Fox Benwell delivers a harrowing and beautifully written novel that explores the relationship between two girls obsessed with music, the practice of corrective rape in South Africa, and the risks and power of using your voice.
Neo loves music, and all she ever wanted was a life sharing this passion, on the radio. When she meets Tale, the lead singer in a local South African band, their shared love of music grows. So does their love for each other. But not everyone approves. Then Neo lands her dream job of working at a popular radio station, and she discovers that using your voice is sometimes harder than expected, and there are always consequences.
I love Fox Benwell's lush, passionate writing. It was almost overdone here, but it actually matched the main character perfectly. Neo is young and spirited. Her innocence creates an ever-present overlay of discomfort and tension throughout the novel. And holy hell, that harrowing ending was so very difficult to read. I feel gutted.
This book confronts fears, dangers, hope, bravery, trauma, grief - the complexities of being closeted, coming out, and being out, especially in a hostile area.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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13 May, 2018:
Finished reading
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13 May, 2018:
Reviewed