Themes/Triggers: sisterhood, love, friendship, co-dependancy, loss, grief and growth.
Synopsis & Review: Ruth and Hannah are sisters. Like most siblings, they constantly bicker and purposefully get on each others last nerve but they love one another beyond doubt. Ruth and Hannah are complete opposites. Ruth is single, careless and wild whereas Hannah is bright, successful, hard-working and recently loved-up. Ruth might not admit it but she is in awe of her big sister Hannah and she admires her completely.
Every year the two of them go on a sisters holiday. They fight, makeup and laugh until the sun comes up. But this year something bad happens, and their lives are changed forever.
Jessie Cave gave no spoilers in describing this book. I had no idea what to expect and was completely blown away by the story, but more so by the writing. The informal, conversational tone flows beautifully throughout the book. It was easy to read and absorb which made it even more difficult to put down!
In contrast to the prose, the story is extremely raw, emotional and original. It's a brutally honest depiction of grief and loss with so many powerful scenes. Ruth is the main character, she dips between the past and present, tying memories with her current feelings and thoughts. I loved how even the smallest things were so relevant - nothing was overlooked. The character development is brilliant, we get to see the extreme changes in Ruth's behaviour and state of mind following the unthinkable. Her vulnerability is fully exposed and painful to read but the slow progression towards her healing is so up-lifting. Ruth learns to navigate life in her 20's with the heavy weight of grief and I felt like I was on the journey with her, every step of the way.
I really appreciated the humour and authenticity scattered through the book, it balances the heavy emotions and uncomfortable parts of the story. For somebody who doesn't even have a sister I was reading and found myself thinking, 'OMG I would do that!' or 'that's exactly how it would feel.'
I had mixed feelings towards Ruth's relationship with Rowan. It was beautiful and tragic - an essential part of healing for both characters. But at times, I was not feeling it at all and thought it was just crippling and damaging the two of them even more. The loneliness and trauma in this book can only come from lived experiences. I think a lot of people will value the realness of Sunset and identify with the emotions described. It's messy and sad but it's the kind of sad you can't stop reading because it's just too good. It makes you cry but it makes you laugh too.
I loved how Jessie ended the novel on a positive note of hope and future in the place full of pain and sadness. Sunset is perfect and unforgettable, definitely one of my favourite reads this year. I would highly highly recommend!
As always, please be mindful of the themes and trigger warnings before picking up any book.
Rating: 5/5
Favourite Quotes:
I could find you one on every page but here are a few;
'I watch him walk away and I think about how easy it would be to hurt him. Not give him a key. I've got what I needed from him... I could just cull contact right now and make my life simple. Alone.'
'But I like my washing machine being broken because I am broken too.'
'Right now, in this moment, I am all right.'
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