Grapefruit Moon by Shirley-Anne McMillan: Review

A tale of two people trying to navigate, in their own, unique way, the social conduct of secondary school to try and fit in.

A tale of two seemingly very different people who seek out a future for themselves through a drag show, slam poetry and a trip to Spain, not realising their actions lead them to one another.

No matter how far apart at times they seem, however, Charlotte and Drew have one thing in common from the very start, and that’s Adam – Charlotte’s ex and Drew’s only hope of receiving a university scholarship.

Taking place in Northern Ireland, Grapefruit Moon explores a variety of topics, from your day-to-day school endeavours to harsher struggles relating to socio-economical and gender division. These are hard topics to cover at the best of times, but I feel the author did so successfully, and more importantly, with tact. Her writing style is gripping, and the pacing of the story well thought out – I had a hard time putting the book down. The characters were a blast to get to know. I particularly enjoyed the secondary characters, which doesn’t happen often. However, it adds a little more depth to the storyline and helps to develop the main protagonists.

Funny at times, real always – this novel reminded me of the joys, and the sorrows, of secondary school, acknowledging the struggles it can bring but also the hope we carry in response.

A thought-provoking and extremely heartfelt read, well worth checking out.

Joanna Kleibauer