Book Shelf: Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan

When Apple's mother returns after eleven years away, Apple feels whole again. But just like the stormy Christmas Eve when she left, her mother's homecoming is bittersweet. It's only when Apple meets someone more lost than she is that she begins to see things as they really are.

A story about sad endings.
A story about happy beginnings.
A story to make you realise who is special.


More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan is a beautifully written tale of discovery, growth and the power of love in unexpected ways. A coming of age story, Apple and Rain is wonderfully expressed and sure to make you feel a whole spectrum of emotions!

Having read and been a fan of Sarah Crossan’s Breathe duology, Apple and Raid was a very different book of hers to read, although it is my understanding that this isn’t the first novel of its kind that Crossan has written. I have to say I was quite impressed by the direction Crossan took this novel. The writing was simple but to the point; her character’s voice very powerful within the story.

Apple and Rain follows thirteen year old Apple, a young girl experiencing all the emotions and drama girls her age experience; her first crush, her desire to be seen as an adult and of course friendship issues that often arise at this age. Raised by her maternal grandmother after her mother walked out on her as a baby, Apple yearns for a relationship with the woman she hasn’t known for years, something that becomes a possibility when Apple’s mother re-enters her life; bringing with her plenty of baggage and a secret or two Apple wasn’t anticipating.

Obviously I don’t want to give away spoilers, and this is the kind of novel best not to give too much away with, but Apple and Rain really was an entertaining read. Personally I don’t read a lot of these kinds of novels, although I normally appreciate them when I do, with Apple and Rain a perfect example of this.

Although she is mature and rational for her age most of the time, Apple is still only thirteen years old, something quite evident in the story; the essence of which Sarah Crossan manages to capture perfectly. She wants what all girls her age want; to be cool and independent and be noticed by the cute boy who she lies, but Apple also has another burning desire—to have a relationship with her mother and have her in her life.

To be blunt here, Apple’s mother is an absolute disgrace. She’s selfish and self-absorbed and chooses to place her wants, wishes and desires over what’s best for her daughter. There’s a fine line between flaky and downright irresponsible, something Crossan explores with Apple’s mum. And yet, Apple so strongly desires a relationship with the mother who abandoned her that she chooses to make excuses for her mother’s actions. Her mother needed to grow up and stop encouraging certain behaviors and making certain decisions, something Crossan again depicts in a very authentic way. I think the brilliance of this is that it’s very believable and easy to relate to this day and age. I don’t doubt there are families out there where this is their reality—Crossan gives her readers characters and circumstances that are completely real.

Apple undertakes some strong growth throughout the story and must face some harsh truths. The picture she has painted of the woman who gave birth to her and then left is dashed when she must come to accept the very human mistakes and choices her mother makes. There’s a beautiful undertone of love evident within the story with Apple and her Grandmother and Apple and Rain experiencing very different, however no less powerful, forms of love.

An exceptionally well written novel with a basic storyline that wonderfully explores character growth and human flaws, Apple and Rain is an at times surprising novel by Sarah Crossan that will appeal to fans of John Green and Jodi Picoult.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Bloomsbury Australia (Thank you Sonia!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: John Green and Jodi Picoult fans might enjoy this.
Cover: It's simple, but quite cute......
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a standalone novel, but I like Sarah Crossan's work.