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Leaving Wishville
Ten years ago, Scott Marino disappeared from town without a trace.
His son Benji, now fourteen, is the only person daring enough to approach the border. Although his best friends are eager to help him move on, he can’t shake the feeling that his father is still out there.
Everyone in town says it’s impossible. They believe Scott’s disappearance proves the world outside of Wishville is unsurvivable, but he questions their reasoning.
When his friend’s sickly little sister claims to know what others don’t, Benji’s life is thrown into chaos. With time against him, and his curiosity stronger than ever, he knows what he must do. Leaving Wishville might be his only chance for freedom – but it may also cost him his life.
A colorful and chilling debut, Leaving Wishville dives into a sea of forbidden curiosity, unavoidable grief, and the dangers of discovering the truth.
His son Benji, now fourteen, is the only person daring enough to approach the border. Although his best friends are eager to help him move on, he can’t shake the feeling that his father is still out there.
Everyone in town says it’s impossible. They believe Scott’s disappearance proves the world outside of Wishville is unsurvivable, but he questions their reasoning.
When his friend’s sickly little sister claims to know what others don’t, Benji’s life is thrown into chaos. With time against him, and his curiosity stronger than ever, he knows what he must do. Leaving Wishville might be his only chance for freedom – but it may also cost him his life.
A colorful and chilling debut, Leaving Wishville dives into a sea of forbidden curiosity, unavoidable grief, and the dangers of discovering the truth.
238 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2020
14 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Mel Torrefranca
6 books477 followersMel Torrefranca is an award-winning author from the San Francisco Bay Area, now residing in the jungly mountains of Northern Thailand. Her books feature morally gray characters, bold endings, and a pinch of awkward humor. Mel discovered her passion for writing at the age of seven and published her debut novel Leaving Wishville before graduating from high school. She also drinks way too many lattes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 29, 2023
YouTube recommended me one of Mel’s videos. Next thing I know, I’m reading her book.
The people are certain that anyone who leaves Wishville will die. Benji’s father tried to prove them wrong, he left Wishville and never came back.
Now Benji wants to follow in his footsteps and leave Wishville himself but his friends are always there to stop him. He makes it easy for them though, writing down when he’ll leave and leaving his plans for them to find.
A friend’s dying sister slips him an envelope. When he reads it, everything changes. Benji is finally committed to leaving Wishville once and for all.
Very reminiscent of M. Night Shyamalan’s movie The Village, Wishville is a mysterious town sheltered from the rest of the world. Wishville though is more than just a place. It’s the people that make Wishville, not the other way around. This is a story about running away but more importantly, it’s about pushing people away. It’s a story about friendship but with a nice little twist.
A fast-paced story with a memorable cast and a plot that grabs your attention until the very end.
The people are certain that anyone who leaves Wishville will die. Benji’s father tried to prove them wrong, he left Wishville and never came back.
Now Benji wants to follow in his footsteps and leave Wishville himself but his friends are always there to stop him. He makes it easy for them though, writing down when he’ll leave and leaving his plans for them to find.
A friend’s dying sister slips him an envelope. When he reads it, everything changes. Benji is finally committed to leaving Wishville once and for all.
Very reminiscent of M. Night Shyamalan’s movie The Village, Wishville is a mysterious town sheltered from the rest of the world. Wishville though is more than just a place. It’s the people that make Wishville, not the other way around. This is a story about running away but more importantly, it’s about pushing people away. It’s a story about friendship but with a nice little twist.
A fast-paced story with a memorable cast and a plot that grabs your attention until the very end.
February 8, 2020
I was a beta reader for this book, and it's one of my top reads of 2020, I loved it!
I must be honest and say I was a little apprehensive before I started reading this, but once I did start, I was completely hooked. Torrefranca’s writing is beautifully lyrical, and the story is a compelling read. All in all, this made it a very hard book to put down, I read it in 3 days 🥰!
Torrefranca captures that child-like innocence that creates curiosity in children, and uses that classic teenage desire to rebel to drives the kids ideas. Benji’s inquisitiveness makes him such a relatable character.
The setting of the book, the fictional town of Wishville, is incredibly mysterious, with the residents almost willingly held captive. 10 years before the book, Benji’s father left Wishville and never returned, scaring everyone else into never leaving themselves. It’s here that Benji’s teenage rebelliousness really comes into its own, and he feels a massive urge to leave.
The characters had depth and their character development over the novel was brilliant. I especially thought that James and Benji’s development was clever. Their reactions to events do show an important message about the fact that it is important to share your feelings.
I found the ending particularly difficult to comprehend directly after reading. This was actually pretty clever, I found myself still thinking about the ending a long long time after I finished reading. And I’m STILL not sure what is actually going on with Wishville itself. Personally, I loved this mysterious aspect!
Generally, I think I would recommend this to sort of young and middling teenagers, which is around the age of the kids in the book. Or to any American teenager relishing the memory of the move from middle school to high school.
I absolutely loved this book, and I can’t wait for more people to read it!
I must be honest and say I was a little apprehensive before I started reading this, but once I did start, I was completely hooked. Torrefranca’s writing is beautifully lyrical, and the story is a compelling read. All in all, this made it a very hard book to put down, I read it in 3 days 🥰!
Torrefranca captures that child-like innocence that creates curiosity in children, and uses that classic teenage desire to rebel to drives the kids ideas. Benji’s inquisitiveness makes him such a relatable character.
The setting of the book, the fictional town of Wishville, is incredibly mysterious, with the residents almost willingly held captive. 10 years before the book, Benji’s father left Wishville and never returned, scaring everyone else into never leaving themselves. It’s here that Benji’s teenage rebelliousness really comes into its own, and he feels a massive urge to leave.
The characters had depth and their character development over the novel was brilliant. I especially thought that James and Benji’s development was clever. Their reactions to events do show an important message about the fact that it is important to share your feelings.
I found the ending particularly difficult to comprehend directly after reading. This was actually pretty clever, I found myself still thinking about the ending a long long time after I finished reading. And I’m STILL not sure what is actually going on with Wishville itself. Personally, I loved this mysterious aspect!
Generally, I think I would recommend this to sort of young and middling teenagers, which is around the age of the kids in the book. Or to any American teenager relishing the memory of the move from middle school to high school.
I absolutely loved this book, and I can’t wait for more people to read it!
March 10, 2020
Haunting and rich with a world that spring to life in one’s mind, Leaving Wishville, was a treat to read. I was an early beta reader for this book, and can vouch for the fact that since I read it, roughly three fourths of the book has been re-written word for word. Such hard work and dedication has paid off, and the book has improved tremendously since its early stages. The flow of the plot is almost flawless, the characters distinctive and the world of Wishville real down to the last detail.
