's best friend Eden has gone missing and it's now up to Jess to try and find her.
As the novel unfolds, we find out more about the different characters involved, their pasts and secrets.
Memories begin to re-surface in her mind, majority of them with Eden in it, like when she got her first tattoo.
Jess is interviewed by the police about Eden and it is revealed that since her sister died, Jess and her boyfriend had to look after her and keep her going.
Until a party that occurred.
After Jess and Liam had finished at the cafe for the summer, they were all hanging out in their usual place when Eden decided she was going to start a party at her house and was going to invite some random strangers they only ran into a few minutes later, who slipped her drugs.
Trying to stop Eden from doing something stupid at the party, Jess decides to stay but Eden just gets worse and ends up dressing like her sister and sleeping with someone other than her boyfriend.
A couple of days after Jess and Eden go to Leeds for the day and Eden gets a tarot reading, freaks out and disappears, telling Jess that she needed some time alone and would see her at school.
After the police interview, Jess decides that she is going to take matters into her own hands by going back to all the places that they went together and search for awnsers.
In a flashback, Eden tells Liam about her past and we finally see what she's been hiding.
Back in the present, Leads emerge from the police saying that the text that Eden had sent her parents was some kind of goodbye or suicide note, which brings back memories of a time that Eden nearlly tried to kill herself.
A revelation gets made that Eden's sister had been an adopted child.
Eden rings Jess and then hangs up, just as Jess and others are about to give up on hope.
Going to another place that Eden would have been connected to, she finds her lying motionless on the floor but Eden soon wakes up.
Eden had tried to commit suicide.
After Eden is home and safe, she starts to get grief counselling. Jess starts a relationship with Liam.
Wow.
I couldn't put this book down.
I was skeptical at first, but glad that I carried on reading.
August 3, 2017
This was such a gorgeous book, loved every single moment of this.
I could really get to know both of the characters in a deeper level, and I just loved that. I really connected with Jess the most, always doing things for other people putting them first, because that is exactly what I do all the time, and sometimes we forget that we need to put ourselves first sometimes.
Liz's words were captivating, enriching and just straight pure magic. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who needs a reminder just how strong friendship can be between two people!
I could really get to know both of the characters in a deeper level, and I just loved that. I really connected with Jess the most, always doing things for other people putting them first, because that is exactly what I do all the time, and sometimes we forget that we need to put ourselves first sometimes.
Liz's words were captivating, enriching and just straight pure magic. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who needs a reminder just how strong friendship can be between two people!
July 1, 2017
"Eden Summer" by Liz Flanagan is an English YA book about two high school best friends who have both suffered a great personal tragedy and how they have spent their last summer dealing or not dealing with it, and the cost to their friendship. When Jess goes to school only to learn that her bestie, out of control and depressed Eden, has gone missing. As Jess worries and searches for Eden, she relives flashbacks of the past year to slowly uncover the truth of the guilt that has been destroying Eden. Quick ready read. Has some mature subject matters, but they are handled in such a way that the book stays a YA book that I feel comfortable passing on.
April 17, 2016
A superb portrayal of a friendship torn apart by grief and trauma. The writing is pacy, poetic yet unflinching. When we find out what terrible event has befallen Jess, I honestly think that scene will stay with me forever. This is a hauntingly beautiful story full of pain, and ultimately, hope.
November 25, 2017
I'm honestly surprised I finished this book because man did it suck. I kept hoping it'd pick up and get better, but no such luck.
November 6, 2018
3 stelline e mezzo
Recensione qui --> http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
Recensione qui --> http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
March 19, 2017
Eden und Jess sind seid Jahren die besten Freundinnen, sie gehen zusammen durch dick und dünn. Doch Eden ist gestern Abend nicht nach Hause gekommen. Die Suche beginnt. Ist Eden abgehauen? Wurde sie Opfer eines Gewaltverbrechens? Hat ihr Freund Liam etwas damit zu oder gar ihr Exfreund? Was führte zu ihrem Verschwinden?
Jess gibt die Hoffnung nicht auf, sie will Eden unbedingt finden. Nachdem Eden ihre Schwester Iona verloren hat und dadurch in ein schwarzes Loch gefallen ist, hat Jess sich geschworen, dass sie ihr durch diese schwere Zeit helfen wird. Denn auch Jess hat etwas sehr schlimmes erlebt und auch Eden war immer für sie da und hat ihr damit das Leben gerettet.
Bei ihrer Suche nach der Freundin besucht Jess Orte, die den beiden Mädchen wichtig sind. Durch Flashbacks erfährt der Leser nach und nach, wie es dazu kam, dass Jess sich vor Berührungen und Menschenmengen fürchtet, wie Eden ihre Schwester verloren hat und was insgesamt zur heutigen Situation geführt hat.
Die Beschreibung von Eden lässt sie nicht unbedingt sympathisch wirken. Man kann sie am ehesten als manisch-depressiv bezeichnen. Mal ist sie himmelhoch jauchzend, mal zu Tode betrübt. Sie ist launisch, eifersüchtig und oft wohl nicht sehr nett. In diesem Sommer ist sie sehr ich-bezogen, verhält sich aber auch oft eher selbst zerstörerisch. Für Jess und auch Liam ist es daher kein leichter Sommer gewesen. Eden steht für beide immer an erster Stelle. In ihrer Sorge um Eden sind sich die beiden näher gekommen.
Emotional kann man sich sehr gut in Jess hinein fühlen. Auch sie ist immer wieder hin und her gerissen zwischen Hoffnung, Verzweiflung, Sorge und Schuldgefühlen. Dabei wirkt sie äußerst authentisch. Obwohl Eden einem selber möglicherweise nicht sympathisch ist, so spürt man doch deutlich, wie wichtig sie für Jess ist.
