Member Review

A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo.

Thank you Netgallery and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC for an unbiased review.

This book is touted as YA, but do not be deceived. This is a book that can be read by almost any age upwards from that as there are things that I can look back on and known they touch similar aspects of my life or those around me. I'd also advice you to have tissues at the ready, because I cried more than once.

The premise of the book is coming of age, and self discovery. Particularly in regards sexuality, and all the messy things that dredges up. If asked to sum the book up in one word, I instantly would say:- Bittersweet.

The prose throughout this was wonderful. Part of a line is for me, a prime example of what the story is as a whole '... is about how Adrienne Rich's relationship with another woman is a lot of work. You have to choose to be in the relationship, because the rest of the world doesn't make it easy.'

There is grief, longing, love. It is complex, yet brought in a way that carves a clear line of sight to it all.

The environment that Aria found herself in around Steph, Lisa and Mel was one that is certainly grounded in a lot of reality especially around the time it was set. How casual racism was intermixed with acceptance, and cultural spaces that celebrated the diversity were beginning to really openly find a place.

This book can easily be read as a stand alone, rather than a companion piece to the Telegraph Club. In fact, I'd advise a reader to go into it as a separate piece if work to get the best from it.

I consider this a 5/5 stars 🌟