Infinite Sky By C.J. Flood | Review

Book Details
Author: C.J. Flood
Ages: Young Adult
Rating: 8/10
Number of Pages: 271
Plot: After being rocked by their mother's departure, Iris and her older brother Sam have been affected in different ways. But when a traveller family sets up illegally in front of their farm it seems that Iris and Sam's lives will be changed forever. As Iris secretly strives to form a friendship with the son of the travellers, Trick, it appears that the presence of the travellers coupled with the blossoming relationship of Iris and Trick is forcing Sam even more off the rails. With tensions higher than ever before, and the knowledge that someone is going to die, Flood's novel explores the effects of family breakdown whilst creating a story that leaves you on the edge of your seat. This contemporary manages to consistently mix the elements of a suspense with the exploration of an interesting family dynamic that is not often written about so successfully.

Review: So if you read my previous review you will know that I have decided to take a break from dystopian novels. I contemplated getting back to the Game of Thrones series as I loved the first instalment and really really want to start the TV series (yes I have yet to watch any of the TV show!) However, I randomly stumbled across the rather small contemporary section of my book shelves and thought I would give this particular book a go. Infinite Sky is one of those books that demands you read it in one sitting. The technique of using a prologue that hints at impending tragedy truly makes any plot a page turner. By opening with the funeral scene, Flood created a shadow of suspense across the whole novel even in the brief windows of happiness. As a result, I felt a greater need to get to the end and find out who was in that coffin. A plot setup like this, in my opinion, is truly revolutionary.

The family dynamic also made the book that bit more heart breaking. I haven't read many young adult novels about divorce or single parent families, and the ones I have use this as the main topic of discussion or just stick to the stereotypes. Flood however was truly a breath of fresh air. Firstly, the fact that Iris and Sam's parents were separated did not take the spotlight, instead it was something that had happened in the characters' past and was still affecting their every day decisions and lives. Coupled with this, was the extremely life-like effects on the children. By offering two examples of how children and teenagers react to divorce, Flood offers a unique take on family separation. The contrast between the effects on Iris and Sam, in which Iris seeks love and friendship and Sam's isolation makes him aggressive, made the book appear more realistic and thus made it easier to relate to the characters.

"And all the time the same question flails around my head, like a hawk moth round a lightbulb; is it possible to keep loving somebody when they kill someone you love."

What also makes this book stand out in the YA genre, is how it manages to deal with a range of different issues in moderation yet is still extremely effective. I've already talked about Flood's clever incorporation of more than one effect of divorce but the book also deals with other larger issues in similar degrees. The prejudice exhibited by Iris' Father, the feeling of being lost that is briefly shown in the mother and even grief are all topics covered by Flood in the description of her characters which work seamlessly into her dense plot. All of this creates an underlying message that everyone is dealing with their own inner demons - a message that I think makes this such a great addition to the contemporary genre.

I am so glad that I decided to take a break from the dystopian genre and picked up this book. Even though it is considered a YA, the themes and issues discussed make it such a dense novel that it truly caters to all. If you are looking to delve into the contemporary genre this is where to start. Not only is it heartbreakingly beautiful, it also has thrilling aspects that make it moreish and enjoyable to read. Flood is truly a master when it comes to characterisation and especially structural plot devices, like the placement of the prologue, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Have you read Infinite Sky? Leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below!