Writers Abroad Magazine Issue 3 September 2015 | Page 20

WRITERS ABROAD MAGAZINE
conversations, their hopes and dreams for the future and Lennie’s distress in the here
and now.
The book was a real page-turner and I found Nelson’s language through very
engaging. Her beautiful descriptions of the scenes and settings throughout the story
were very vivid. “The sun has burst into millions of pieces, which have landed all over
Main Street. It’s a gorgeous day.” What a wonderful way to describe lovely weather.
However, having said how much I enjoyed the book, I did wonder whether the main
character was at times rather over mature for a teenager and some of her actions were
verging on the extraordinary. But that wouldn’t stop me recommending the book for
the beautiful prose and the excellent portrayal of grief.

Year of Fire Dragons by Shannon Young
Review by Laura Besley
Living in Hong Kong I have a particular interest in reading
books set in this little pocket of Asia and it's an extra special
treat to read a book that reminds me what a vibrant and
exciting city this is.
"The time was right for