Theories of Relativity

Rating:
Summary: Power novel about a street kid
Review: Before I read Theories of Relativity, my favourite Haworth Attard novel was Home Child, which in my opinion is a classic right up there with Anne of Green Gables.

However, now that I've read Theories of Relativity, I am blown away by her talent and I have a new favourite.

The main character, Dylan, is an obviously bright and angry teen who has been delt a terrible series of tough breaks. His own mother dropped out of high school in grade ten when she got pregnant with him, and his father left both of them before Dylan was even born. Hostility and mutual blame bounce back between Dylan and his mother. When Dylan is kicked out of his house and lands up on the street, his day to day survival is portrayed in searingly real terms. It is all the more powerful because Dylan seems like the kid next door. I could imagine my own son or other kids I know in Dylan's situation, which is of course the author's intent.

Read this book. The story will stay with you.

Rating:
Summary: A book that will stay with you
Review: For about 3 months I had not read a book because I just did not have any motivation to read. I found this book, read the first page and knew that I would read this from finish to start unlike the other books that I bought and got sick of. I could not put down this book and it is very sad but the ending gave me a touching feeling. Some parts were quite disturbing. This book has made me aware of the kids on the street. I hope more people will read this so they too will be aware.

Rating:
Summary: Gritty and Realistic
Review: Haworth-Attard's novel pulls no punches, and because of that it's a powerful and moving read. A book about life on the street could have been heavy-handed and melodramatic, but the writer handles the story with a deft touch. The language and situations are realistic and heartbreaking. A masterful job--well deserving of its nomination for a Governor General's award.