A Night Twice As Long by Andrew Simonet REVIEW

 A Night Twice As Long

by Andrew Simonet

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Synopsis

What do you call the difference between what you should feel and what you do feel? Life?

The blackout has been going on for three weeks. But Alex feels like she's been living in the dark for a year, ever since her brother, who has autism, was removed from the house, something Alex blames herself for. So when her best friend, Anthony, asks her to trek to another town to figure out the truth about the blackout, Alex says yes.

On a journey that ultimately takes all day and night, Alex's relationships with Anthony, her brother, and herself will transform in ways that change them all forever.

In this honest and gripping young adult novel, Andrew Simonet spins a propulsive tale about what it means to turn on the lights and look at what's real.

Pre-Order Link - https://www.amazon.ca/Night-Twice-as-Long-ebook/dp/B08BKLC6ZC/

Expected Publication - June 1, 2021

Review

Thank you to Fierce Reads and Netgalley for a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

In this heartwarming story we see from Alex's point of view. When the story opens, Alex has been living in a blackout for weeks. There is no estimation of when or if the lights will come back on so life can return to normal. One day Alex agrees to go on an adventure with a friend that results in them kidnapping her younger autistic brother who was removed from the home due to an incident involving Alex. Before they return home Alex will learn not only about herself, but also about those closest to her and the secrets they've been keeping.

I thought this was very well written. There were transitions from present to past and back again that felt effortless to navigate. The writing had a smooth flow that carried the story along nicely. It was the perfect pace to make the story equally engaging and sad. (Pace is a big thing for me and I personally think it can make or break a book.)

Alex was a solid main character. I enjoyed seeing her growth and watching her find and forgive herself. I really felt bad for her throughout a good portion of this story. Her anger at herself and her mother really came through the page and seeped into my soul. Anthony was a really strong supporting character. I found he was developed enough to be enjoyed as the second next to Alex but yet not so focused on as to take away from the MC. 

In the end I ended up giving this one 4 stars instead of 5 because I found it just didn't have that BOOM. I still recommend this book. I still think a lot of teens and adults alike would enjoy what this story has to offer.