Content warnings: mentions of death, substance abuse, child neglect and depression, and a scene featuring sexual assault.
Welcome to Paradise Springs, Northern Californiaāa town where the air is thick with the scent of fermenting grapes, and magic seems to linger just beneath the surface. In this half-real, half-fantastical setting, the Fall family navigates a landscape filled with both enchantment and heartache.
The story centres on the Fall siblings: 12-year-old Dizzy, 17-year-old Miles, and 19-year-old Wynton. Their lives are upended by the arrival of Cassidy, a mysterious rainbow-haired girl with her secrets. Each sibling's encounter with Cassidy stirs something deep within themāDizzy sees her as an angel after a life-saving moment, Miles finds a sense of clarity in her presence, and Wynton falls in love.
As the novel unfolds, the reader is drawn into a world of magical realism, where dogs communicate, foods have the power to enchant, and synesthesia brings an added layer of vividness to the characters' experiences. The narrative, initially fragmented with its multiple points of view and enigmatic events, eventually weaves together into a beautifully crafted story of family, fate, and connection.
Though the pace starts slow, the book's intricate storytelling and richly developed characters make it worth the read. The hidden connections and the eventual resolution offer a satisfying conclusion that lingers long after the final page is turned. This novel is a unique and memorable journey into a world where the ordinary and extraordinary blend seamlessly, offering a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the ties that bind us.
Thank you so much to the author - Jandy Nelson as well as both teams at Walker Books and Tandem Collective UK for running this read-along!
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