Rating : 4.5/5
1987. There’s only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that’s her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn’s company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June’s world is turned upside down. But Finn’s death brings a surprise acquaintance into June’s life—someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.
At Finn’s funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn’s apartment, and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she’s not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.
This is a story about AIDS, set in the year of 1987 when the world still doesn't have much clues and awareness of the dreadful disease.
June Elbus has always find comfort in the company of her beloved uncle, Finn. However, Finn will not live any longer as the AIDS claims his life. June's heart has been shattered to pieces. She doesn't know where to turn to. In the midst of her grieving, she meets Toby - Finn's special friend. June doesn't use the time to be close again with her sister, Greta but she tries to find the same comfort of being with Finn in Toby. After all, Toby knows Finn as much as she does.
June is a really imperfect protagonist. She doesn't make friends with her schoolmates and has problems to be understood by her family except her Uncle Finn. But June is a honest girl. She admits her insecurities, her imperfectness. At first, I dislike Greta. She has always been sarcastic to June and doesn't express her true affections to her younger sister. Both of them has misunderstood each other. Both of them need to be honest if they want their good relationship like the old times back.
What I love about this story is how June doesn't make a big deal about Finn having AIDS even though she knows the danger and myths of the disease. She continues to love Finn and finds more information about AIDS to really understand the dreadful disease. Her friendship with Toby helps June overcome her sadness.
June Elbus has always find comfort in the company of her beloved uncle, Finn. However, Finn will not live any longer as the AIDS claims his life. June's heart has been shattered to pieces. She doesn't know where to turn to. In the midst of her grieving, she meets Toby - Finn's special friend. June doesn't use the time to be close again with her sister, Greta but she tries to find the same comfort of being with Finn in Toby. After all, Toby knows Finn as much as she does.
June is a really imperfect protagonist. She doesn't make friends with her schoolmates and has problems to be understood by her family except her Uncle Finn. But June is a honest girl. She admits her insecurities, her imperfectness. At first, I dislike Greta. She has always been sarcastic to June and doesn't express her true affections to her younger sister. Both of them has misunderstood each other. Both of them need to be honest if they want their good relationship like the old times back.
What I love about this story is how June doesn't make a big deal about Finn having AIDS even though she knows the danger and myths of the disease. She continues to love Finn and finds more information about AIDS to really understand the dreadful disease. Her friendship with Toby helps June overcome her sadness.
A great read! It's not just a mere family-love story. It's about AIDS and how the ones who being left behind feel after their loved ones left due to AIDS.
Till then.
Wassalam.
