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Cover of RIPENESS
3.95

Based on 964 Goodreads ratings

RIPENESS

by her farmer father and her “glamorous” French Jewish mother, whose own parents and sister were sent to Belsen during the war. Edith’s status as an outsider in Ireland means she has “learnt, as immigrants do…by keeping quiet, standing back, observing.” This sense of life on the periphery also connects her in memory to her past when, on the brink of attending Oxford, a 17\u002Dyear\u002Dold Edith is sent to stay at a villa near Lake Como with her older sister, a ballerina. Elegant and cosmopolitan like their mother, Lydia is everything cerebral Edith feels she isn’t. Lydia is also eight months pregnant and opaque about the baby’s paternity, determined to give the baby up for adoption and return to her demanding life as a dancer. Moss switches back and forth between Edith’s present, told in close third person, and the past, told in first person and addressed to the baby that Edith and her sister await. Through these parallel narratives, and with her characteristically sinuous style, Moss is able to explore the idea of belonging: What does it mean to belong to a place? To a lineage? A family? A home?"

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:297
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9780374609

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This coming-of-age novel explores the turbulent transition from childhood to adulthood through the eyes of its teenage protagonist, capturing the raw emotions and pivotal moments that define adolesce...

Our Review

This coming-of-age novel explores the turbulent transition from childhood to adulthood through the eyes of its teenage protagonist, capturing the raw emotions and pivotal moments that define adolescence. The narrative delves deep into identity formation, first loves, and the complex relationships between parents and children as they navigate changing dynamics. Readers witness the protagonist's journey through high school challenges, personal discoveries, and the gradual understanding that growing up means both gaining freedom and facing difficult choices. The story authentically portrays the bittersweet nature of maturation with emotional honesty and vivid storytelling.

What sets this young adult novel apart is its unflinching portrayal of teenage vulnerability without sacrificing hope or humor, making it particularly resonant for readers in their mid-teens confronting similar crossroads. The author skillfully balances weighty themes with moments of lightness and connection, creating a narrative that feels both truthful and uplifting. Parents will appreciate how the book handles serious adolescent issues with sensitivity and insight, while teen readers will find themselves reflected in its pages. This compelling exploration of self-discovery leaves readers with a deeper appreciation for the messy, beautiful process of becoming who we're meant to be.

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