Before Cam’s death, Lucy’s life was defined by her obsession with swimming. Now that Cam has gone, she can no longer approach the water without feeling overwhelmed. Without swim training and competitions, who is she and what purpose does she have?
A thoughtful and touching exploration of grief, family, friendship and identity, Pieces of Sky follows Lucy as she redefines herself after the loss of her brother. Her grief comes not only from Cam’s death, but from losing so much that she has previously taken for granted – the focus and goals offered by swimming, her relationship with her now uncommunicative and withdrawn mother, and regular contact with friends who shared her passion and drive. Without these things, what does Lucy have left and where does she belong?
Debut Australian author Trinity Doyle has captured the complexity of real life in Pieces of Sky, intertwining Lucy’s grief and search for identity through a story that also explores the strengths and weaknesses of teen friendships, the powerful bonds of family, the pain and pleasure of young love, and the freedoms of a small coastal town lifestyle.
Pieces of Sky is the story of Lucy’s transition from self-focused teen to a young adult with a growing understanding that people are not always what they seem and that life isn’t always fair. This is a novel that invites discussion on so many themes – emotional development, identity, teen and family relationships, art, music, self-expression, and more. It is impressive to see such a richly woven story from a debut novelist and I am looking forward to reading future works by this engaging new talent.
Read author Trinity Doyle's answers to our 12 Curly Questions here.
Title: Pieces of Sky
Author: Trinity Doyle
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $16.99 RRP
Publication Date: 27 May 2015
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760112486
For ages: 13+
Type: Young Adult Fiction