The only problem I have is I’m unsure what the message is; what is this book is trying to say? The mysterious tone made me think there was something, some question it was posing or message it was trying to deliver, some ah-ha moment that was supposed to happen, but I was left feeling as though I was missing something. And hey, maybe I was.
That aside, the story was well thought out, expertly plotted, and laid out in prose that draws you along over every page. I was super engaged, and couldn’t hardly put the book down after I got it. I actually read a good portion of it, next to my family’s pond on a windy day, and felt as though I had been magically transported to Wishville. Honestly, on a technical level, I haven’t got a single fault with it. Which is quite the compliment, trust me. 💛
The only problem I have is I’m unsure what the message is; what is this book is trying to say? The mysterious tone made me think there was something, some question it was posing or message it was trying to deliver, some ah-ha moment that was supposed to happen, but I was left feeling as though I was missing something. And hey, maybe I was.
That aside, the story was well thought out, expertly plotted, and laid out in prose that draws you along over every page. I was super engaged, and couldn’t hardly put the book down after I got it. I actually read a good portion of it, next to my family’s pond on a windy day, and felt as though I had been magically transported to Wishville. Honestly, on a technical level, I haven’t got a single fault with it. Which is quite the compliment, trust me. 💛
September 16, 2021
Estoy muy complacida por el acercamiento que me hicieron en Lost Island Press para leer y reseñar el libro Leaving Wishville, en su versión al español, Adiós, Wishville, de Mel Torrefranca. La autora cataloga este libro como realismo mágico juvenil. Yo lo catalogo realismo mágico juvenil con un toque de distopia.
Esta historia trata de un misterioso pueblo llamado Wishville en el que la gente no puede salir, ya que si lo intentan morirán. Scott, el padre de Benji, lo intentó hace diez años y nunca regresó. Benji quiere saber que sucedió; quiere salir de Wishville. Wishville lo sofoca. Está cansado. Pero sus amigos quieren impedir que cometa esa locura y harán hasta lo imposible para evitarlo. No solo sus amigos, todos en el pueblo quieren evitarlo. La hermana enfermiza de James, uno de sus amigos, tiene dones donde puede predecir eventos futuros y esta le deja un sobre rojo con un extraño vaticinio. ¿Logrará Benji dejar a su madre y abandonar Wishville?
Tengo que decir que estuvo muy bien escrito. Su edición me gustó. La escritora trabajó bien la historia. Reconozco que al principio me costó un poco adentrarme, pero a medida que avanzaban los capítulos se ponía mas interesante. Cuando llegué a los últimos capítulos no pude parar de leer. El final es uno de esos en los que te quedas pensando en lo que realmente sucedió. Me gustaría seguir leyendo a la autora.
Esta historia trata de un misterioso pueblo llamado Wishville en el que la gente no puede salir, ya que si lo intentan morirán. Scott, el padre de Benji, lo intentó hace diez años y nunca regresó. Benji quiere saber que sucedió; quiere salir de Wishville. Wishville lo sofoca. Está cansado. Pero sus amigos quieren impedir que cometa esa locura y harán hasta lo imposible para evitarlo. No solo sus amigos, todos en el pueblo quieren evitarlo. La hermana enfermiza de James, uno de sus amigos, tiene dones donde puede predecir eventos futuros y esta le deja un sobre rojo con un extraño vaticinio. ¿Logrará Benji dejar a su madre y abandonar Wishville?
Tengo que decir que estuvo muy bien escrito. Su edición me gustó. La escritora trabajó bien la historia. Reconozco que al principio me costó un poco adentrarme, pero a medida que avanzaban los capítulos se ponía mas interesante. Cuando llegué a los últimos capítulos no pude parar de leer. El final es uno de esos en los que te quedas pensando en lo que realmente sucedió. Me gustaría seguir leyendo a la autora.
September 24, 2020
When I heard ARCs were open for Leaving Wishville, I was so excited. I had been waiting forever to read something by Melissa Torrefranca, and I couldn’t wait to read it.
Leaving Wishville was another one of those books that I struggled to choose a star rating for. I went to sleep last night with the sure idea that I’d be marking down 4 stars on Googreads. I woke up this morning know that the only reason I took off a star was because I didn’t want it to end. There are so many reasons I wanted to stay in the world of Wishville, figure out answers to so many questions and just live there for a while. The whole story has a surreal allegorical feeling, some sort of fable that I haven’t puzzled out yet.
Leaving Wishville is a tremendous addition to the indie community. It’s sad, but nostalgic, and it doesn’t let you lose hope. The world building got me immediately interested, and I have to say, if Melissa ever writes another book in the Wishville world, I will do what I can to read it. Melissa delivered a powerful coming of age story comparable to Tuck Everlasting and the Giver.
You should read it.
Leaving Wishville was another one of those books that I struggled to choose a star rating for. I went to sleep last night with the sure idea that I’d be marking down 4 stars on Googreads. I woke up this morning know that the only reason I took off a star was because I didn’t want it to end. There are so many reasons I wanted to stay in the world of Wishville, figure out answers to so many questions and just live there for a while. The whole story has a surreal allegorical feeling, some sort of fable that I haven’t puzzled out yet.
Leaving Wishville is a tremendous addition to the indie community. It’s sad, but nostalgic, and it doesn’t let you lose hope. The world building got me immediately interested, and I have to say, if Melissa ever writes another book in the Wishville world, I will do what I can to read it. Melissa delivered a powerful coming of age story comparable to Tuck Everlasting and the Giver.
You should read it.
October 3, 2021
¡Gracias a todos los que han estado publicando reseñas de mi primera traducción literaria! Los aprecio mucho <3
Leí esta historia hace un año y me impactó bastante: encontré refugio en los consejos de Oliver, los chistes de Chloe, y las quejas inmaduras de Sam. Estoy demasiado feliz de haber participado en esta traducción y le deseo lo mejor a Mel en sus futuros proyectos :)
Leí esta historia hace un año y me impactó bastante: encontré refugio en los consejos de Oliver, los chistes de Chloe, y las quejas inmaduras de Sam. Estoy demasiado feliz de haber participado en esta traducción y le deseo lo mejor a Mel en sus futuros proyectos :)
October 14, 2021
Ten years ago, Scott Marino left the town of Wishville and to this day, no one knows where is he. As a rule, no one enters or leaves the town, so nobody knows what lies beyond the limits of Wishville. Benji Marino, Scott's teenage son, is very curious and he decides to escape into the unknown, regardless of the fact that everyone in town wants to stop him.
To be honest, when I read the synopsis, I thought I this book was not my cup of tea... but I was wrong. Leaving Wishville by Mel Torrefranca, is a great reading and it has several aspects that I liked.
I would like to start by saying that this book transported me to Wishville. Although the descriptions of the landscapes are short, you can visualize the most important places of this story.
