Title: The Brilliant Light of Amber Sunrise
Author: Matthew Crow
First published September 19, 2013
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781481418737 (ISBN10: 1481418734)
Rating: 3.27
Overview
Francis Wootton’s life has been anything but easy. He’s experienced loss and rejection, and his family is far from perfect.
But at fifteen, he’s ready to take on the world and make something of himself. That is, until he’s diagnosed with leukemia.
Suddenly, his future is uncertain, and he’s forced to face a whole new set of challenges. From the horror of being held back in school to the fear of going bald, Francis is overwhelmed.
But when he meets Amber, everything changes. She’s fierce, tough, and one-of-a-kind, and she gives him the strength to tackle every obstacle that comes his way.
In The Brilliant Light of Amber Sunrise, Matthew Crow delivers a poignant and unexpectedly funny novel about the struggles of adolescence and the courage it takes to face them head on.
About the Author
Matthew is a native of Newcastle, where he grew up pursuing his passion for writing. He started freelancing for newspapers and magazines as a student, focusing on topics related to the arts and pop culture.
Matthew’s literary talents have produced four novels, including Ashes and My Dearest Jonah. The latter was recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Dylan Thomas Prize for Literature.
He has also authored a book for young adults titled In Bloom, which earned nominations for both the Carnegie Medal and the North East Teen Book Award. In fact, In Bloom was so well received that it was listed among the Telegraph’s Best YA of 2014.
Matthew’s latest book, Another Place, is also geared towards young adults and was published by Atom in August 2017.
Editoral Review
Matthew Crow’s poignant novel, The Brilliant Light of Amber Sunrise, is a captivating coming-of-age story that explores the themes of family, friendship, love, and loss. Published on September 19, 2013, this novel belongs to the young adult genre and has a realistic fiction style.
Set in a small town in England, the novel revolves around the life of 15-year-old Francis Wootton, who is diagnosed with a brain tumor that causes him to have epileptic seizures. The story follows Francis’ journey as he tries to come to terms with his illness, his estranged family, and his growing feelings for Amber, a girl he meets at the hospital where he receives treatment.
Crow’s writing style is delightful, and his descriptive language beautifully captures the essence of the small town setting and its characters. The characters are well-crafted, and their relationships with each other are explored in-depth.
Francis, the protagonist, is a multidimensional character whose internal struggles and emotions are portrayed with great sensitivity and nuance. His relationship with Amber is particularly well-drawn, and their chemistry is palpable.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the theme of family. Crow masterfully captures the dynamics of a dysfunctional family and their impact on the individual members.
The conflicts between Francis and his parents are portrayed with great authenticity, and the eventual resolution is deeply satisfying. Another significant theme that the novel explores is the issue of chronic illness and its impact on the individual and those around them.
Crow’s portrayal of Francis’ illness is realistic, and he sensitively highlights the physical, emotional, and psychological toll that it takes on Francis and his family. However, one of the limitations of the novel is its predictable plot, which at times lacks suspense and tension.
The pacing of the novel is also slow, and some readers may find that it drags in places. Overall, The Brilliant Light of Amber Sunrise is a well-written and emotionally resonant novel that is sure to tug at readers’ heartstrings.
It is a must-read for fans of realistic fiction and young adult literature. I would rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
The rating is based on its well-crafted characters, exploration of important themes, and Crow’s excellent writing style. However, I deduct one star for its predictable plot and slow pacing.
