Book Review: Sunburn

Sunburn
by Chloe Michelle Howarth
Review by Rosa

Set under the sticky summer sun of 90s rural Ireland, Sunburn tells the story of how wondrous yet soul-destroying it can be to fall in love for the first time- especially when this doesn’t fit the picture that has been painted for you. Chloe Michelle Howarth manages to tap into a particular part of girlhood- sapphic girlhood- illustrating the tug of war between authenticity and conformity, cherishing friendship but desiring romance, in an identifiable, immersive, and beautifully empathetic way. I felt all the pain of being trapped in a place where you don’t feel accepted, of wanting to be something else for everybody else, of desiring freedom but fearing leaving what is familiar, and the guilt and yearning which entwines it all. Gorgeous but in the most heart-breaking way!

Perfect for fans of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe who are looking to take a little step out of the YA realm, and for those who just love lyrical prose.