I also liked the main character, Benji. I could feel his desperation and the chaos he was living in. He is a teenager who wants to get out of the routine and venture into the unknown, no matter what might happen to him.
Likewise, I loved that the plot is fast, light and fluid.
Likewise, there are things that I didn't like very much.
First of all, I feel that the secondary characters lack a bit of development.
And secondly, there are some unfinished plots, but I guess there will be a sequel.
In conclusion, it's a great read if you like mystery with a touch of dystopia.
And I want to know more of this story, so I hope there will be a sequel.
Thanks to Lost Island Press for the ARC.
____________________________
Diez años atrás, Scott Marino dejó el pueblo de Wishville y hasta la fecha no se sabe nada de él. Por regla, nadie entra y nadie sale del pueblo, por lo que ninguno de sus habitantes tiene la certeza de lo que hay más allá de los límites de Wishville. La curiosidad que tiene Benji Marino, el hijo adolescente de Scott, es tan grande, que decide escaparse hacia lo desconocido, sin importarle las que todas las personas del pueblo quieran detenerlo.
Siendo sincera, cuando leí la sinopsis, pensé que no sería de mi agrado… pero estaba equivocada. Adiós, Wishville de Mel Torrefranca, es un libro genial que tiene varios aspectos que me gustaron.
El primer punto que quiero tocar es que este libro me transportó a Wishville, y aunque las descripciones de los paisajes son cortas, puedes visualizar los lugares más importantes de esta historia.
También me gustó el personaje principal, Benji. Podía sentir su desesperación y el caos en el que estaba viviendo. Es un adolescente que quiere salir de la rutina y aventurarse a lo desconocido sin importarle lo que le pueda pasar.
Igualmente, me encantó que la trama es rápida, ligera y fluida.
Asimismo, hay cosas que no me gustaron mucho.
En primer lugar, siento que le falta un poco de desarrollo a los personajes secundarios.
Y en segundo lugar, como que hay algunas tramas inconclusas, pero supongo que habrá una secuela.
En conclusión, lo recomiendo si te gusta el misterio con un toque de distopía.
Y quiero saber más de esta historia, así que espero que haya una segunda parte.
Gracias a Lost Island Press por la copia avanzada.
To be honest, when I read the synopsis, I thought I this book was not my cup of tea... but I was wrong. Leaving Wishville by Mel Torrefranca, is a great reading and it has several aspects that I liked.
I would like to start by saying that this book transported me to Wishville. Although the descriptions of the landscapes are short, you can visualize the most important places of this story.
I also liked the main character, Benji. I could feel his desperation and the chaos he was living in. He is a teenager who wants to get out of the routine and venture into the unknown, no matter what might happen to him.
Likewise, I loved that the plot is fast, light and fluid.
Likewise, there are things that I didn't like very much.
First of all, I feel that the secondary characters lack a bit of development.
And secondly, there are some unfinished plots, but I guess there will be a sequel.
In conclusion, it's a great read if you like mystery with a touch of dystopia.
And I want to know more of this story, so I hope there will be a sequel.
Thanks to Lost Island Press for the ARC.
____________________________
Diez años atrás, Scott Marino dejó el pueblo de Wishville y hasta la fecha no se sabe nada de él. Por regla, nadie entra y nadie sale del pueblo, por lo que ninguno de sus habitantes tiene la certeza de lo que hay más allá de los límites de Wishville. La curiosidad que tiene Benji Marino, el hijo adolescente de Scott, es tan grande, que decide escaparse hacia lo desconocido, sin importarle las que todas las personas del pueblo quieran detenerlo.
Siendo sincera, cuando leí la sinopsis, pensé que no sería de mi agrado… pero estaba equivocada. Adiós, Wishville de Mel Torrefranca, es un libro genial que tiene varios aspectos que me gustaron.
El primer punto que quiero tocar es que este libro me transportó a Wishville, y aunque las descripciones de los paisajes son cortas, puedes visualizar los lugares más importantes de esta historia.
También me gustó el personaje principal, Benji. Podía sentir su desesperación y el caos en el que estaba viviendo. Es un adolescente que quiere salir de la rutina y aventurarse a lo desconocido sin importarle lo que le pueda pasar.
Igualmente, me encantó que la trama es rápida, ligera y fluida.
Asimismo, hay cosas que no me gustaron mucho.
En primer lugar, siento que le falta un poco de desarrollo a los personajes secundarios.
Y en segundo lugar, como que hay algunas tramas inconclusas, pero supongo que habrá una secuela.
En conclusión, lo recomiendo si te gusta el misterio con un toque de distopía.
Y quiero saber más de esta historia, así que espero que haya una segunda parte.
Gracias a Lost Island Press por la copia avanzada.
February 8, 2020
I heard about the beta reading for the book a few months ago. However, I missed the deadlines for the event and was not able to read the book until recently. When I was sent the book to read, I had high expectations since everyone seemed to like the book based on the beta version. The book didn't disappoint me, from its characters to its ending. The plot was able to consistently hold my attention throughout the book and left me satisfied.
October 3, 2021
Muchas gracias a @Lostislandpress por proporcionarme la versión en español de la novela de @meltorrefranca y a @esperanzakim por su excelente trabajo traduciendo! Que maravilloso equipo han formado.
Al principio la historia parece ser solo un drama juvenil más 4 amigos muy unidos y cada uno con personalidades diferentes por lo que te hace pensar que habrá un cuadrado amoroso, se distanciaran, etc. Pero la historia aborda una temática totalmente diferente.
La novela gira en torno a Benji quien esta aferrado a salir del pueblo, pero sus intentos siempre son frustrados por sus amigos quienes adivinan sus planes. Sin embargo, la cosa cambia cuando Benji se entera que solo le queda una semana de vida y esta decidido en no morir en el mismo lugar donde nació, por lo que se vuelve una persona completamente diferente, se aleja de sus amigos y solo habla con una persona: aquel que ayudo a su padre a salir de Wishville, es ahí donde Benji planea su plan de escape y esta vez nadie podrá detenerlo… ¿O sí?
En lo personal el libro me gusto muchísimo, siento que se parece a otras novelas y al mismo tiempo es algo muy diferente, me encanta la personalidad de los personajes y su evolución, también es muy rápido de leer y ligero.
Al principio la historia parece ser solo un drama juvenil más 4 amigos muy unidos y cada uno con personalidades diferentes por lo que te hace pensar que habrá un cuadrado amoroso, se distanciaran, etc. Pero la historia aborda una temática totalmente diferente.
La novela gira en torno a Benji quien esta aferrado a salir del pueblo, pero sus intentos siempre son frustrados por sus amigos quienes adivinan sus planes. Sin embargo, la cosa cambia cuando Benji se entera que solo le queda una semana de vida y esta decidido en no morir en el mismo lugar donde nació, por lo que se vuelve una persona completamente diferente, se aleja de sus amigos y solo habla con una persona: aquel que ayudo a su padre a salir de Wishville, es ahí donde Benji planea su plan de escape y esta vez nadie podrá detenerlo… ¿O sí?
En lo personal el libro me gusto muchísimo, siento que se parece a otras novelas y al mismo tiempo es algo muy diferente, me encanta la personalidad de los personajes y su evolución, también es muy rápido de leer y ligero.
August 25, 2020
I think of Leaving Wishville and hear the ocean. I see that misty gray that doesn't seem like it's a real color. Unsettlingly cozy.
Mel Torrefranca does a phenomenal job of transporting her readers into a completely different place. Though I read this book curled up in my room or on my back porch, I always felt as if I were in Wishville, all but tasting the ocean. Every detail, each line of dialogue, even each punctuation mark settles in your chest and tugs. Coming from a small town myself, I'm all too familiar with tranquility feeling empty, but Torrefranca conveys it effortlessly. She finds ways to make you feel things you've only felt in hazy dreams.
Her characters, especially Benji, aid you on your journey. They are as dimensional and dynamic as characters come. Even if they are on the page for just a few lines, you get to know them. Benji is the type of character that you know you've met in real life before--someone who wants more that what they believe they have.
The plot, of course, was wonderful. Fast-paced, but not so fast that I felt my head spin. It kept me turning the pages, needing to know what would come next, but not feeling rushed to do so.
If you need to visit somewhere else for a bit, and you feel there is something missing, then Leaving Wishville might have some solutions.
Mel Torrefranca does a phenomenal job of transporting her readers into a completely different place. Though I read this book curled up in my room or on my back porch, I always felt as if I were in Wishville, all but tasting the ocean. Every detail, each line of dialogue, even each punctuation mark settles in your chest and tugs. Coming from a small town myself, I'm all too familiar with tranquility feeling empty, but Torrefranca conveys it effortlessly. She finds ways to make you feel things you've only felt in hazy dreams.
Her characters, especially Benji, aid you on your journey. They are as dimensional and dynamic as characters come. Even if they are on the page for just a few lines, you get to know them. Benji is the type of character that you know you've met in real life before--someone who wants more that what they believe they have.
The plot, of course, was wonderful. Fast-paced, but not so fast that I felt my head spin. It kept me turning the pages, needing to know what would come next, but not feeling rushed to do so.
If you need to visit somewhere else for a bit, and you feel there is something missing, then Leaving Wishville might have some solutions.
September 17, 2021
First off, I hate all the people around Benji. Her mom sucks, her friends suck. But the story is incredible and makes up for the flat characters. I became invested in the plot even for just a day and a half; just imagine me cursing at 2 in the morning while reading the last few chapters of the book. I would love to see a sequel to this because I want to know more about what happened to Benji. While his friends had a good ending, he was not happy that he did not die and instead woke up in a different world. But then, a sequel would ruin the story, right? It's up to us readers to imagine/think about what happened to him.
Overall, I'm giving this book thumbs up. Mel did a good job of creating a wonderful story. A recommended book for YA readers out there.
Overall, I'm giving this book thumbs up. Mel did a good job of creating a wonderful story. A recommended book for YA readers out there.
December 9, 2022
I was not expecting to like this so much considering this was written by a teenager but I must say this was surprisingly very well written and cohesive. The character development was great and the whole plot in general was a hit.
Wishville community was enough to give you a chill and the way things unraveled throughout the book, it kept me on the edge of my seat for the whole time. Benji and James in particular were the showstoppers with Oliver a strong contender as well.
The only reason I am not giving this a 5 star is I felt the end could have been explained better, it was a bit rushed and as such also a little confusing. I would have liked to see what became of Benji's life in Hartfield.
Wishville community was enough to give you a chill and the way things unraveled throughout the book, it kept me on the edge of my seat for the whole time. Benji and James in particular were the showstoppers with Oliver a strong contender as well.
The only reason I am not giving this a 5 star is I felt the end could have been explained better, it was a bit rushed and as such also a little confusing. I would have liked to see what became of Benji's life in Hartfield.
January 25, 2021
Leaving Wishville by Mel Torrefranca was an incredible read. Overall, strong and relatable characters, amazing plot and a happy reader here :)
The message was so clear and strong that it made me reflect about my relationships with my own friends, just like how Benji, James, Sam and Chloe did during their crisis.
The message was so clear and strong that it made me reflect about my relationships with my own friends, just like how Benji, James, Sam and Chloe did during their crisis.
August 20, 2021
Somehow this was worse that Capsule. Somehow. Cliche after cliche after cliche, with horrible prose, a plot that makes no sense, flat characters and still somehow written with ego. Sorry, but these books just aren't for me 🤷♀️
October 18, 2021
COLABORACIÓN.
Calificación: 3.4
Este es un libro de "realismo mágico", al principio cuando me pidieron hacer esta colaboración no voy a negar que tenía mis dudas, pero al leer la sinopsis quedé intrigada y decidí darme la oportunidad de leerlo.
Me costo mucho seguir el hilo de la historia en los primeros capítulos, la pluma de la autora era algo difícil de leer, pero conforme me iba adentrando a la historia comencé a agarrar el ritmo y sentirla ágil. Personalmente, siento que cuesta al principio debido a todos los acontecimientos que pasan en un abrir y cerrar de ojos, tienes que estar muy atento a tu lectura para no perder ningún detalle, por que cada punto es muy importante en la historia, la cual va creciendo de manera paulatina y va envolviendo al lector, hasta el punto en que llegue a sentirme muy compenetrada con todo lo que estaba ocurriendo.
En cuanto a los personajes, siento que nuestro protagonista "Benji", es alguien con una historia muy interesante, una personalidad única en "Whishville", es aquel que trae color a un lugar que me imagino lleno de grises. Siento que vemos una construcción en ascenso, me quedé con ganas de leer más de el y su desarrollo. Por otro lado, nuestros personajes secundarios aportan mucho a la historia, el grupo de amigos "James", "Chloe" & "Sam", cada uno con personalidades completamente diferentes y los tres con una buena construcción. Considero que como grupo de amigos se compenetraban de muy buena manera, la autora hizo un gran trabajo al momento de crearlos.
¿Lo recomiendo? ¡Claro! Es una historia atrapante, rápida de leer, puede parecer algo pesada al inicio pero vale la pena. En lo personal logre empatizar mucho con el protagonista y con la historia que se nos presenta, así que me encantará saber que es lo que sienten usted al leer esta historia corta.
¿Algo que no me gusto? Sentí que le faltaron hojas, me hubiera gustado conocer más sobre lo que el "destino" le depara a Benji y que iba a suceder con su grupo de amigos. Pero en fin, si hay una continuación, no dudaré en leerla.
