Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Release: 27th August 2015
Genre: Contemporary, UKYA
Source: Proof Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Synopsis:
"Grace and Tippi are twins - conjoined twins. And their lives are about to change. No longer able to afford homeschooling, they must venture into the world - a world of stares, sneers and cruelty. Will they find more than that at school? Can they find real friends? And what about love?
But what neither Grace or Tippi realises is that a heart-wrenching decision lies ahead. A decision that could tear them apart. One that will change their lives even more than they ever imagined."
Review
After reading the synopsis I knew that One was going to break my heart but what I didn’t expect was for it to break my heart on every single page to see how conjoined twins Grace and Tippi were treated by those around them.
One opened both my eyes and my heart to a life I’ve never looked at too closely before, a life as a conjoined twin. Grace and Tippi’s relationship was like no other I’ve ever encountered, it’s a bond that runs even deeper than love; it’s the very essence of who they are. I loved getting to know them as individuals and also as a team as they live their lives as one person.
Grace and Tippi are at the front and centre of this book but Sarah Crossan also takes a look at how the twins’ being one affects those closest to them: their mom, dad and younger sister. Grace and Tippi’s situation also has a knock-on effect for those they love as the family struggle with medical bills and witness first-hand how cruel people can be when somebody is different.
One was the first book that I’ve read written in free verse. I’ve always been put off by this style of writing before but One sounded too incredible to miss and I’m so glad that I gave it a go. The writing style worked beautifully and I can’t imagine this story being told in any other way. Every page is ripe with emotion the few carefully selected words carrying so much weight. Nothing goes to waste here with every word adding something vital to the story. Sarah Crossan’s writing is fluid, flawless and something to behold.
Not only is One easily my favourite book of 2015 so far it’s also one of the best books that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. It’s truly a masterpiece in YA Fiction with massive crossover appeal. I haven’t been this emotionally moved by a book since The Fault in Our Stars and urge you to pick up this beautiful book so that you can experience Grace and Tippi’s story for yourself.
