I really enjoyed this book, both before and after the bizarre twist that occurs. Reading some other reviews on Goodreads, it seems like most people either loved the twist, too, or let it destroy their opinion of the book. I personally felt the twist was hinted at well enough through the first part to make it less shocking and more expected, but I’m also reading The Rook right now, so my head’s in a weird place. If you’re at all interested in reading this book, I suggest doing so without knowing any more going into it.
“Maybe we’re on the wrong side of some metaphorical bridge where the grass is crusty and not grass at all, but sharp little spines of glass. I dunno, Moritz.
But the one little speck of green that I get is your letters, so please never stop writing me.
You got that?
Never stop.
Because you’ll never meet me and it’s the closest we can get.”
Ollie’s allergic to electricity, and as a result, has lived his whole life in a cabin in the woods with his mother. Mortiz was born with no eyes, although he can still “see” through echolocation. Unfortunately, he also suffers from a heart condition that requires a pacemaker — meaning these two boys can never meet, as Moritz’s electric heart would stop Ollie’s. But they’re brought together by a scientist who watches over Ollie, and begin writing letters to each other about their strange lives. And the more they write, the more they begin to learn about each other and themselves.
And I’m stopping there, because you should just go read it. I loved the writing, I loved the boys, and I cannot wait to read the sequel!