Powerful and raw. A novel that dares to voice the destructive nature of bullying abetted by the weaponising of social media.
Photograph of 'And The Stars Were Burning Brightly' paperback copy.
And The Stars Were Burning Brightly - Danielle Jawando.
When fifteen-year-old Nathan discovers that his older Brother Al, has taken his own life, his whole world is torn apart.
‘And The Stars Were Burning Brightly’ is Danielle Jawando’s debut novel, set in in the northern town of Wythenshawe. The narration of this book switches every chapter between fifteen-year-old Nathan (Al’s younger Brother) and schoolgirl Megan (Al’s closest friend) as they struggle their way through the process of grief after Al takes his own life. With authentic dialogue and relatable characters Jawando manages to perfectly encapsulate the emotions and viewpoints of teenagers experiencing such heart break. Grief is a tricky and complex concept that everyone experiences differently and with each of her characters, Jawando explores this.
Nathan and Megan
When Nathan is the one to find Al, he is overwhelmed by guilt blaming himself for letting down his older brother when he needed him the most. This guilt leaves him desperate to find out just why Al decided to do it and when everyone else seems convinced that Nathan should speak to a counsellor, he is left angry and frustrated. Meanwhile, for Megan this is not the first time she has lost someone and is desperate to find the best way to make the world remember just how special Al was.
''Sometimes I imagine how great it would be to just float in this void of quiet''.
Each chapter is cleverly introduced through the voice of Al himself allowing us a heart wrenching insight of his thoughts, feelings, and dreams. As the book progresses, each of these instalments become more relevant to the destructive impact of bullying as the targeting towards Al intensifies. The novel centres largely around the abuse of social media in a world where it is often inescapable. Combine this with the lighter side of the book which explores Al’s talent for art and fascination with the stars the book acts as the perfect invitation to a discussion which so desperately needs to be opened.
If you’re looking for a read that will truly make you ugly cry, you need to read this book.
Watch the new campaign video for ‘The Stars Were Burning Brightly’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Yx1D1OUxo&app=desktop