Gracias a la editorial por confiar en mi y darme la oportunidad de leer esta copia avanzada.
Calificación: 3.4
Este es un libro de "realismo mágico", al principio cuando me pidieron hacer esta colaboración no voy a negar que tenía mis dudas, pero al leer la sinopsis quedé intrigada y decidí darme la oportunidad de leerlo.
Me costo mucho seguir el hilo de la historia en los primeros capítulos, la pluma de la autora era algo difícil de leer, pero conforme me iba adentrando a la historia comencé a agarrar el ritmo y sentirla ágil. Personalmente, siento que cuesta al principio debido a todos los acontecimientos que pasan en un abrir y cerrar de ojos, tienes que estar muy atento a tu lectura para no perder ningún detalle, por que cada punto es muy importante en la historia, la cual va creciendo de manera paulatina y va envolviendo al lector, hasta el punto en que llegue a sentirme muy compenetrada con todo lo que estaba ocurriendo.
En cuanto a los personajes, siento que nuestro protagonista "Benji", es alguien con una historia muy interesante, una personalidad única en "Whishville", es aquel que trae color a un lugar que me imagino lleno de grises. Siento que vemos una construcción en ascenso, me quedé con ganas de leer más de el y su desarrollo. Por otro lado, nuestros personajes secundarios aportan mucho a la historia, el grupo de amigos "James", "Chloe" & "Sam", cada uno con personalidades completamente diferentes y los tres con una buena construcción. Considero que como grupo de amigos se compenetraban de muy buena manera, la autora hizo un gran trabajo al momento de crearlos.
¿Lo recomiendo? ¡Claro! Es una historia atrapante, rápida de leer, puede parecer algo pesada al inicio pero vale la pena. En lo personal logre empatizar mucho con el protagonista y con la historia que se nos presenta, así que me encantará saber que es lo que sienten usted al leer esta historia corta.
¿Algo que no me gusto? Sentí que le faltaron hojas, me hubiera gustado conocer más sobre lo que el "destino" le depara a Benji y que iba a suceder con su grupo de amigos. Pero en fin, si hay una continuación, no dudaré en leerla.
Gracias a la editorial por confiar en mi y darme la oportunidad de leer esta copia avanzada.
September 17, 2021
La historia nos sitúa en Wishville, un pueblo muy misterioso del cuál nadie se atreve a salir, ya que hace diez años lo hizo el padre de Benji y nunca regresó.
Benji Marino es el protagonista de la novela y me he sentido muy identificada con él. Me ha encantado su ambición y sus ganas de conocer más allá, sin miedo a nada. Ha sido muy fácil y entretenido seguir la lectura a través de sus vivencias.
El resto de personajes están muy bien construidos, tienen profundidad y un buen desarrollo. La autora consigue crear esa conexión con cada uno de ellos, aunque solo aparezcan en unas pocas líneas.
La trama me parece muy interesante, te atrapa desde el inicio y hace que quieras descubrir todos los misterios que rodean a Wishville.
El libro está dividido en 3 partes, y cada una de ellas tiene varios capítulos bastante cortos y rápidos de leer.
El final del libro me dejó un poco indiferente. No llega a cerrarse del todo la historia y, a mi parecer, quedan algunos misterios que resolver. A mi, personalmente, me gusta que los libros queden completamente cerrados (a no ser que sean sagas), y eso ha hecho que la valoración global sea un poco más baja.
De todos modos, me parece una historia distinta y ligera para poder leer entre otras lecturas.
El libro traducido al español está previsto que se publique el 23 de octubre de 2021. La empresa Lost Island Press es un negocio relativamente nuevo y pequeño que está empezando, y a mi me ha parecido que la traducción estaba perfecta. Por lo que desde aquí le doy mi enhorabuena a Sowon por su trabajazo😊
Benji Marino es el protagonista de la novela y me he sentido muy identificada con él. Me ha encantado su ambición y sus ganas de conocer más allá, sin miedo a nada. Ha sido muy fácil y entretenido seguir la lectura a través de sus vivencias.
El resto de personajes están muy bien construidos, tienen profundidad y un buen desarrollo. La autora consigue crear esa conexión con cada uno de ellos, aunque solo aparezcan en unas pocas líneas.
La trama me parece muy interesante, te atrapa desde el inicio y hace que quieras descubrir todos los misterios que rodean a Wishville.
El libro está dividido en 3 partes, y cada una de ellas tiene varios capítulos bastante cortos y rápidos de leer.
El final del libro me dejó un poco indiferente. No llega a cerrarse del todo la historia y, a mi parecer, quedan algunos misterios que resolver. A mi, personalmente, me gusta que los libros queden completamente cerrados (a no ser que sean sagas), y eso ha hecho que la valoración global sea un poco más baja.
De todos modos, me parece una historia distinta y ligera para poder leer entre otras lecturas.
El libro traducido al español está previsto que se publique el 23 de octubre de 2021. La empresa Lost Island Press es un negocio relativamente nuevo y pequeño que está empezando, y a mi me ha parecido que la traducción estaba perfecta. Por lo que desde aquí le doy mi enhorabuena a Sowon por su trabajazo😊
June 15, 2022
Before I start this review, can we acknowledge this ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL COVER!!
I stumbled upon one of Mels youtube videos, and now I am reading her book! This was a really good book. I felt like I could relate to the characters, Benji especially, of wanting to get out of his hometown. Feeling like you are confined in one space and cannot get out. Mel Torrefranca also has the incredible ability to make me hate characters, and love other too. Don't even get me started on Mr.Perkins.
The only reason I would not bump this up to a 5 stars, is the ending a plot holes. There were a lot of plot holes in this book. The ending also felt a little rushed. I would have liked to see more what would of happened after Benji reached Hartfield.
If there was a sequel to this book, I would definitely read it. Recommend this to anybody who is looking for a fast read and something enjoyable.
I stumbled upon one of Mels youtube videos, and now I am reading her book! This was a really good book. I felt like I could relate to the characters, Benji especially, of wanting to get out of his hometown. Feeling like you are confined in one space and cannot get out. Mel Torrefranca also has the incredible ability to make me hate characters, and love other too. Don't even get me started on Mr.Perkins.
The only reason I would not bump this up to a 5 stars, is the ending a plot holes. There were a lot of plot holes in this book. The ending also felt a little rushed. I would have liked to see more what would of happened after Benji reached Hartfield.
If there was a sequel to this book, I would definitely read it. Recommend this to anybody who is looking for a fast read and something enjoyable.
October 18, 2021
La historia me ha encantado, los personajes me parecieron geniales y totalmente juveniles, lo que le da un aire fresco a toda la trama. Tiene buen ritmo, se lee rápido y es entretenida, en todo momento sentí que estaba leyendo novela juvenil y eso me ha enganchado.
Me he quedado con ganas de saber más, aunque tampoco me molesta el final abierto.
También se puede acompañar la lectura de este libro con la playlist Leaving Wishville disponible en Spotify, es una joya cuando el libro tiene música que te hace entrar de lleno en la historia.
Me he quedado con ganas de saber más, aunque tampoco me molesta el final abierto.
También se puede acompañar la lectura de este libro con la playlist Leaving Wishville disponible en Spotify, es una joya cuando el libro tiene música que te hace entrar de lleno en la historia.
March 29, 2025
This book was AMAZING!!!! Personally it was an emotional roller coaster. It almost had me crying at some points. I totally recommend this book for anyone interested reading it.
May 10, 2021
I don’t see this book being recommended enough, and I don’t understand why! I loved every part of it. The writing is unique. Every single page is full of emotions and every character is so interesting. I can’t bring myself to get this unique story out of my mind.
This is my favorite book now, would totally recommend
This is my favorite book now, would totally recommend
April 17, 2021
This book was awesome. It had the bittersweet emotions and I cried. The book ties up with the friendships themes and it hits close to home. The way that Mel Torrefranca wrote this novel makes it intriguing and want to continue reading. I highly recommend people reading this amazing book. I am excited with more books to come from this author.
December 8, 2020
From the very first page, I was captivated. Mel Torrefranca’s Leaving Wishville kept me reading late into the night, not wanting to put it down. The characters were incredible! So beautifully written and intriguing. Each character had their own personality, which was both interesting and entertaining.
The plot kept my heart beating at a fast pace throughout the novel. Very intriguing!
I’d recommend Leaving Wishville to everyone! Easily one of the greatest novels I’ve read this year!
The plot kept my heart beating at a fast pace throughout the novel. Very intriguing!
I’d recommend Leaving Wishville to everyone! Easily one of the greatest novels I’ve read this year!
June 11, 2025
**MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THOSE PLANNING TO READ “LEAVING WISHVILLE” FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER**
Having already read "Memory Minefield,” and “Capsule” before “Leaving Wishville,” I can now say that Mel Torrefranca is a master at generating suspense and tension in her writing, especially in the first chapter of this book when we’re introduced to Benji, his awful friends, and the very very weird town of Wishville where you know right away something is not right and you want him to leave. But he doesn’t… because of his awful friends. And so here the thing I wanted to see happen: the whole story started: Benji getting his “Truman Show” happy ending. But of course there are challenges along the way. One of the main devices used in this story to really drum up the suspense is the ticking clock that is Benji’s life once the goal of Leaving the town is introduced. We want him to leave, and now he has a limited time to do it, and EVERYONE gets in his way.
What makes Wishville such a creepy place and great setting is just how IRRITATING and downright hateable all the characters are in here save for Benji and Oliver. Maybe Lauren too. The big moment where I swore my heart physically dropped was the dinner scene with Perkins where Sam just drops that Benji tried to leave just knowing what he’ll have to face. She went for the Jugular there against someone who was supposed to be her friend. Takes a good established setting and characters to make such a tense scene. Mayor Perkins is an asshole too, overstepping his boundaries and acting like a disciplinary father toward Benji who is NOT his kid, even if he was friends with Scott. I’m hesitant to call Rebecca a terrible mother because she is a product of the control and conditioning of the town as well, but when she complains about Benji not sharing anything with her, and why can’t he if it’s bothering him, when the last time he opened up and was honest with her, she accused him of lying and sent him to his room. And then she treats him like his refusal to open up and worrying her about that is his fault. Mother of the year award goes to her. James is obviously suffering from the death of his sister, so his awfulness gets a pass. Chloe however, does not. Especially after vandalizing Oliver’s house.
I mentioned how everyone gets in Benji’s way when his life is literally on the line. Now he never tells him that, so it’s not their fault, but man! This book made me mad in the best way possible because there is barely any plot convenience at all. Every character has agency and makes decisions based on what they want, and they don’t give the reader a break because they have a life to live. Nobody is acting stupid just to give the characters a contrived upper hand. The end when Rebecca books him another psychologist appointment, and then reveals it’s that day, and says she’s going to drive him there, then tells him to go to his room until it’s time to go, and THEN THE MAYOR LITERALLY COMES TO DRIVE THEM THERE. It’s smart in the most condescending way possible. This is a great way to get us the readers emotionally invested in Benji just getting out. Which he does after it gets to the point where Perkins literally has him at gunpoint. These people… At least Sam gets a bit of redemption.
The writing is amazing, flows well, easily readable, and time flies. I got absorbed into it very quickly. It’s not so simplistic there’s no substance, far from that, it’s very full of detail all laid out in a very efficient way. Not repetitive at all which is a plus, and perfectly descriptive.
I have one complaint/criticism. Benji, after a lot of frustration for him (and us), finally leaves Wishville he ends up in a place called Hartfield which is just “where the people who leave come.” Is this supposed to be a metaphorical place because Benji died? Or is it in the real world in a real city like Toronto or something? What happened to Wishville? Is it not a real place in the real world? Does Benji even live in our world, or is he in another dimension or planet filled with inescapable towns cut off from each other by magic walls aside from this one place? I’ll accept something supernatural about Wishville being non-existent once you leave it for any ambiguous reason, but it falls flat for Benji to leave a place that is impossible to leave, only to end up in another place just as inescapable which is what seemed to be implied by him not finding Wishville when he runs from the doctor at the end. If these questions were clarified at the end, I think it would have been much more cathartic. Double points if he found his father. It’s not a big deal really, I’d be more pissed if this book was called “Leaving Wishville” and he never freaking leaves. But for this reason, I have to give the book a four instead of a five even if the ambiguity was intended since it broke my immersion (though I like this book way more personally than four stars).
In all, let’s support young independent authors like Mel Torrefranca who’s actively writing good stories with themes and ideas like dangerous curiosity and knowledge, grief and loss, individuality versus conformity, ignorance, loyalty, and agency instead of the fluffy cookie cutter trope filled slop that sometimes feels written by AI getting funneled down the sewage pipe in the traditional publishing industry. I’m going to be reading much more from her in the future, like her Belladonna Books, and the book she’s co-writing with Laurel Glyn O’Brien that’s coming out this year, “Cabin 5.”
Mel has her own publishing company called Lost Island Press. Go check it out for other independent authors' works as well. She’s doing great work giving young authors a chance to easily publish their stories.
Having already read "Memory Minefield,” and “Capsule” before “Leaving Wishville,” I can now say that Mel Torrefranca is a master at generating suspense and tension in her writing, especially in the first chapter of this book when we’re introduced to Benji, his awful friends, and the very very weird town of Wishville where you know right away something is not right and you want him to leave. But he doesn’t… because of his awful friends. And so here the thing I wanted to see happen: the whole story started: Benji getting his “Truman Show” happy ending. But of course there are challenges along the way. One of the main devices used in this story to really drum up the suspense is the ticking clock that is Benji’s life once the goal of Leaving the town is introduced. We want him to leave, and now he has a limited time to do it, and EVERYONE gets in his way.
What makes Wishville such a creepy place and great setting is just how IRRITATING and downright hateable all the characters are in here save for Benji and Oliver. Maybe Lauren too. The big moment where I swore my heart physically dropped was the dinner scene with Perkins where Sam just drops that Benji tried to leave just knowing what he’ll have to face. She went for the Jugular there against someone who was supposed to be her friend. Takes a good established setting and characters to make such a tense scene. Mayor Perkins is an asshole too, overstepping his boundaries and acting like a disciplinary father toward Benji who is NOT his kid, even if he was friends with Scott. I’m hesitant to call Rebecca a terrible mother because she is a product of the control and conditioning of the town as well, but when she complains about Benji not sharing anything with her, and why can’t he if it’s bothering him, when the last time he opened up and was honest with her, she accused him of lying and sent him to his room. And then she treats him like his refusal to open up and worrying her about that is his fault. Mother of the year award goes to her. James is obviously suffering from the death of his sister, so his awfulness gets a pass. Chloe however, does not. Especially after vandalizing Oliver’s house.
I mentioned how everyone gets in Benji’s way when his life is literally on the line. Now he never tells him that, so it’s not their fault, but man! This book made me mad in the best way possible because there is barely any plot convenience at all. Every character has agency and makes decisions based on what they want, and they don’t give the reader a break because they have a life to live. Nobody is acting stupid just to give the characters a contrived upper hand. The end when Rebecca books him another psychologist appointment, and then reveals it’s that day, and says she’s going to drive him there, then tells him to go to his room until it’s time to go, and THEN THE MAYOR LITERALLY COMES TO DRIVE THEM THERE. It’s smart in the most condescending way possible. This is a great way to get us the readers emotionally invested in Benji just getting out. Which he does after it gets to the point where Perkins literally has him at gunpoint. These people… At least Sam gets a bit of redemption.
The writing is amazing, flows well, easily readable, and time flies. I got absorbed into it very quickly. It’s not so simplistic there’s no substance, far from that, it’s very full of detail all laid out in a very efficient way. Not repetitive at all which is a plus, and perfectly descriptive.
I have one complaint/criticism. Benji, after a lot of frustration for him (and us), finally leaves Wishville he ends up in a place called Hartfield which is just “where the people who leave come.” Is this supposed to be a metaphorical place because Benji died? Or is it in the real world in a real city like Toronto or something? What happened to Wishville? Is it not a real place in the real world? Does Benji even live in our world, or is he in another dimension or planet filled with inescapable towns cut off from each other by magic walls aside from this one place? I’ll accept something supernatural about Wishville being non-existent once you leave it for any ambiguous reason, but it falls flat for Benji to leave a place that is impossible to leave, only to end up in another place just as inescapable which is what seemed to be implied by him not finding Wishville when he runs from the doctor at the end. If these questions were clarified at the end, I think it would have been much more cathartic. Double points if he found his father. It’s not a big deal really, I’d be more pissed if this book was called “Leaving Wishville” and he never freaking leaves. But for this reason, I have to give the book a four instead of a five even if the ambiguity was intended since it broke my immersion (though I like this book way more personally than four stars).
In all, let’s support young independent authors like Mel Torrefranca who’s actively writing good stories with themes and ideas like dangerous curiosity and knowledge, grief and loss, individuality versus conformity, ignorance, loyalty, and agency instead of the fluffy cookie cutter trope filled slop that sometimes feels written by AI getting funneled down the sewage pipe in the traditional publishing industry. I’m going to be reading much more from her in the future, like her Belladonna Books, and the book she’s co-writing with Laurel Glyn O’Brien that’s coming out this year, “Cabin 5.”
Mel has her own publishing company called Lost Island Press. Go check it out for other independent authors' works as well. She’s doing great work giving young authors a chance to easily publish their stories.
October 22, 2020
Vivid descriptions, thrilling plot and fascinating character personalities. All of which present in this very book written by Mel Torrefranca.
A place where no one knows the outside world and known to no one else but its residents, Benji Marino wants to know more. He wants to know what is out there. Paradise? Certain death? His father's fate? Yet he doubts whether or not he should do it.
A bright red envelope changed this.
It changed everything. His friendship, his goals, the time left for him to achieve these goals.
May 23rd 11.59p.m.. There was no turning back once Benji's gone.
A place where no one knows the outside world and known to no one else but its residents, Benji Marino wants to know more. He wants to know what is out there. Paradise? Certain death? His father's fate? Yet he doubts whether or not he should do it.
A bright red envelope changed this.
It changed everything. His friendship, his goals, the time left for him to achieve these goals.
May 23rd 11.59p.m.. There was no turning back once Benji's gone.
March 23, 2021
I loved this book. It gave me such nostalgic feels, that I can't quiet put my finger on, but it felt like something I had read as a child, and was opening again. My friend let me borrow this book, so I will definitely buy one for myself. It did feel a bit draggy with some sentences, and it was a little confusing at the beginning, but once you get into it, I feel it is a lovely read. It is a very good debut novel, nothing too special, but I'm excited for the author's future books, and will support her throughout! Looking forward to Capsule!
December 11, 2020
I read this during my volunteering breaks and the time always passed by so fast! The setting was very nostalgic and familiar, and WISHVILLE became a vivid location in my mind. I was impressed by the cast of characters that all felt personal and real, and the climax had me at the edge of my seat flipping the pages as fast as I could. Overall a great read!
September 9, 2021
I don’t like it
August 14, 2023
In what I presume is a couple of other readers’ intrigue, I was also drawn in by the mysteries that lay outside Wishville. I was in expectation of the thrill, the twist. I was Benji.
But towards the end, I found myself questioning if there imposed more meaning to what he left behind instead. Was this a figurative tale of an overgrown childhood? Perhaps the perils of having to scour beyond what the outskirts allow; to satiate levels of curiosity deemed more valuable than what is to be known? Or is it alluding to dissent as a powerful weapon in achieving enlightenment?
Either way, I was engaged with every possible interpretation as much as Benji remained steady with his principles — the character of a classic protagonist.
And in speaking of these characters, I appreciated how vivid they were in personality. Readers could easily dissect or distinct — at least at face value — their nuances, motivations, and ideologies. I understood what the author had intended for them to represent, and it’s a welcome diversity. I found a “The Truman Show” (1998) vibe to some, especially amongst the older people of the story. There were details that I thought pinpointed towards a scheme of sorts (i.e. Wishville’s population thinks of swimming as a supernatural act), kept away from Benji like a dark secret.