Besonders erwähnen möchte ich an dieser Stelle auch, dass die Handlung einen einzigen Tag umfasst und zwar den Tag, an dem Eden verschwindet. Atmosphärisch gesehen ist das Buch eher bedrückend, es herrscht ständig eine ängstliche und bedrohliche Stimmung. Das liegt vor allem daran, dass die Geschichte komplett aus Jess Perspektive geschrieben wurde und man daher die ganze Zeit live dabei ist.
Es ist eine Geschichte über Liebe, Freundschaft, Trauer und Eifersucht, die berührt - gut umgesetzt und in Szene gesetzt.
Jess gibt die Hoffnung nicht auf, sie will Eden unbedingt finden. Nachdem Eden ihre Schwester Iona verloren hat und dadurch in ein schwarzes Loch gefallen ist, hat Jess sich geschworen, dass sie ihr durch diese schwere Zeit helfen wird. Denn auch Jess hat etwas sehr schlimmes erlebt und auch Eden war immer für sie da und hat ihr damit das Leben gerettet.
Bei ihrer Suche nach der Freundin besucht Jess Orte, die den beiden Mädchen wichtig sind. Durch Flashbacks erfährt der Leser nach und nach, wie es dazu kam, dass Jess sich vor Berührungen und Menschenmengen fürchtet, wie Eden ihre Schwester verloren hat und was insgesamt zur heutigen Situation geführt hat.
Die Beschreibung von Eden lässt sie nicht unbedingt sympathisch wirken. Man kann sie am ehesten als manisch-depressiv bezeichnen. Mal ist sie himmelhoch jauchzend, mal zu Tode betrübt. Sie ist launisch, eifersüchtig und oft wohl nicht sehr nett. In diesem Sommer ist sie sehr ich-bezogen, verhält sich aber auch oft eher selbst zerstörerisch. Für Jess und auch Liam ist es daher kein leichter Sommer gewesen. Eden steht für beide immer an erster Stelle. In ihrer Sorge um Eden sind sich die beiden näher gekommen.
Emotional kann man sich sehr gut in Jess hinein fühlen. Auch sie ist immer wieder hin und her gerissen zwischen Hoffnung, Verzweiflung, Sorge und Schuldgefühlen. Dabei wirkt sie äußerst authentisch. Obwohl Eden einem selber möglicherweise nicht sympathisch ist, so spürt man doch deutlich, wie wichtig sie für Jess ist.
Besonders erwähnen möchte ich an dieser Stelle auch, dass die Handlung einen einzigen Tag umfasst und zwar den Tag, an dem Eden verschwindet. Atmosphärisch gesehen ist das Buch eher bedrückend, es herrscht ständig eine ängstliche und bedrohliche Stimmung. Das liegt vor allem daran, dass die Geschichte komplett aus Jess Perspektive geschrieben wurde und man daher die ganze Zeit live dabei ist.
Es ist eine Geschichte über Liebe, Freundschaft, Trauer und Eifersucht, die berührt - gut umgesetzt und in Szene gesetzt.
February 4, 2021
Spodziewałam się po tej książki trochę czego innego. Chodzi o to, że przez całą książkę mamy tyle tajemnic, a akcja non stop pędzi, więc myślałam, że zakończenie rownież będzie inne, a to jakie było trochę mnie rozczarowało. Po prostu przez tę pędzącą akcję i tyle tajemnic spodziewałam się czegoś wow na koniec.
Nie twierdzę, że książka jest zła, bo jest to fajna i ciekawa młodzieżówka. Po prostu nastawiałam się na coś wow.
Nie twierdzę, że książka jest zła, bo jest to fajna i ciekawa młodzieżówka. Po prostu nastawiałam się na coś wow.
September 17, 2025
ja wel heftig hoor....
ze hebben veel mee gemaakt die vriendinnen. wel een beetje depressief hoor
ze hebben veel mee gemaakt die vriendinnen. wel een beetje depressief hoor
December 8, 2017
Jess’s friend Eden disappears and Jess spends a VERY LONG day frantically searching for her and reminiscing about all the tragic things that have happened to them.
I feel like the author did her very best. The writing wasn’t confusing or hard to follow but there was no heart. Basically every box of YA writing was checked -lgbt character, at least one person of color, angst, love triangle, a kind teacher, a cute boy-there’s nothing wrong with any of those literary devices but when they all pop up very obviously and poignantly it reads more like a shopping list.
The book moves at an excruciatingly pace. Around every other page was a flashback full of angst and drama. I really don’t like flashbacks and this story is chock-full of them. There is also SO much foreshadowing, another style I’m not fond of. When we finally got to Jessica’s big trauma I felt nothing. I like to care about the characters and that just wasn’t happening in this novel. Eden was especially terrible. I couldn’t understand why Jess was her friend. Eden was a giant spoiled brat.
Reading reviews, I’m glad to see that some people love this book. It wasn’t the worst I’ve ever read.
I feel like the author did her very best. The writing wasn’t confusing or hard to follow but there was no heart. Basically every box of YA writing was checked -lgbt character, at least one person of color, angst, love triangle, a kind teacher, a cute boy-there’s nothing wrong with any of those literary devices but when they all pop up very obviously and poignantly it reads more like a shopping list.
The book moves at an excruciatingly pace. Around every other page was a flashback full of angst and drama. I really don’t like flashbacks and this story is chock-full of them. There is also SO much foreshadowing, another style I’m not fond of. When we finally got to Jessica’s big trauma I felt nothing. I like to care about the characters and that just wasn’t happening in this novel. Eden was especially terrible. I couldn’t understand why Jess was her friend. Eden was a giant spoiled brat.
Reading reviews, I’m glad to see that some people love this book. It wasn’t the worst I’ve ever read.
February 12, 2017
The book starts - deceptively - as a seemingly banal story about a missing girl with teenage characters representing rather types than real individual personalities and changes gradually into a story with (mild but still) thriller undertones about real people, real teenage girls dealing with various kinds of trauma. I was happily disappointed: it delivers much more than it shows in the first chapter and even the love triangle was written quite nicely, realistically and it did not make me want to pull my hair off!
May 2, 2019
Mooi verhaal over 2 hartsvriendinnen.
June 25, 2017
Koniec szkoły, sesji i upragniony urlop w pracy - jednym słowem zaczyna się lato. Czas zabawy, odpoczynku i mnóstwa godzin na książki! Niestety, mnie jeszcze nie jest dane tego wszystkiego doświadczyć, jednak od czego są powieści. Jak wiemy, one potrafią przenieść w czasie i przestrzeni.. Z tego względu Lato Eden Liz Flanagan miało sprawić, że mimo brzydkiej pogody poczuję upragniony wakacyjny klimat. Jasna, wesoła okładka i opis zapowiadały lekką książkę młodzieżową - jednak pozory mylą!
Mimo swojego wieku uwielbiam książki młodzieżowe. Może to pewien sposób odmładzania się, może to przez fakt, że w większości ich przeczytanie zajmuje jeden wieczór. Są ciekawe, lekkie i nie wymagają większego skupienia. Czasami jednak trafia się ksiażka, która z definicja powinna być ambitniejsza. Porusza trudny temat, stara się go ukazać w sposób, który trafi do młodszych czytelników. Jak najbardziej to aprobuję, jednak na podstawie kilku przykładów uważam, że autorzy nie do końca potrafią to zrobić. Może to kwestia tego, że mając 30+ lat, nie do końca rozumie się już sposobu myślenia nastolatka, może po prostu ja tego nie rozumiem. Jednak jak dla mnie tematyka śmierci, chorób czy patologii w połączeniu z “typowymi młodzieżowymi problemami” po prostu nie współgra. Jest tego za dużo i zamiast edukacyjnie wychodzi komicznie.
Lato Eden opowiada o dwóch przyjaciółkach - Jess i tytułowej Eden. Pierwsza wyróżnia się trochę odbiegającym od normy wyglądem. Lubi tatuaże, czarne ciuchy, piercing i włosy w szalonych kolorach. Druga jest typową idealną córką, przyjaciółką i uczennicą. Mimo dzielących je różnic przyjaźnią się od wielu lat. Są dla siebie jak siostry, wspierają się w ciężkich chwilach, a w ostatnim roku takich momentów było wiele. Jednak czy narastające problemy zniszczą ich przyjaźń? Czy zdołają się nawzajem uratować od rozpaczy i przeszłości?
Narratorem książki jest Jess, którą poznajemy w momencie, w którym dowiaduje się o zaginięciu przyjaciółki. Wraz z nią w ciągu dnia przeżywamy lato, które sprawiło, że najlepsze przyjaciółki przestały czuć się dobrze w swoim towarzystwie. Tajemnice, kłótnie i problemy sprawiły, że Jess już nie jest pewna czy zna Eden tak dobrze jak myślała. Czy przepaść, która pojawiła się przez te wakacje powstała z jej winy? Czy uda jej się odnaleźć przyjaciółkę? I co wspólnego z jej zaginięciem ma Liam?
Książka z opisu brzmi naprawdę ciekawe. Nawet to, co o niej napisałam brzmi wciągająco. Jednak niestety ma kilka wad, które psują cały jej odbiór i nie potrafię ich zlekceważyć. Przede wszystkim połączenie trudnego tematu w książce z głupimi miłostkami było strasznie naciągane. Czułam się tak jakby autorka pomimo tematyki chciała sprawić, że książka nie będzie taka poważna i trudna w odbiorze. Przez to wyszło, że problem Eden, który doprowadził do całej sytuacji, był na równi z typowymi dziecięcymi problemami z chłopakiem. Uważam, że książka starająca się przekazać jakąś lekcję dla czytelnika, otworzyć mu oczy na rasizm i brak tolerancji, nie powinna z drugiej strony pokazywać mu destrukcyjnego czy nieodpowiedniego zachowania, które jest aprobowane. Rozumiem, że wypadało całą historię czymś umilić, przecież to jednak gatunek skierowany do młodych czytelników. Jednak powinna w tym istnieć jakaś równowaga, by nie wyszło zbyt nierealistycznie.
A jak już mówimy o nierealistycznych sytuacjach, to czas porozmawiać o języku autorki/tłumacza. Ta książka nie była pisana z perspektywy szesnastolatków. Nie wiem ile w tym wina tłumaczenia, a ile autorki, ale wiele zdań w książce brzmiało sztucznie i nienaturalnie. Trochę tak jakby pięćdziesięcioletni wujek Sławek próbował udawać uczniów liceum. Przeważnie w takich sytuacjach osoba, której rówieśników próbuje udawać, jest zażenowana i zniesmaczona. Ja się tak czułam przy niektórych dialogach.
Jednak mimo tych wad sama historia jest ciekawa. Ukazano ją z perspektywy Jess, która w obecnej chwili szuka przyjaciółki, oraz wydarzeniami z przeszłości, które mogły doprowadzić do jej zaginięcia. Bohaterka stara się nam wytłumaczyć co wydarzyło się przez ten rok oraz jak to wpłynęło na nią i jej bliskich. Z każdym rozdziałem widzimy coraz więcej cierpienia, które było ukryte przez bohaterów.
Myślę, że książka spodoba się osobom w wieku przedstawionych w niej postaci. Nie jest to raczej pozycja dla starszych czytelników tego gatunku. To książka na jeden wieczór, która porusza temat ciężki, ale jednak jest przyjemna w odbiorze. Spędziłam przy niej ciekawie czas, jednak w żaden specjalny sposób mnie nie zachwyciła. Jest to książka z gatunku tych, o których już się nie pamięta kolejnego dnia.
Mimo swojego wieku uwielbiam książki młodzieżowe. Może to pewien sposób odmładzania się, może to przez fakt, że w większości ich przeczytanie zajmuje jeden wieczór. Są ciekawe, lekkie i nie wymagają większego skupienia. Czasami jednak trafia się ksiażka, która z definicja powinna być ambitniejsza. Porusza trudny temat, stara się go ukazać w sposób, który trafi do młodszych czytelników. Jak najbardziej to aprobuję, jednak na podstawie kilku przykładów uważam, że autorzy nie do końca potrafią to zrobić. Może to kwestia tego, że mając 30+ lat, nie do końca rozumie się już sposobu myślenia nastolatka, może po prostu ja tego nie rozumiem. Jednak jak dla mnie tematyka śmierci, chorób czy patologii w połączeniu z “typowymi młodzieżowymi problemami” po prostu nie współgra. Jest tego za dużo i zamiast edukacyjnie wychodzi komicznie.
Lato Eden opowiada o dwóch przyjaciółkach - Jess i tytułowej Eden. Pierwsza wyróżnia się trochę odbiegającym od normy wyglądem. Lubi tatuaże, czarne ciuchy, piercing i włosy w szalonych kolorach. Druga jest typową idealną córką, przyjaciółką i uczennicą. Mimo dzielących je różnic przyjaźnią się od wielu lat. Są dla siebie jak siostry, wspierają się w ciężkich chwilach, a w ostatnim roku takich momentów było wiele. Jednak czy narastające problemy zniszczą ich przyjaźń? Czy zdołają się nawzajem uratować od rozpaczy i przeszłości?
Narratorem książki jest Jess, którą poznajemy w momencie, w którym dowiaduje się o zaginięciu przyjaciółki. Wraz z nią w ciągu dnia przeżywamy lato, które sprawiło, że najlepsze przyjaciółki przestały czuć się dobrze w swoim towarzystwie. Tajemnice, kłótnie i problemy sprawiły, że Jess już nie jest pewna czy zna Eden tak dobrze jak myślała. Czy przepaść, która pojawiła się przez te wakacje powstała z jej winy? Czy uda jej się odnaleźć przyjaciółkę? I co wspólnego z jej zaginięciem ma Liam?
Książka z opisu brzmi naprawdę ciekawe. Nawet to, co o niej napisałam brzmi wciągająco. Jednak niestety ma kilka wad, które psują cały jej odbiór i nie potrafię ich zlekceważyć. Przede wszystkim połączenie trudnego tematu w książce z głupimi miłostkami było strasznie naciągane. Czułam się tak jakby autorka pomimo tematyki chciała sprawić, że książka nie będzie taka poważna i trudna w odbiorze. Przez to wyszło, że problem Eden, który doprowadził do całej sytuacji, był na równi z typowymi dziecięcymi problemami z chłopakiem. Uważam, że książka starająca się przekazać jakąś lekcję dla czytelnika, otworzyć mu oczy na rasizm i brak tolerancji, nie powinna z drugiej strony pokazywać mu destrukcyjnego czy nieodpowiedniego zachowania, które jest aprobowane. Rozumiem, że wypadało całą historię czymś umilić, przecież to jednak gatunek skierowany do młodych czytelników. Jednak powinna w tym istnieć jakaś równowaga, by nie wyszło zbyt nierealistycznie.
A jak już mówimy o nierealistycznych sytuacjach, to czas porozmawiać o języku autorki/tłumacza. Ta książka nie była pisana z perspektywy szesnastolatków. Nie wiem ile w tym wina tłumaczenia, a ile autorki, ale wiele zdań w książce brzmiało sztucznie i nienaturalnie. Trochę tak jakby pięćdziesięcioletni wujek Sławek próbował udawać uczniów liceum. Przeważnie w takich sytuacjach osoba, której rówieśników próbuje udawać, jest zażenowana i zniesmaczona. Ja się tak czułam przy niektórych dialogach.
Jednak mimo tych wad sama historia jest ciekawa. Ukazano ją z perspektywy Jess, która w obecnej chwili szuka przyjaciółki, oraz wydarzeniami z przeszłości, które mogły doprowadzić do jej zaginięcia. Bohaterka stara się nam wytłumaczyć co wydarzyło się przez ten rok oraz jak to wpłynęło na nią i jej bliskich. Z każdym rozdziałem widzimy coraz więcej cierpienia, które było ukryte przez bohaterów.
Myślę, że książka spodoba się osobom w wieku przedstawionych w niej postaci. Nie jest to raczej pozycja dla starszych czytelników tego gatunku. To książka na jeden wieczór, która porusza temat ciężki, ale jednak jest przyjemna w odbiorze. Spędziłam przy niej ciekawie czas, jednak w żaden specjalny sposób mnie nie zachwyciła. Jest to książka z gatunku tych, o których już się nie pamięta kolejnego dnia.
February 21, 2022
I fully expected this to be a 3-star read -- I bought it at a library sale only because my local library didn't have it, intending to read and release -- but then it wrapped its tendrils around my heart. This was partly because of the unexpectedly descriptive writing -- besides the artful opening chapter, which is written like flash fiction in a different style from the book as a whole, I kept noticing little turns of phrase and apt metaphors that I really liked.
But it was also because of the characters. For starters, I was not expecting to learn that Jess -- the non-missing girl -- had previously been the victim of a...what's the term for something like gay bashing, only not because you are or are perceived as gay, but rather Goth, i.e. different-looking?
(The author says in an end note that she "wrote this from a place of solidarity and empathy for anyone who has experienced a hate crime," which in the UK apparently includes any crime done to someone on the basis of "prejudice against their dress code." Which still has me very Stanley Hudson "that's not what a hate crime is," but sure, if it means I can enjoy a good recovery scene and don't have to get a lecture about racism or homophobia along the way, I'll roll with it.)
