Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperAudio and Mariner Books for gifting me an audio ARC of the debut novel by Lucy Apps, a Women's Prize for Fiction nominee. The audiobook was narrated to perfection by Olivia Vinall. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.25 stars!
Gloria is mostly nonverbal, has aged out of school, and spends her days wandering the streets. That's where she meets Jack, who talks to her, gives her Cokes, walks with her. It's 1999 and Jack fears everything will change when the calendar flips to 2000. But Jack breaks before the world does and changes Gloria forever.
This book is so well written and the narration made Gloria come alive. I felt like I was inside her head, hearing all the words she couldn't say. But Jack occupies Gloria's brain, even as her life moves on. I was set for an incident that didn't occur, and that made the real incident even more powerful. It's heartbreaking to think of how society treats those with disabilities, and showcases how all of us need others. I felt privileged to spend time with this book.
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