Title: Bloom
Author: Phoebe North
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019
When there’s a tragedy in your youth, there is always something that sets you apart. Whilst my tragedy wasn’t quite as tragic as this, I do recognise that feeling of not quite being able to relate to my peers and just generally struggling with ideas and expectations of the future.
I love that Simon helps the narrator to bloom, but was ultimately a short term person to give her the chance. Instead, it’s a friendship with Chava that really feels like the monumental relationship and turning point. It’s a reminder that, even if a relationship is important, it may not be a long-term one.
The delivery food which takes up most of the story in this tale is definitely what comfort foods are made of. I know literally nothing about Jewish delis, so it was cool to imagine some of the foods that passed through their hands. And how such simple food can bring warmth to a cold heart.
Earth and Skye 