Author: Elizabeth Laban
Publisher: DoubleDay
ISBN: 9780857533012
Rating: A
Every year at an exclusive private boarding school in New York state, the graduating students uphold an old tradition - they must swear an oath of secrecy and leave behind a "treasure" for each incoming senior. When Duncan Meade inherits the room and secrets of Tim Macbeth, he uncovers evidence of a clandestine romance, and unravels the truth behind one of the biggest mysteries in the school's history. How far would you go to keep a secret?
This was a beautiful novel. I must admit when I got the press email about this I was a little sceptical because I was fairly out of my comfort zone but nevertheless I was intrigued and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this masterpiece. This book is an absolutely stunning piece of literature that is so touching and powerful you can't help to adore it.
I'm not actually going to do a mini summary, just because i can't sum it up in a single number of words. You must read the heart wrenching novel.
The story is perfect. I don't think i've said those words in an incredibly long time. However I haven't read for a long time and this was the perfect first breath to get me back into reading. This was such a beautiful and articulate plot and the tale was one that just had to be told. So much effort must have been put into the plot and I truly applaud LaBan. The plot was gorgeous, touching on some really common issues, such as young love and deeper issues such as reject in societ, Albinism and simple stress of Exams for modern children. If fact the whole concept behind the story, basic it around an english assignment is pure genius. It kept me enthralled, and I can honestly say I devoured this complete novel in one sitting.
The writing is simply outstanding. LaBan nails it! For a debut novel, this is how it should be done! My standards are raised. Everything about they way she writes had me from the words Chapter One! It's just so fluid and beautiful to read, and even though the story is a complex one its so easy to understand and even self explanatory. It perfectly balances the key ingredients needed and was an absolute dream to read.
The Main characters are Vanessa, Tim, Patrick, Duncan and I guess Daisy. I mainly follows Tim and Duncan though. Both are very similar in many ways but yet different in many as well. It has been done very well, and the story merges these characters together in a way that has a brilliant effect. It really shows key points in life that we need to appreciate.
The characters in general were brilliantly done. There wasn't too many, so you can stay focused and unconfused, and when there was an extra here or there it was only for a scene and then they vanished. I like it when book do this because it really builds up your relationship about the characters. You got to know the people very well and what really came through is that not everyone is black and white. I really felt this with Patrick. Of course first impressions is that he's the horrible boyfriend who has the girl int he love triangle, and don't get me wrong, he is, but there's more to him than that. I really like how this book was a life experience within itself. All the characters were very well formed and you knew everything you knew.
Overall this was an absolutely gorgeous story to read. It was riveting and powerful yet so beautiful and simple and I am so so so glad I read it. Reading the Tragedy Paper is something I will never regret.
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