We May Be Fractured by Jessica Lascar: A Comprehensive Review

Plot Summary

“We May Be Fractured” by Jessica Lascar follows the journey of Aaron, an eighteen-year-old grappling with the profound grief of losing his family in a car crash. Driven by his late sister’s dream and a desire for a fresh start, Aaron plans to move to Australia to work at a wildlife park. However, his escape is unexpectedly halted by a court-ordered community service assignment in London. This mandatory detour, initially seen as an obstacle, unexpectedly propels Aaron onto an unintentional path of self-discovery. Through his community service, he navigates the complexities of love, comes to terms with his demisexuality, and ultimately redefines his understanding of what “home” truly signifies.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

“We May Be Fractured” is a tender and insightful exploration of grief, identity, and the unexpected detours life can take. Jessica Lascar has crafted a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, resonating with the universal experience of navigating loss and finding oneself in the process. The novel offers a poignant perspective on queer coming-of-age, particularly through Aaron’s journey of understanding his demisexuality, a less frequently depicted aspect of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. My overall feeling after reading this book is one of gentle catharsis and a renewed appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Writing Style and Character Development

Lascar’s writing style is lyrical and evocative, imbuing even the most mundane settings with a sense of atmosphere. She possesses a remarkable ability to create vivid imagery, drawing the reader into Aaron’s emotional landscape. The prose is often introspective, allowing for a deep connection with Aaron’s inner world.

Character development is a significant strength of this novel. Aaron is a complex and relatable protagonist. His grief is palpable, and his struggle with his identity, especially his demisexuality, is handled with sensitivity and nuance. The supporting characters, though less fleshed out than Aaron, serve their purpose in challenging and supporting him, contributing to his growth. The exploration of Aaron’s demisexuality is particularly well-done, providing an authentic and relatable portrayal for readers who may share this experience.

Literary Themes and Motifs

Several key themes weave through “We May Be Fractured”:

  • Grief and Loss: The pervasive theme of grief underpins the entire narrative. Aaron’s attempts to outrun his pain are central to his initial motivations, and the novel explores how processing grief is a journey, not a destination.
  • Identity and Self-Discovery: Aaron’s quest for a new life abroad is intrinsically linked to his search for himself. The community service forces him to confront aspects of his identity he might have otherwise suppressed, particularly his sexuality.
  • Home and Belonging: The concept of “home” is explored beyond a physical location. Aaron’s initial idea of home is tied to his family and their shared dreams. As he navigates new experiences and relationships, he begins to understand that home can be found in connections and a sense of self.
  • The Unexpected Path: The novel highlights how life rarely follows a straight line. Aaron’s plans are disrupted, leading him to experiences and insights he could never have anticipated.

A recurring motif is the idea of “fracturing” – not just the fracturing of Aaron’s family and his life, but also the way individuals can be fractured by trauma and the subsequent process of piecing oneself back together.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing of “We May Be Fractured” is generally well-balanced. The initial setup of Aaron’s grief and his plans for Australia establishes a sense of urgency. The community service period allows for a more introspective and character-driven pace, which is crucial for his development. While some readers might find certain passages of internal reflection to be slower, they are essential for building Aaron’s emotional arc. The narrative structure is linear, making it easy to follow Aaron’s journey from his despair to his eventual acceptance and redefinition of self. I did not find any parts particularly confusing, and the plot held my interest due to the emotional depth of the protagonist.

Language and Imagery

Jessica Lascar’s command of language is a significant asset. She uses metaphors and similes to create vivid and resonant imagery. For example, descriptions of London are imbued with both its familiar grittiness and a subtle undercurrent of possibility. The language used to describe Aaron’s internal feelings is particularly potent, capturing the nuances of his grief and burgeoning emotions.

While no specific quotes immediately leap to mind as universally iconic, the strength of the language lies in its consistent ability to convey emotion and atmosphere. The prose feels authentic to the voice of a teenager navigating complex emotions.

Emotional Impact

“We May Be Fractured” is an emotionally resonant novel. It evokes a spectrum of feelings, from the profound sadness of loss to the quiet joy of connection and self-acceptance. The moments where Aaron grapples with his demisexuality are particularly moving, offering a relatable depiction of discovering and articulating one’s sexual orientation. The book provokes deep thought about how we process trauma, the nature of belonging, and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self. The moments where Aaron begins to find solace and connection, even in unexpected places, are genuinely heartwarming.

Themes and Messages

The author appears to be conveying that healing from trauma is not about forgetting, but about integrating the past into a new present. The message about the importance of community and human connection, even for those who feel isolated, is also strong. Lascar successfully communicates that self-discovery is an ongoing process, often fueled by confronting challenges rather than avoiding them. The novel also champions the idea that love and home can be found in unexpected forms and places.

The social and cultural commentary in the book subtly addresses the heteronormative expectations often placed upon young adults and offers a more inclusive representation of sexual orientation. It highlights the importance of acknowledging and validating diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Authentic Character Voice: Aaron’s voice and internal monologue are incredibly believable.
  • Sensitive Exploration of Demisexuality: This aspect of identity is handled with great care and depth.
  • Evocative Prose: Lascar’s writing style creates a strong atmosphere and vivid imagery.
  • Emotional Resonance: The novel effectively conveys the complexities of grief and self-discovery.
  • Hopeful Message: Despite dealing with difficult themes, the book offers a message of resilience and eventual peace.

Weaknesses:

  • Pacing in Reflective Sections: While necessary, some of Aaron’s more introspective passages might feel slow to readers who prefer a faster-paced narrative.
  • Supporting Character Development: While functional, some supporting characters could have benefited from further depth.

Recommendations

I would recommend “We May Be Fractured” to readers who enjoy character-driven coming-of-age stories, particularly those with LGBTQ+ themes. It would appeal to young adults and adults alike who are interested in narratives that explore grief, identity, and the journey of self-acceptance. Fans of authors like Adam Silvera or Becky Albertalli might find similar emotional depth and relatable teenage voices in Lascar’s work. If you’re looking for a book that is both poignant and ultimately uplifting, this is a strong contender.

Where to Get It

You can find “We May Be Fractured” by Jessica Lascar (ePUB) for free download from various ebook platforms. For a comprehensive list of options and to explore other great reads, visit My Ebook.

Overall Impression and Rating

“We May Be Fractured” is a beautifully written and deeply affecting novel that tackles significant themes with grace and authenticity. Jessica Lascar has created a memorable protagonist whose journey of healing and self-discovery is both heart-wrenching and ultimately inspiring. The novel’s exploration of grief, identity, and the unconventional paths to finding oneself makes it a valuable addition to contemporary literature.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars