Sunset

I picked this book up without really knowing what to expect from it, and in honesty, if I'd have known it was about grief I'd have probably assumed it was bleak and depressing left it the hell alone...I'm SO glad I didn't.While its a tough subject topic, Jessie has captured the beauty and fragility of life, with its ups and downs, so perfectly. She's articulated so relatably the struggle that comes with pulling ourselves out of depression/survival mode, and how, slowly but surely, life can begin to heal. A beautiful portrait of the messiness of real life, well worth a read.

This probably isn’t my usual read but I really enjoyed it. In turns funny, weird and ultimately heartbreaking, deals with loss and sorrow and cuts right to the bone. I’d urge you to try it, I think you’ll love it.

Sunset is a beautiful story of how Ruth copes when she loses the love of her life, her sister Hannah. We follow Ruth as she goes through the mundanity and normality of every day life, whilst she is dealing with the grief of losing her sister, the difficult relationship she has with her family as well as the difficult relationship she has with herself.This novel is stunning, the writing impeccable. Very much a character driven novel, Jessie Cave writes Ruth and her thoughts, feelings and actions in such a raw and honest way. As the reader, you get to know Ruth inside out and your heart breaks for her whilst you also feel so frustrated towards her and what she chooses to do each day. I would also say Sunset has some dark humour in it and whilst it read incredibly sad - some parts did have me laughing.Having dealt with a sibling's death herself, Jessie Cave has poured so much heart and emotion into this book and it is very clear throughout. Despite the pace being very slow, Sunset is a book I was unable to put down or stop thinking about which resulted in me finishing it within two days.I don't think I have enough words to give this book justice, but if you enjoy an emotional character driven story with great writing, I would suggest checking this out.......Trigger Warnings (some of which may be considered spoilers): Sibling death/binge eating/depression/suicidal thoughts

I somehow hadn’t read any spoilers before I started the book and so when it happens (and I won’t say what just in case, like me, you don’t know before you begin) I was devastated and found the first third of the book difficult to read as Hannah and her relationship with her older sister reminded me so much of mine - the writing is brilliant, as are the characters. Jessie Cave has done a wonderful job with the book - it is raw, it broke my heart, it made me face into some of my own fears and I actually made me laugh out loud in some points too. I bought this book because of the love and relationship I have with my sisters and, whilst it was darker than I realised it would be, it makes me appreciate them even more.

I enjoyed this- I’ve seen Jessie Cave’s one woman shows and she has a really distinctive voice and a fresh take on things. Parts of this book were very raw and unflinching in their description of grief, but it was compelling from start to finish. I think it could have used a little more editing but it’s a debut novel. Look forward to what she writes next.

Ruth and Hannah have always had a better than average sisterly bond. They’re always there for each other (which they need to be with their parents), they holiday together, they rely on each other - especially Ruth who doesn’t have things quite as together as Hannah. So when a tragedy rocks Ruth to her core, she disconnects from the world and refuses to try to ‘move on’, keeping busy with a job at Costa at Heathrow, and with as few meaningful conversations as possible. But when a familiar face shows up, Ruth learns that the most unexpected of people will help her find some joy again…So the blurb for this book keeps referring to it as a comedy which I can’t really get on board with - this story has so much tragedy! I can only assume it’s referring to Ruth’s total potty mouth and refreshing honesty which can be pretty funny at times, but seems to come from such a dark place that I’m not sure how lightly I can take it. Just don’t pick this up expecting an uplifting, easy read because it’s anything but 😱Having said that, it’s such an original and unique look at loss, grief and the bonds of family. It’s devastating, shocking and hard to swallow at times, but also so compelling. Ruth is a weird one, because I’m not sure how much I ever warmed to her and yet I felt so terrible for her - her pain was almost visceral and I don’t think I’ve ever read a character dealing with loss so angrily.I thought this novel was brilliant, but it’s not for the prudish because it really doesn’t hold back when it comes to gory details about EVERYTHING. But it’s also incredibly moving, at times so relatable, and ends in such a perfect way so I’d highly recommend it if you can stomach it!

Ruth is so well written. She is unapologetic in her fierceness. In how she relates to her older sibling. In how she chooses to let go and perhaps to grow when a sudden storm engulfs her. This felt real, raw, sad and beautiful. About how our capacity for healing is limitless and how important it is to never give up. That even when all is chaos perhaps there is a safe harbour waiting ahead. This book was raw and wonderful. A book you will read only once, but will stay with you always. Its style was simple because it had to be. But simplicity is a strength when harnessed so tenderly as here. Just an awesome debut. Breathtaking

First book I’ve read and finished as a young adult and resonated completely with my life making it all the harder to put down. Beautiful, sad, and so so relatable if you have siblings. I am so close with my siblings and this really stuck a chord with me. Amazing book, easy to read, beautifully written

Es war traurig aber schön geschrieben man konnte mitempfinden

Easy to read, simple writing as well as deep and moving. If you approached this book out of need it will help. At times funny, heartbreaking and relatable. If you are going through grief or suffered the loss of someone important, I think this book feels real and helps to put your thoughts and feelings a bit more in order. I loved it, hope you too.

I loved the book! It’s a sad story but it feels so real and the emotions, thoughts and situations feel relatable. Definitely recommend it.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get into this book at first. It seemed to sad and I wasn’t sure I could cope with that given current world events. But Jessie weaves the most amazing and unique sense of humour through her writing, that before I knew it I couldn’t put it down. This book was surprisingly uplifting and gorgeously written. Caves quirky sense of humour shines on every page.

I went into the book blind so felt a bit blindsided by the beginning. But an incredibly bittersweet and heartbreaking depiction of grief.