Whispers in the Alders by H. A. Callum (Book Review #186)

This review was kindly requested by H. A. Callum.

Whispers in the Alders is an outstanding book written about a girl named Aubrey Worthington. Her parents move to this backdated, evil town called, Alders and that is where she meets a boy named Tommy. The story is told in the first person narrative and it does not take long to realize how badly both are suffering, individually.

Tommy and Aubrey become best friends. Aubrey realizes how mistreated this poor boy is. Tommy writes poems and shares some with Aubrey. He also is discriminated and abused by his own family. The town folk hates Aubrey’s dad and that is transpired on to Aubrey as well. She also is considered to be a mistake and her family fails to understand her either.

What unfolds in this truly beautiful book is the bond of friendship. When everyone has turned their back on you and you feel absolutely alone, at an age where everything is questionable and you are still trying to figure yourself out, Aubrey and Tommy have each other.

I found the literature standard to be delightfully fulfilling. It has a hint of poetic writing, which I adore, making it very unique to read. There are sensitive topics such as sexual orientation, gender issues, faith and many more important matters teenagers face now and also back in the 1980’s.

The novel is all about exposing the understanding of abuse, aiming for a better life such as a higher education, and accepting one’s sexual identity. Although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I would strongly recommend this book for people that love to read on sensitive topics and just enjoy a heartfelt strong written book.

Written by Jeyran Main

 

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