ANYWAY, the point is, it made Eden seem like less of a trash heap of a friend when you see how she was there for Jess after the latter received such a violent beating she was hospitalized. Don't get me wrong, Eden's not a good character at all and her reason for being messed up is pretty melodramatic .)
Buuuut, I loved the idea of Jess and Liam taking care of her all summer by unspoken agreement, suppressing their mutual attraction because Eden needs them both more than they want each other, even though it's soon clear that Eden and Liam aren't a particularly compatible match and she doesn't even particularly seem to want him.
I also loved following Jess on her own grief journey after Eden's disappearance, not knowing if something bad had happened to her or if she'd left on her own -- and if there was something Jess could have done to prevent it by being a better friend -- leaning on Liam for support all the way. (Incidentally: he is very swoon-worthy as YA boys go.)
It helps, of course, that at absolutely no point did I picture Jess in Goth attire, despite that being the entire reason she was attacked. In my head she was girl-next-door sweet and the people assaulting her were probably goffs who hated her preppy appearance. That's right, I'm willfully ignoring authorial intent and perpetuating stereotypes in my head and you can't even charge me with hate-thought-crimes.
Finally, I really liked the glimpses of their English teacher, Mr. Barwell (I have REALLY got to commit soon to naming and creating my "awesome teachers" shelf, to spotlight the good ones in YA). His concern for Eden on the retreat, in particular, was so satisfying. And I definitely appreciated the ending.
But it was also because of the characters. For starters, I was not expecting to learn that Jess -- the non-missing girl -- had previously been the victim of a...what's the term for something like gay bashing, only not because you are or are perceived as gay, but rather Goth, i.e. different-looking?
(The author says in an end note that she "wrote this from a place of solidarity and empathy for anyone who has experienced a hate crime," which in the UK apparently includes any crime done to someone on the basis of "prejudice against their dress code." Which still has me very Stanley Hudson "that's not what a hate crime is," but sure, if it means I can enjoy a good recovery scene and don't have to get a lecture about racism or homophobia along the way, I'll roll with it.)
ANYWAY, the point is, it made Eden seem like less of a trash heap of a friend when you see how she was there for Jess after the latter received such a violent beating she was hospitalized. Don't get me wrong, Eden's not a good character at all and her reason for being messed up is pretty melodramatic .)
Buuuut, I loved the idea of Jess and Liam taking care of her all summer by unspoken agreement, suppressing their mutual attraction because Eden needs them both more than they want each other, even though it's soon clear that Eden and Liam aren't a particularly compatible match and she doesn't even particularly seem to want him.
I also loved following Jess on her own grief journey after Eden's disappearance, not knowing if something bad had happened to her or if she'd left on her own -- and if there was something Jess could have done to prevent it by being a better friend -- leaning on Liam for support all the way. (Incidentally: he is very swoon-worthy as YA boys go.)
It helps, of course, that at absolutely no point did I picture Jess in Goth attire, despite that being the entire reason she was attacked. In my head she was girl-next-door sweet and the people assaulting her were probably goffs who hated her preppy appearance. That's right, I'm willfully ignoring authorial intent and perpetuating stereotypes in my head and you can't even charge me with hate-thought-crimes.
Finally, I really liked the glimpses of their English teacher, Mr. Barwell (I have REALLY got to commit soon to naming and creating my "awesome teachers" shelf, to spotlight the good ones in YA). His concern for Eden on the retreat, in particular, was so satisfying. And I definitely appreciated the ending.
May 11, 2017
Inhalt: "Wenn wir Eden nicht finden, werde ich mir nie, nie verzeihen, was letzten Samstagabend passiert ist." Obwohl die schüchterne Jess und die allseits beliebte Eden so unterschiedlich sind wie Tag und Nacht, kann nichts die beiden trennen. Bis Eden eines Tages spurlos verschwindet! Die Suche nach der vermissten Freundin konfrontiert Jess bald mit dunklen Kapiteln ihrer eigenen Vergangenheit, und dann ist da noch Liam, Edens Freund, mit dem Jess mehr verbindet als sie wahrhaben will. Liz Flanagans Debüt ist ein hochemotionaler Thriller im Spannungsfeld von Liebe, dunklen Familiengeheimnissen und einer außergewöhnlichen Freundschaft. (Quelle: Verlag)
Meine Meinung: Eden Summer konnte mich direkt mit der Gestaltung und dem interessanten Klappentext überzeugen und dennoch war ich zu Beginn sehr skeptisch, denn ich bin selten ein Fan von Jugendthrillern und genau das ist dieser Roman. Dass das Ausmaß des Jugendthrillers größer is, als gedachte zeigte mir der Beginn des Buches und dennoch bin ich sehr begeistert von Eden Summer gewesen.
Das Buch entwickelte eine enorme Sogwirkung auf mich und ich musste unbedingt wissen, was mit Eden ist und ob Jess es schafft, diese zu finden. Was mich neben dieser Sogwirkung noch besonders gefreut hat, dass war die große Bandbreite an Diversität, die die Autorin zur Gestaltung der Geschichte genutzt hat. Wer also auf Gender und Ethnic Diversity achtet, sollte unbedingt zum Buch greifen.
Besonders Jess hat es mir in diesem Bezug angetan, denn sie selbst ist sehr Open-Minded und transportiert eine tolle Einstellung, die besonders jungen Lesern zu gute kommen kann. Sie zeigt uns, dass anders sein nichts schlimmes ist und wie man perfekt damit umgehen kann und seinen Platz im Leben finden kann. Auch Eden hat mich tief berührt, denn mit ihrem Verschwinden kommen viele Sachen ans Licht, die mich tief getroffen haben und mir die Mädchen direkt sympathisch werden ließen.
Die Story selbst bietet einige Überraschungen und Wendungen und schnell merkt man, als der Jugendthrille zum einen nicht nur auf dem Thriller Niveau bleibt und zum anderen auch Themen wie Familie, Freundschaft und Liebe deutlich tiefer behandelt als andere Jugendthriller. Zudem ist das Buch sehr angenehm zu lesen und ist somit sehr zu empfehlen.
Fazit: Eden Summer ist ein Jugendthriller, der deutlich tiefer geht als andere Bücher seines Genres und den Leser tief berührt und nachdenklich stimmt. Besonders mit dem Fokus auf Diversity wird das Buch für mich zu einer Geschichte, die ich euch uneingeschränkt empfehlen kann, wenn ihr leichte Unterhaltung sucht, die wesentliche Themen allerdings nicht aus dem Blick lässt.
Vielen lieben Dank an Literaturtest für die Bereitstellung des *Rezensionsexemplars.
Meine Meinung: Eden Summer konnte mich direkt mit der Gestaltung und dem interessanten Klappentext überzeugen und dennoch war ich zu Beginn sehr skeptisch, denn ich bin selten ein Fan von Jugendthrillern und genau das ist dieser Roman. Dass das Ausmaß des Jugendthrillers größer is, als gedachte zeigte mir der Beginn des Buches und dennoch bin ich sehr begeistert von Eden Summer gewesen.
Das Buch entwickelte eine enorme Sogwirkung auf mich und ich musste unbedingt wissen, was mit Eden ist und ob Jess es schafft, diese zu finden. Was mich neben dieser Sogwirkung noch besonders gefreut hat, dass war die große Bandbreite an Diversität, die die Autorin zur Gestaltung der Geschichte genutzt hat. Wer also auf Gender und Ethnic Diversity achtet, sollte unbedingt zum Buch greifen.
Besonders Jess hat es mir in diesem Bezug angetan, denn sie selbst ist sehr Open-Minded und transportiert eine tolle Einstellung, die besonders jungen Lesern zu gute kommen kann. Sie zeigt uns, dass anders sein nichts schlimmes ist und wie man perfekt damit umgehen kann und seinen Platz im Leben finden kann. Auch Eden hat mich tief berührt, denn mit ihrem Verschwinden kommen viele Sachen ans Licht, die mich tief getroffen haben und mir die Mädchen direkt sympathisch werden ließen.
Die Story selbst bietet einige Überraschungen und Wendungen und schnell merkt man, als der Jugendthrille zum einen nicht nur auf dem Thriller Niveau bleibt und zum anderen auch Themen wie Familie, Freundschaft und Liebe deutlich tiefer behandelt als andere Jugendthriller. Zudem ist das Buch sehr angenehm zu lesen und ist somit sehr zu empfehlen.
Fazit: Eden Summer ist ein Jugendthriller, der deutlich tiefer geht als andere Bücher seines Genres und den Leser tief berührt und nachdenklich stimmt. Besonders mit dem Fokus auf Diversity wird das Buch für mich zu einer Geschichte, die ich euch uneingeschränkt empfehlen kann, wenn ihr leichte Unterhaltung sucht, die wesentliche Themen allerdings nicht aus dem Blick lässt.
Vielen lieben Dank an Literaturtest für die Bereitstellung des *Rezensionsexemplars.
September 25, 2018
Jess' best friend Eden has disappeared and she has no idea what has happened to her. She must explore everything they did over the past summer to look for a clue for what might have happened to Eden. Both Eden and Jess have had something traumatic happen to them, but Flanagan reveals both events throughout the book in flashbacks. To help Eden, Jess and Liam have spent the summer helping her to recover. The tension builds as the novel unfolds.
January 15, 2019
Recensie: https://mustmag.nl/recensie-de-dag-va...
Mooie YA, die ook wat literair aanvoelde. Ik vond de beeldende beschrijvingen van het bergachtige dorp waar hoofdpersoon Jess woont echt prachtig. Liz Flanagan vervalt ook niet echt in cliché beschrijvingen daarvan, wat fijn is.
Verder is De Dag Van Eden een interessante mix van YA thriller en YA contemporary. Aan de ene kant gaat het over Jess die op zoek is naar de vermiste Eden. Aan de andere kant is het een boek over vriendschap, liefde en identiteit. Qua sfeer voelt het een beetje als een boek van Jenny Han of Sarah Dessen en dat is zeker een compliment. Het voelt heel puur, realistisch en ook wat nostalgisch (door de terugblikken naar de zomer van Jess & Eden). Kortom: fijn boek, ik zou 'm aanraden.
Mooie YA, die ook wat literair aanvoelde. Ik vond de beeldende beschrijvingen van het bergachtige dorp waar hoofdpersoon Jess woont echt prachtig. Liz Flanagan vervalt ook niet echt in cliché beschrijvingen daarvan, wat fijn is.
Verder is De Dag Van Eden een interessante mix van YA thriller en YA contemporary. Aan de ene kant gaat het over Jess die op zoek is naar de vermiste Eden. Aan de andere kant is het een boek over vriendschap, liefde en identiteit. Qua sfeer voelt het een beetje als een boek van Jenny Han of Sarah Dessen en dat is zeker een compliment. Het voelt heel puur, realistisch en ook wat nostalgisch (door de terugblikken naar de zomer van Jess & Eden). Kortom: fijn boek, ik zou 'm aanraden.
January 14, 2019
Rating: 3.5
February 14, 2020
Emotional, fast paced and ultimately hopeful.
January 2, 2022
Nie wiem co mam myśleć, mam pustkę w głowie. Ta książka była dla mnie trudna, przez tematy poruszane w niej. Naszczęście nie utożsamiam się z żadnym z bohaterów, ani nie przeżyłam podobnych rzeczy, mimo i tak była ciężka. Jedyna z trzech książek na których aż tak płakałam. Polecam osobą z mocną psychą.
December 27, 2018
RECENSIONE COMPLETA SUL BLOG IL SALOTTO DEL GATTO LIBRAIO
https://ilsalottodelgattolibraio.blog...
Jess finalmente dopo molto tempo si sente bene.... è allegra e spenzierata e per quanto possa esserlo una come lei che ancora ha problemi a rapportarsi con gli altri, si sente finalmente una ragazza normale.
Arrivata a scuola però intuisce subito che è accaduto qualcosa che contribuirà a cambiare subito il suo status. Da lontato infatti intravede Claire, la madre della sua migliore amica Eden, sconvolta e senza un filo di trucco, strano per una persona come lei che si cura sempre nei minimi dettagli... basta un attimo... e improvvisamente tutta la scuola torna a parlare nuovamente di lei e non con lei.
Le voci di corridoio sembrano parlare di scomparsa, cadavere, interrogatorio, polizia...sembra di rivivere nel passato ma la cosa che l'angoscia di più è... perchè la sua migliore amica Eden non risponde al telefono? Cosa è successo? Sembrano incolpare Liam, il suo ragazzo attuale, il loro amico, ma è ovvio, tutti hanno sempre preferito il bellissimo Josh Clarkson eppure...
...mi viene in mente: Liam potrebbe fare del male a Eden. Ha fatto del male ad Eden. E io sono l'unica a saperlo.
Già dai primi capitoli Liz Flanagan è riuscita ad incuriosirmi e a trascinarmi velocemente all'interno di questa intensa e intrigante storia.
Insieme a Jess, un personaggio complesso, sensibile ma allo stesso tempo, per tutto quello che ha dovuto passare, forte, andremo alla ricerca di Eden, una ragazza apparentemente perfetta ma che grazie alla voce di Jess, impareremo a conoscerla in ogni sua sfaccettatura. Attraverso i flashback poi, capiremo perchè determinati eventi, come la morte della sorella di Eden, Iona, ci abbiano condotti a questa estate così particolare scoprendo tra l'altro che l'Eden così perfetta e serena, in realtà nasconde degli oscuri segreti.
Devo capire com'è successo. Come siamo arrivati a questo. Come hanno fatto a comparire le crepe. Allora potrò usare tutti gli indizi per scoprire dove si trova Eden. Avrei dovuto capirlo, quindi devo essere io a porvi rimedio. Ripenso alla prima volta che mi ha detto che qualcosa non andava. E' stato ad aprile. Quando sua sorella era ancora viva.
L'autrice, parlo almeno per me che ormai ho passato di tanto gli anni dell'adolescenza, ci porta ad affrontare quegli anni dell'adolescenza in cui in un attimo si passa dall'euforia più totale, alla depressione più profonda.
E' un romanzo basato principalmente sull'amicizia, un'amicizia particolare, capace di fare del bene ma allo stesso tempo causare dolore. Quando infatti Jess veniva derisa da tutti per le sue stranezze e per quello che ha dovuto subire, Eden è sempre stata lì pronta ad aiutarla ed ora che Eden ha bisogno di essere ritrovata, Jess si lancia in un viaggio fisico ma anche emotivo, alla sua disperata ricerca.
Sono la sua migliore amica ed è stato un anno difficile per lei. Per tutte e due. Era come se fossimo su un'altalena basculante, su o giù, mai alla pari, ma ciò nonostante in equilibrio
Come avrete capito la narrazione è affidata tutta al punto di vista di Jess e per questo forse, il lettore alla fine si ritroverà ad essere più coinvolto dalla sua storia che da quella di Eden.
E' una lettura delicata, a tratti anche difficile per i temi trattati, ma l'autrice con la sua scrittura è riuscita a renderla piacevole ed emozionante.
https://ilsalottodelgattolibraio.blog...
Jess finalmente dopo molto tempo si sente bene.... è allegra e spenzierata e per quanto possa esserlo una come lei che ancora ha problemi a rapportarsi con gli altri, si sente finalmente una ragazza normale.
Arrivata a scuola però intuisce subito che è accaduto qualcosa che contribuirà a cambiare subito il suo status. Da lontato infatti intravede Claire, la madre della sua migliore amica Eden, sconvolta e senza un filo di trucco, strano per una persona come lei che si cura sempre nei minimi dettagli... basta un attimo... e improvvisamente tutta la scuola torna a parlare nuovamente di lei e non con lei.
Le voci di corridoio sembrano parlare di scomparsa, cadavere, interrogatorio, polizia...sembra di rivivere nel passato ma la cosa che l'angoscia di più è... perchè la sua migliore amica Eden non risponde al telefono? Cosa è successo? Sembrano incolpare Liam, il suo ragazzo attuale, il loro amico, ma è ovvio, tutti hanno sempre preferito il bellissimo Josh Clarkson eppure...
...mi viene in mente: Liam potrebbe fare del male a Eden. Ha fatto del male ad Eden. E io sono l'unica a saperlo.
Già dai primi capitoli Liz Flanagan è riuscita ad incuriosirmi e a trascinarmi velocemente all'interno di questa intensa e intrigante storia.
Insieme a Jess, un personaggio complesso, sensibile ma allo stesso tempo, per tutto quello che ha dovuto passare, forte, andremo alla ricerca di Eden, una ragazza apparentemente perfetta ma che grazie alla voce di Jess, impareremo a conoscerla in ogni sua sfaccettatura. Attraverso i flashback poi, capiremo perchè determinati eventi, come la morte della sorella di Eden, Iona, ci abbiano condotti a questa estate così particolare scoprendo tra l'altro che l'Eden così perfetta e serena, in realtà nasconde degli oscuri segreti.
Devo capire com'è successo. Come siamo arrivati a questo. Come hanno fatto a comparire le crepe. Allora potrò usare tutti gli indizi per scoprire dove si trova Eden. Avrei dovuto capirlo, quindi devo essere io a porvi rimedio. Ripenso alla prima volta che mi ha detto che qualcosa non andava. E' stato ad aprile. Quando sua sorella era ancora viva.
