The Smallest Thing
Lisa Manterfield
Publication date: July 18th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Lisa Manterfield
Publication date: July 18th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
The very last thing 17-year-old Emmott Syddall wants is to turn out like her dad. She’s descended from ten generations who never left their dull English village, and there’s no way she’s going to waste a perfectly good life that way. She’s moving to London and she swears she is never coming back.
But when the unexplained deaths of her neighbors force the government to quarantine the village, Em learns what it truly means to be trapped. Now, she must choose. Will she pursue her desire for freedom, at all costs, or do what’s best for the people she loves: her dad, her best friend Deb, and, to her surprise, the mysterious man in the HAZMAT suit?
Inspired by the historical story of the plague village of Eyam, this contemporary tale of friendship, community, and impossible love weaves the horrors of recent news headlines with the intimate details of how it feels to become an adult—and fall in love—in the midst of tragedy.
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When I read the blurb for this book I was immediately intrigued. I do love a good apocalyptic read. And this one did not disappoint. What I enjoyed most was depths this author dove to. She concentrated a lot on the emotional side of being quarantined and not so much the death and disease. At least that is what I came away with. Also, there were a few aspects I never would have thought about when it comes to being closed off from the rest of the world. And it really made me think about that need for skin to skin contact in any way, shape or form. I would probably be the same...craving some kind of interaction. I am a hugger by nature and to have that withheld would be a huge distress to me.
Over the course of the story, I found myself liking Emmott at times and then thinking she was selfish. But when I finished the book, I realized she was only human. We will a lot of times have selfish thoughts and wants when our back is against the wall, only to turn around and think of others and putting their needs before our own. So until I am in her predicament, I can’t say I wouldn’t react the way she did each and every time.
THE SMALLEST THING really was a great read. I found out in the end that it was based off a true story. So after I finished I got to do some googling and learned quite a bit more. Very, very interesting stuff.
My only problem, and not enough to rate this book below 5 stars, was the ending. My inner person needed more...more explanation...more “it’s going to be ok” with a dash of happily ever after...just more. But even with wanting more, I was satisfied enough. 5 Stars!!
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Lisa Manterfield is the award-winning author of I’m Taking My Eggs and Going Home: How One Woman Dared to Say No to Motherhood. Her work has appeared in The Saturday Evening Post, Los Angeles Times, and Psychology Today. Originally from northern England, she now lives in Southern California with her husband and over-indulged cat. A Strange Companion is her first novel. Learn more at LisaManterfield.com.
This sounds like a great and compelling read! Great review, Mandy! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, this is intriguing.
ReplyDelete