Cuts Both Ways

Product Information

I loved both characters I just wish there was more of a plot, as this book heavily just felt like a short period of Cynthia's life in which she was trying to come to terms with her brothers death, and if anything the book actually left more questions than answers, so the ending really did bother me. There were some parts of the book that really made me cringe although this was a good thing as that is exactly what the author was going for in my opinion. The first was when Cyn is at a party hosted by the Goddards and another guest is rude to her for being on her mobile phone because she automatically assumes that she is there to work and so goes to call out "the help".

Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite - LoveReading4Kids

A self-confessed beauty and fashion obsessive Candice has a style segment on Lorraine on ITV where she has become known for gently encouraging people to be bolder about embracing colour in their wardrobes. Cyn herself did go through a lot for such a young person, and she learnt some things along the way. however the connection that was built between her and Isaac was unmatched. it just felt RIGHT. hence when it all went down, my feelings were shattered. it’s upsetting that it had to end that way for them both, but really what was he thinking??? Thomas was simply doing all of that out of spite. it was all just crazy.This is my second time exposing myself to the culture of BPOC through books. The first was Ace of Spades but in Cuts Both Ways, I get to travel deeply in their culture.

Candice Brathwaite | The Guardian Candice Brathwaite | The Guardian

I was not expecting the beautiful depiction of grief at the centre of this story. This is a story about loss, longing and reconciling the person you thought you knew with the reality. Brathwaite has created this really touching and authentic depiction of grief. It is an all-consuming cloud at times, but it also sometimes melts away for a moment. Cynthia is emotionally vulnerable and open in a way that makes it impossible for you to not fall in love with her. Her process of grief is so detailed and realistic, striking a chord with me. Candice Brathwaite is normally a non-fiction writer and I've read one of her other books so was intrigued to see what this one was about. It's definitely YA which I wasn't expecting!

Lots of other themes are explored, violence, murder, trauma etc but all really important and all necessary to be written about even if it's through a fictitious story. It could quite easily have been facts. Ongoing Covid restrictions, reduced air and freight capacity, high volumes and winter weather conditions are all impacting transportation and local delivery across the globe.

Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite - Books - Hachette Australia Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite - Books - Hachette Australia

It is the story about Cynthia. She is starting a new school and leaving her old life in London behind. The murder of her older brother has had her family moving away from the living memory of the crime but Cynthia struggles when it comes to her new way of life. If you’ve ever heard Candice Brathwaite speak, either on IG Lives, podcasts or in person, you know that 2 minutes does not pass without her dropping gems 💎 there are gems all over in this book as well.The plot wasn't believable and felt rushed. A pondering question I have upon finishing this novel... What was the message? What can people gain from reading this? Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments I thought this book had the potential to be a good book, but instead, it was underwhelming and poorly written. I am no stranger to Candice Brathwaite’s writing; I'm certainly not a fan, but I do believe she has produced much better work than this without sounding too rude. I do not think fictional writing is for everyone. The thing that causes a lot of Young Adult books to be unsuccessful is that people write for an audience that they don’t already have. Unless you're well-established like John Green, you have to develop your style of writing before trying to put yourself in a box for a specific genre. Cuts Both Ways did a poor job of targeting a particular audience.