It was interesting trying to recall and piece these together. But that was also the book’s downfall. It didn’t entail a reread.
While it may just be a personal experience to have found the ending anticlimactic, especially with the focus on Benji’s success at escape and what awaited him all this time, I thought the narrative heavily precluded to something greater than what was actually intended, and thus turned out unsatisfactory.
This story’s strength was definitely its personalities; but the world-building may have compromised such factor.
Overall, readers could remain in anticipation — which isn’t always a bad thing. I was able to consistently be entertained, though full of questions. Was there somehow a dominant message I missed along the way, or was this journey simply about a kid wanting to ask “why?” like every other?
But towards the end, I found myself questioning if there imposed more meaning to what he left behind instead. Was this a figurative tale of an overgrown childhood? Perhaps the perils of having to scour beyond what the outskirts allow; to satiate levels of curiosity deemed more valuable than what is to be known? Or is it alluding to dissent as a powerful weapon in achieving enlightenment?
Either way, I was engaged with every possible interpretation as much as Benji remained steady with his principles — the character of a classic protagonist.
And in speaking of these characters, I appreciated how vivid they were in personality. Readers could easily dissect or distinct — at least at face value — their nuances, motivations, and ideologies. I understood what the author had intended for them to represent, and it’s a welcome diversity. I found a “The Truman Show” (1998) vibe to some, especially amongst the older people of the story. There were details that I thought pinpointed towards a scheme of sorts (i.e. Wishville’s population thinks of swimming as a supernatural act), kept away from Benji like a dark secret.
It was interesting trying to recall and piece these together. But that was also the book’s downfall. It didn’t entail a reread.
While it may just be a personal experience to have found the ending anticlimactic, especially with the focus on Benji’s success at escape and what awaited him all this time, I thought the narrative heavily precluded to something greater than what was actually intended, and thus turned out unsatisfactory.
This story’s strength was definitely its personalities; but the world-building may have compromised such factor.
Overall, readers could remain in anticipation — which isn’t always a bad thing. I was able to consistently be entertained, though full of questions. Was there somehow a dominant message I missed along the way, or was this journey simply about a kid wanting to ask “why?” like every other?
March 19, 2021
Benji Marino is a fourteen-year-old eighth grader at Wishville Junior High School. He has a good life. He has good friends. He has a mother who loves him exclusively. Why would he want to leave? Why did his father do just that years before, leaving an unbearable scare on the people of the grey town of Wishville? Benji had tried once before. His friends don’t understand, but Benji is determined to question the mysterious world outside Wishville. When his friend Nina predicts her own death, Benji is left with information he would rather not know. There is only one person he can tell and that person is the outcast of Wishville. Can Oliver Strickett help Benji or will he become one more nail in the eighth grader’s quickly diminishing reputation? As Beniji solitarily faces his own demons, the citizens of Wishville are on constant alert of his actions.
Leaving Wishville by young author Mel Torrefranca exhibits intensity unique in contemporary young adult fiction. A study in literary symbolism, Leaving Wishville is the perfect addition to any middle grade/young adult library. As a former eighth-grade English teacher, I would enthusiastically incorporate Mel Torrefranca’s novel to my classroom reading list. Told in the fashion of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games trilogy, Leaving Wishville is a believable dystopian journey from greyness to a colorful destination of enlightenment. The characters are realistic and the language appropriate to the mood and variety of themes and plot twists of the story. While the majority characters are middle grade, the overall overall sense of the story is mature.
Leaving Wishville by young author Mel Torrefranca exhibits intensity unique in contemporary young adult fiction. A study in literary symbolism, Leaving Wishville is the perfect addition to any middle grade/young adult library. As a former eighth-grade English teacher, I would enthusiastically incorporate Mel Torrefranca’s novel to my classroom reading list. Told in the fashion of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games trilogy, Leaving Wishville is a believable dystopian journey from greyness to a colorful destination of enlightenment. The characters are realistic and the language appropriate to the mood and variety of themes and plot twists of the story. While the majority characters are middle grade, the overall overall sense of the story is mature.
September 19, 2021
🪁He tenido la oportunidad de leer este libro que saldrá próximamente a la venta en España y aquí van mis primeras impresiones....
🪁Es un libro juvenil, emotivo, que nos narra la historia de Benji, un adolescente de catorce años que desea salir de Wishville para conocer qué hay más allá de sus fronteras, que existe más allá de lo que conoce. En este pueblo, nunca nadie ha salido, excepto una persona y nunca volvió. Con esta premisa comienza la novela, que nos llevará por diferentes estados de ánimo del protagonista mientras intenta alcanzar su sueño. La evolución de Benji es lo mejor del libro.
🪁Es una novela con un ritmo pausado, dónde los acontecimientos se van cociendo a fuego lento, destacando una atmósfera de misterio que envuelve toda la trama. Tiene pequeños giros que hace que la historia no pierda interés, aunque sin sobresaltos. A mi una cosita que no me ha terminado de gustar es que no se hayan resuelto muchos aspectos de la trama, se quedan abiertos, pero quizá sea más bien por cómo me gusta que acabe una historia. Ya no sé si en vista de alguna segunda parte o no. Aún así es una historia ligera, diferente y entretenida,aunque si faltaría darle una pequeña revisión a la traducción en general y en concreto a los diálogos si su objetivo es el público europeo, ya que muchos están traducidos al español latino y a veces chirrían algunas frases y te sacan un poco de la historia.
🪁Es un libro juvenil, emotivo, que nos narra la historia de Benji, un adolescente de catorce años que desea salir de Wishville para conocer qué hay más allá de sus fronteras, que existe más allá de lo que conoce. En este pueblo, nunca nadie ha salido, excepto una persona y nunca volvió. Con esta premisa comienza la novela, que nos llevará por diferentes estados de ánimo del protagonista mientras intenta alcanzar su sueño. La evolución de Benji es lo mejor del libro.
🪁Es una novela con un ritmo pausado, dónde los acontecimientos se van cociendo a fuego lento, destacando una atmósfera de misterio que envuelve toda la trama. Tiene pequeños giros que hace que la historia no pierda interés, aunque sin sobresaltos. A mi una cosita que no me ha terminado de gustar es que no se hayan resuelto muchos aspectos de la trama, se quedan abiertos, pero quizá sea más bien por cómo me gusta que acabe una historia. Ya no sé si en vista de alguna segunda parte o no. Aún así es una historia ligera, diferente y entretenida,aunque si faltaría darle una pequeña revisión a la traducción en general y en concreto a los diálogos si su objetivo es el público europeo, ya que muchos están traducidos al español latino y a veces chirrían algunas frases y te sacan un poco de la historia.
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