A Night Twice as Long
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My thoughts: Andrew Simonet's story of a teenage girl who goes on a journey in the middle of a blackout has incredibly well-written characters and touches upon some very difficult issues such as living with and raising a disabled child, divorce, ableism and racism. We find ourselves in the middle of a long blackout. I's been twenty two days since the lights went out and there is a lot of uncertainty as to what caused it and more importantly how long it will last. Alex's best (the only one who keptcomingtoherhouse and worrying about her after what happened with her brother) friend Anthony suggests walking ten miles to the nearest town to try to contact Anthony's mother who is in the navy. After Child Protection Services removed Alex's younger brother Georgie from their mother's care and placed him with another family, Alex has been spending most of her time at home. Their little family seems to have fallen apart, permanently stuck in their own blackout, grieving the loss of their life with Georgie. Now Alex finally is ready to leave the house and face the journey which is going to bring many changes. I loved the metaphor of the blackout and the surreal, dystopian feel it gave to the story-the darkness, the uncertainty, the way we people adapt and continue living. Alex's brother Georgie is on the autism spectrum, so most of the book is about the effect of living with, taking care of, loving and cherishing a disabled child has on their family. Their love of each other is undeniable, even though the world doesn't always get it. Alex is such a powerful character. She is honest, considerate, caring, and, no, she hasn't got it it all figured out. After all, she is just a teenager and there's still a lot to learn about the world and people in it and this includes her complex feelings towards Anthony. There are also some honest observations about racial discrimination and animosity. The plot is centered around Alex's journey, but, of course, it isn't just the day orthe ten miles that we are talking about. It's the moment of reflection and profound realization, of feeling what you are feeling and accepting it. I thought the pace was excellent, as it allowed the reader not only to follow what was happening, but also feel the changes in the characters' perception of their life and their relationships. A Night Twice as Long is a multi-layered, emotional, real book which kept my interest all way through. Highly recommended. Thankyou toGiselle from XpressoBook Tours, NetGalley, the publisher and theauthor forthe reviewcopy.providedin exchangeforan honest opinion.
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