Publication Date: 30 March 2024
Genre: YA / Coming of Age
Book Description:
A taut, gritty tale about two boys who live on a run-down housing estate near a railway line.Simon and Darren look out for each other—always have done. Especially these last few years, since Darren's dad died and his mum took up with Milo. Since Si's kid brother got so ill.Since girls, drugs and gangs became a part of life, and messing about on the railway line has turned into more than just playing stupid games.But sometimes even your best mate can't protect you from what life has in store further down the tracks...First published by Walker Books.
SUMMARY
Life on the Line delves into the lives of two teenage boys, Simon (Si) and Darren, who navigate the challenges of growing up in a run-down housing estate near a railway line. The story revolves around their deep friendship, strained family dynamics and encounters with drugs and violence.
Si and Darren share a close bond, supporting each other through tough times, including Si's brother Jude falling ill and Darren's abusive stepfather, Milo. Despite their loyalty, they find themselves embroiled in risky situations, such as breaking into school grounds and dealing with Milo's violent outbursts. The discovery of a stray dog named Custer adds another layer to their friendship.
As the story unfolds, tensions rise between Si and Darren, exacerbated by secrets and conflicts. Si's desperation to escape the chaos leads him to make reckless choices, culminating in a near-fatal overdose. Meanwhile, Darren's sudden disappearance and disturbing revelation about Milo's fate leave Si grappling with uncertainty and guilt.
MY THOUGHTS
This book offers a raw and gritty portrayal of adolescent struggles, but it falls short in fully engaging the reader. While the friendship between Si and Darren is convincingly portrayed, the characters lack depth, making it challenging to empathise with their experiences. Si's motivations and desires remain ambiguous throughout, leaving a void in the narrative.
The pacing of the story is uneven, with lengthy passages that fail to advance the plot effectively. The inclusion of multiple subplots, such as Jude's illness and Milo's abusive behavior, adds complexity but detracts from the central narrative. Additionally, the sudden shifts in perspective, including insights from Custer the dog, disrupt the flow of the story and diminish its impact.
Despite these shortcomings, the book addresses important themes like loyalty, family dynamics and the consequences of substance abuse. With tighter character development and a more focused plot, the novel could have resonated more deeply with readers. Overall, while it offers glimpses of promise, it ultimately falls short of its potential.
VERDICT
