Monday, January 13, 2020

REVIEW: We Speak in Storms by Natalie Lund



We Speak in Storms
A powerful and haunting debut novel about friendship, acceptance, and learning to let go as the balance between the living and the dead is upended, perfect for fans of We Were Liars.

It's been more than 50 years since a tornado tore through a drive-in movie theater in tiny Mercer, Illinois, leaving dozens of teens -- a whole generation of Mercerites -- dead in its wake. So when another tornado touches down in the exact same spot on the anniversary of this small-town tragedy, the town is shaken. For Brenna Ortiz, Joshua Calloway, and Callie Keller, the apprehension is more than just a feeling. Though they seem to share nothing more than a struggle to belong, the teens' paths continue to intersect, bringing them together when they least expect it, and perhaps, when they need it most. Both the living and the dead have secrets and unresolved problems, but they may be able to find peace and move forward--if only they work together.

A beautifully told, haunting yet hopeful novel about pushing past the pain, facing the world, and finding yourself.


MY THOUGHTS
I did not find out about this book until right before it came out (which meant that I did not have to wait long to read it!). I immediately found the synopsis intriguing. I love stories featuring magical realism and midwestern settings! 

Over 50 years ago, a tornado devastated a small town after hitting a drive-in, killing almost an entire generation. Everyone in the town knows someone in their family who died that day and every time the tornado sirens go off, there is that fear that another one will come. Now a tornado has come, on the anniversary of that tornado, and in the exact same spot the drive-in once stood. Old cars that were not there before appear, and three teens each find a stranger in their lives.

This book was wonderfully written. It follows three teenagers, each having their own struggles, but the book also follows the dead of the small town (not just the ones who died in the tornado). They speak as a collective group, but occasionally share their stories, as well as what they have seen. It was a very interesting way to present the book. I did not expect ghosts to be in this book, but the way the ghosts are presented is not in a horror way. The closest I can maybe call it are guardian angels, but they are not really that either. Just that the ghosts are not there to be feared, they are simply a part of the town. The strangers the main characters meet have each experienced something similar to what they are currently facing, so they are there to talk with them. I do wish I heard more stories from the past. As sad as they were, I also felt sad that some stories were not known by the people currently living in the town. 

IN CONCLUSION
Despite the small paranormal elements, this book felt entirely real. I am writing this review months after reading this book so it is clear that I am still thinking about it. I hope to read more from Natalie Lund in the future.


I hereby give this book
4 Stars!
Meaning: I really liked this book!

1 comment :

  1. Ooh this totally sounds like something I want to read! What a cool concept.

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