Review: The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart by Lauren DeStefano

Sigh. This book was good. It was so, so good. I knew I would love it, because I have loved every book I have read by Lauren so far. Her first middle grade book from last year was simply stunning. And this one was even more so. Eee. It was just so amazing. I only wish that it had been longer. Sobs. I wanted more so badly.

The writing is gorgeous, and the story was so exciting. I loved the characters so much. Sniffs. And gosh, that cover. It's stunning. I love it so much. Wish there had been artwork inside the book too, but I'm okay with there not being so, lol. Because the words were enough. Sigh. This book was just so amazing. So happy I read it.

This book was just so beautiful. I don't know what else to say about it, lol. Getting to read about Lionel and Marybeth was simply the best thing. This is a short book and a really quick read. I loved every moment of it. These two middle grade books by Lauren are pretty dark. And I love that so much. Because they are pretty real. Brutal and honest. Which I love. My poor boy had suffered. Sniffs. And I loved reading about it all. Ahh. While I wish that this book had been a sequel to her first middle grade story, hih, I'm glad that it wasn't. It had nothing to do with her first story. But it was just as amazing. I still hope for sequels to them both one day. I want that very much. I also really loved that this book wasn't fully real, because there are ghosts. Which was awesome to read.

I'm not going to talk too much about this book. Because it is really short. And I'm not sure I have all the words I need to write my thoughts down. Because, gosh, I really loved this book. A few times I struggled a little bit with the writing, but only in the beginning, and I grew to adore the writing. Never once did I not love Lionel and Marybeth. Sigh. It was just the best thing to read about them both. I just so wish the book had been a little bit longer. Or that there will be a sequel when they are older. Aw. Loved them so much.

Lionel and Marybeth are both nine years old. They live at an orphanage. And they are the best of friends. Though their friendship is a bit unusual, with Marybeth being a sort of normal child. And Lionel being all kinds of wild. But they still love each other. And they are all each other have. Which is just the sweetest thing. Eee. I really want to read about them being older. Hmph. Their friendship now is just the best thing. The others don't understand Lionel. But Marybeth do. Sort of. He is normal too, just a little bit broken.

And I'm not saying more than that. Lionel was such a sweet boy. Though he truly was wild at times. But I adored that about him. And I didn't blame him one bit. He was the best boy. And I loved Marybeth too. She was so gentle and kind and awesome. She changes a bit, but I still adored her the most. And Lionel did too. They are such awesome friends. And I loved getting to know both their stories. I just wish it had been a bit longer, so that I could have known more. But I did get to know enough. Which was awesome.

There are a few other characters in this book. I liked reading about them all. A few were pretty awful, though. Shudders. Like when we got to know something that happened in the past. Ahh. It was horrible. I loved it. There is an older woman that takes care of all the children. And I liked her quite a lot. Though some times she made some horrible decisions. Which ruined my heart a little. Sobs. Yet I couldn't truly blame her either. Maybe. I'm unsure. I did not approve, either way. But even so. I did like this woman.

I'm not going to talk about the plot. Just know that there is sort of a mystery. And it was so exciting to figure it out. Most of this book was sad. Yet the friendship was so beautiful. And the story was amazing too. I really, really loved The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart. This book was so, so heartbreaking and beautiful. The friendship between Lionel and Marybeth was the sweetest. Sigh. I would say that everyone should read this book. It is dark and awesome and real. I just. Yeah. I really want more. Fingers crossed.

 

Goodreads - The Book Depository - Amazon