L'autrice, parlo almeno per me che ormai ho passato di tanto gli anni dell'adolescenza, ci porta ad affrontare quegli anni dell'adolescenza in cui in un attimo si passa dall'euforia più totale, alla depressione più profonda.
E' un romanzo basato principalmente sull'amicizia, un'amicizia particolare, capace di fare del bene ma allo stesso tempo causare dolore. Quando infatti Jess veniva derisa da tutti per le sue stranezze e per quello che ha dovuto subire, Eden è sempre stata lì pronta ad aiutarla ed ora che Eden ha bisogno di essere ritrovata, Jess si lancia in un viaggio fisico ma anche emotivo, alla sua disperata ricerca.
Sono la sua migliore amica ed è stato un anno difficile per lei. Per tutte e due. Era come se fossimo su un'altalena basculante, su o giù, mai alla pari, ma ciò nonostante in equilibrio
Come avrete capito la narrazione è affidata tutta al punto di vista di Jess e per questo forse, il lettore alla fine si ritroverà ad essere più coinvolto dalla sua storia che da quella di Eden.
E' una lettura delicata, a tratti anche difficile per i temi trattati, ma l'autrice con la sua scrittura è riuscita a renderla piacevole ed emozionante.
September 28, 2017
I didn't feel compelled to keep reading this and had to push through, so I'm surprised at how many other reviewers seem to have been sucked in to the plot. I suppose different reactions are why so many books are published. We like choice and react differently. My ultimate test is whether I think the students at my school would dig a book. I don't really think I could get this one into a high schooler's book bag.
from SLJ June 2017:
Gr 9 Up--Through time-stamped chapters, this British import focuses on one painful day in the life of its protagonist, Jess. She's back at school after a summer spent comforting her best friend Eden in the wake of Eden's older sister Iona's fatal car crash. Flashbacks reveal how Iona was killed as well as other pivotal moments in the teens' lives, including Eden's frightening and unexplained disappearance. Only slowly does Jess come to understand why everyone in the school yard is gossiping and why Eden's mom drove by in tears. Readers will start filling in blanks about referenced incidents: Eden's party while her parents were away, Jess's guilt about Eden's boyfriend Liam, and the new boy with whom Eden heads off during the substance-infused party. The police have been mobilized, so Jess and Liam are both sent home to be interviewed by detectives trying to track down the erratic teen. Jess's mother expects her to wait for the police, but the girl laces her shoes and heads out in search of answers about her missing companion. VERDICT Though the novel is suspenseful, the use of Briticisms, the English setting, and other unfamiliar elements might deter American readers, who may feel as though they're driving on the other side of the road.
from SLJ June 2017:
Gr 9 Up--Through time-stamped chapters, this British import focuses on one painful day in the life of its protagonist, Jess. She's back at school after a summer spent comforting her best friend Eden in the wake of Eden's older sister Iona's fatal car crash. Flashbacks reveal how Iona was killed as well as other pivotal moments in the teens' lives, including Eden's frightening and unexplained disappearance. Only slowly does Jess come to understand why everyone in the school yard is gossiping and why Eden's mom drove by in tears. Readers will start filling in blanks about referenced incidents: Eden's party while her parents were away, Jess's guilt about Eden's boyfriend Liam, and the new boy with whom Eden heads off during the substance-infused party. The police have been mobilized, so Jess and Liam are both sent home to be interviewed by detectives trying to track down the erratic teen. Jess's mother expects her to wait for the police, but the girl laces her shoes and heads out in search of answers about her missing companion. VERDICT Though the novel is suspenseful, the use of Briticisms, the English setting, and other unfamiliar elements might deter American readers, who may feel as though they're driving on the other side of the road.
June 1, 2017
The thing that I really love about this book is the fact that no-one gets left behind. This novel follows two girls, Jess and Eden, both healing from traumatic experiences. And while they both try to deal with their problems alone, when Eden goes missing they both discover that strength comes from friendship and support. You don’t have to do all the work by yourself.
Eden Summer is set in the north of England, which is unusual enough to note in YA novels. And so much of this novel is embedded in the landscape of the hills, the woods, the waterfall. Jess inhabits her world comfortably, and yet because of her dyed hair and her lesbian mum, she is something of an outcast among her peers. Eden by contrast seems to be incredibly social and extroverted, but she struggles to make real connections after the death of her sister. So while Jess learns to stretch out and trust people again, Eden learns to depend on her friends.
But when Eden goes missing, there’s almost a sense of betrayal – Jess runs up on the hills all the time, but no matter how much she searches she can’t find her friend in the places they know. Eden’s the one who connects her friends together, and without her they feel adrift. Secrets will have to come into the light before these young people recover their balance and trust each other with their pain – and together, begin to heal.
Representation:
Jess’ mum is a lesbian and has a girlfriend. There’s also a local lesbian bar.
This review was originally published at https://rustlingreads.wordpress.com/2...
Eden Summer is set in the north of England, which is unusual enough to note in YA novels. And so much of this novel is embedded in the landscape of the hills, the woods, the waterfall. Jess inhabits her world comfortably, and yet because of her dyed hair and her lesbian mum, she is something of an outcast among her peers. Eden by contrast seems to be incredibly social and extroverted, but she struggles to make real connections after the death of her sister. So while Jess learns to stretch out and trust people again, Eden learns to depend on her friends.
But when Eden goes missing, there’s almost a sense of betrayal – Jess runs up on the hills all the time, but no matter how much she searches she can’t find her friend in the places they know. Eden’s the one who connects her friends together, and without her they feel adrift. Secrets will have to come into the light before these young people recover their balance and trust each other with their pain – and together, begin to heal.
Representation:
Jess’ mum is a lesbian and has a girlfriend. There’s also a local lesbian bar.
This review was originally published at https://rustlingreads.wordpress.com/2...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews