@cathcrowleybooks @reading.after.midnight

A few years ago, I went to the Williamstown Literary Festival- which solidified my absolute LOVE for reading and writing. There I met a few Aussie authors (such as Andy Griffiths and Markus Zusak *fangirl*) including Cath Crowley. ‘Graffiti Moon’ was the first book of hers that I’d read. I loved it.

But, admittedly, I forgot about reading her others. Until I saw ‘Words in Deep Blue’ on my local library shelves. It’s been patiently waiting in the TBR pile since late January…

I am so happy I finally picked dit up. I started reading it late Saturday night, but had to stop because I was, ahem, crying so much. I picked it up again on Sunday morning and finished it.

I do want to add, as a disclaimer, I was full to the brim with uni-related stress and frustration, and so my tears mayyyyy have been due to some suppressed emotions that were entirely seperate to the book itself hahah. Nonetheless, it was a great emotional outlet.

I sobbed my way through the last 50 pages- and this I know was because of the book.

The expression of grief and it’s complexity was so raw, that you couldn’t help but imagine it for yourself.

And the process of loss and grief… how we try to make sense of it- was beautiful. The characters were so emotive and thoughtful.

Henry and Rachel felt just like myself. A combination of them created me. But I think every reader would feel like this. Maybe you gravitate to one more so than the other.

I thought that one sub plot was predictable. But that didn’t make it hurt any less. And I didn’t mind.

Perhaps my favourite nuance of the novel was Henry’s broad vocabulary, but he replied heavily upon the word “shit”.

It made me laugh a lot.

It felt real.

I think I related particularly to the characters because of them being in a post- Year 12 stage of life, and being set in Melbourne. It felt like they could’ve been my peers, friends even.

I, as a teenager myself, can be particularly critical of ‘old people’s’ attempts at recreating adolescents. Take, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before… would Peter Kavinsky reallllly have been waiting in the hot tub for Lara Jean? Teenages everywhere: heck no.

But, Crowley’s depiction of young adulthood was SPOT ON. She even made a dusty book store cupboard feel romantic. (Book stores are romantic, full stop, in my opinion).

And so for that, added an atmosphere to the novel that felt especially true- to me.

Similarly, sometimes, I am frustrated by happy endings in books. It’s all too cliche.

But I am so grateful that Rachel and Henry got their happy ending. Happy is not particularly exact- but they got they’re neatly tied with a bow, perfect in the present ending. Which they deserve.

PS. When I write a book review, I don’t want to critique the author. I just want to share my thoughts and feelings.

Follow along on IG @rolly.mag >>> https://www.instagram.com/rolly.mag/

And say hello via email >>>

hellorollymag@gmail.com