PositiveBooklistThis study of grief illuminates Daniel’s sense of himself, his family, and his communal identity ... Rodriques writes with a dreaminess that reflects Daniel’s preoccupations with the intersection of memory and reality, past and present ... The complex layering of class, race, gender, and sexuality within the group reminds us that all is at play in relationships. Rodriques’ striking debut expands the geography of regional literature and convincingly demands acknowledgment of under-explored perspectives.
Marianne Cronin
RaveBooklistWhen a novel about death provides many occasions for laughing out loud, you know that the author has achieved something special. First-time British novelist Cronin creates a beautiful friendship between terminally ill, 17-year-old Lenni Pettersson and colorful, 83-year-old Margot Macrame which begins when they meet under extraordinary circumstances at a Glasgow hospital ... Cronin’s strong talent for characterization and humor. Cronin has struck just the right balance between sensitivity and sentimentality, making her one of those admirable writers who does exceptionally fine work both celebrating life and addressing death. A Hollywood film adaptation is underway.
