Apple and Rain
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Apple Apostolopoulou was only a little pip peering through the stair gate when she watched her mother leave. She's lived with her devout Nana ever since but at thirteen and a half she's tired of being picked up from school, missing out on getting chips on the pier with the popular girls. Nana's over-bearing protection has cost her a best friend - who couldn't miss out on a chance to be in with the in-crowd and she's invisible to the eyes of gorgeous sixth former Egan.
She's feeling lower than ever when her mum suddenly cascades back into her life bringing a fuzz of inappropriate parties and skipped days from school. Apple's mum is reckless and restless, but she's also beautiful, young and fun. Moving in with Mum is a rollercoaster - shopping and lunches out one day, abandoned with a box of Ready Brek the next, it's a world away from the religious routine of Nana's house but with freedom comes responsibility and when Apple meets Rain it becomes clear that her mum isn't particularly good at looking after anyone - including herself.
Sarah Crossan's poetic novella The Weight of Water was shortlisted for the Carnegie medal. Poetry remains integral to the writing here, personified in a tremendous teacher, Mr Gaydon. Apple's poems are showered throughout the prose making it a more accessible novel to those reluctant to reading verse. Apple is an endearing character and her internal struggle to feel any resentment towards the disappointing mother she'd been craving for so long is sincere and believable.
Rain's story is striking and unique, adding real drama and depth to this fiery family's problems. But hearts will be stolen by home-schooled Del, whose scene-stealing moments add welcome notes of flirty fun and a perfectly judged blossoming romance to the mix. Engrossing and uplifting, challenging and charming, Apple and Rain brings fiction and poetry together in a well-crafted story about growing up and learning to love.
What you thought...
Average rating:
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teuila, 25 Mawrth 2020
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Apple and Rain was OK but it wasn't engaging enough to give it a 5 star rating
Rachel, 3 Tachwedd 2016
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It is a good book and a good review but would prefer it if the names of the popular girls and Best friend were specific. Xxxx
Lois, 12 Gorffennaf 2016
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I have read all of Sarah Crossans novels and this was hands down her best work (in my opinion). It's not one of those typical soppy love stories. It's a tale of learning to love and just dealing with being a teenager. It made me laugh and cry. Overall it is THE best book I've ever read.
Morgan, 29 Ionawr 2016
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a lot of people have said they love it but i havent seen it in my locall liabary so please put it in every library.
courtney, 14 Hydref 2015
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Good
Lamisa, 2 Medi 2015
I want to read the book