Book Review: I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

TL;DR

A highly acclaimed YA contemporary novel about fraternal twins, Noah and Jude, whose relationship is tense but eventually intertwines in an unconventional storytelling manner.

Transcript

Bibliophiles of the internet: My name is Adriana, and today I'm here to review "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson. So "I'll Give You the Sun" is a very highly acclaimed YA contemporary novel, and it's about a set of fraternal twins, Noah and Jude, who are kind of on the outs with one another. The both of them have experienced their fair share ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ "I'll Give You the Sun" features alternating perspectives between two complex fraternal twin characters, Noah and Jude.
• ✍️ The writing style is risky and abstract, often subverting clichés, which can be both artful and alienating.
• 😥 The unconventional storytelling structure, with narratives from different points in time, adds depth to the story.
• ❓ The characters of Noah and Jude contribute significantly to the story's impact, with distinctive voices and surprising character development.
• ❓ The reviewer found the overall story to be important and impactful, even with some minor issues.
• 📔 The book explores themes that evoke change within the reader.
• ✍️ The unique writing style, although challenging at times, ultimately pays off with moments of brilliance.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is the story of "I'll Give You the Sun" structured?

The story is told through alternating chapters between Jude's and Noah's perspectives, with Jude narrating from the present and Noah from the past. The two narratives eventually converge.

Q: What was the reviewer's initial opinion of the writing style?

The reviewer had a rocky start with the writing style, finding it risky and abstract. The style subverts clichés and can be detaching for readers who don't connect with it initially.

Q: How do the characters contribute to the storytelling?

The characters, Noah and Jude, are complex and well-developed. Their distinctive voices and perspectives keep surprising the reader, and they play a crucial role in making the writing style impactful.

Q: What is the overall importance of "I'll Give You the Sun" as a story?

The reviewer believes the story is worthwhile and important. It explores themes that are integral and can evoke change within the reader.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "I'll Give You the Sun" is a YA contemporary novel about fraternal twins, Noah and Jude, who have experienced traumas and difficulties that strain their relationship.

• The story is told through alternating chapters from Jude's and Noah's point of view, with each twin sharing their experiences from different points in time.

• The writing style is risky and unique, often subverting clichés and using abstract language, which may initially alienate some readers.