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A review by normalreaders
Before My Actual Heart Breaks by Tish Delaney
5.0
Is it too early to decide on my favourite book of 2021?
The best way I can describe it is if Derry Girls and Shuggie Bain had a baby. It has the quirkiness of Derry Girls (and the same backdrop of the Irish troubles) coupled with the grittiness of Shuggie. It was an absolute pleasure to read.
This book absolutely broke my heart. It has graphic depictions of the tumultuous political events of the era rumbling on in the background and these both directly and indirectly shape Mary’s life. We are exposed to the harsh realities of growing up during the Irish troubles.
Mary’s character growth is utterly stunning. She is a character that I will absolutely not forget and whilst she makes some very questionable decisions, I was rooting for her the entire time. She is an incredibly complex character and withstands so many set backs UGH she’s just an angel I want to give her a hug.
To an extent, this book is a love story but by no means is it your typical run of the mill romance. It’s a love story about dreams, hopes, ambitions, family that aren’t blood and so much more. I just can’t actually comprehend how utterly beautiful this book is?? Tish Delaney is an incredibly talented author indeed.
I laughed, I cried, I felt every emotion under the sun. This book is a masterpiece and I’m so glad that we crossed paths. Definitely in my top reads of all time.
PS thank SO much to Hutchinson / Penguin Random House for sending me an ARC of this beautiful beautiful book. It’s out 18th February (also the audiobook is narrated by Erin from Derry Girls!!!! How exciting)
The best way I can describe it is if Derry Girls and Shuggie Bain had a baby. It has the quirkiness of Derry Girls (and the same backdrop of the Irish troubles) coupled with the grittiness of Shuggie. It was an absolute pleasure to read.
This book absolutely broke my heart. It has graphic depictions of the tumultuous political events of the era rumbling on in the background and these both directly and indirectly shape Mary’s life. We are exposed to the harsh realities of growing up during the Irish troubles.
Mary’s character growth is utterly stunning. She is a character that I will absolutely not forget and whilst she makes some very questionable decisions, I was rooting for her the entire time. She is an incredibly complex character and withstands so many set backs UGH she’s just an angel I want to give her a hug.
To an extent, this book is a love story but by no means is it your typical run of the mill romance. It’s a love story about dreams, hopes, ambitions, family that aren’t blood and so much more. I just can’t actually comprehend how utterly beautiful this book is?? Tish Delaney is an incredibly talented author indeed.
I laughed, I cried, I felt every emotion under the sun. This book is a masterpiece and I’m so glad that we crossed paths. Definitely in my top reads of all time.
PS thank SO much to Hutchinson / Penguin Random House for sending me an ARC of this beautiful beautiful book. It’s out 18th February (also the audiobook is narrated by Erin from Derry Girls!!!! How exciting)