The First Third (Will Kostakis, Puffin)

The First Third is the second book by author Will Kostakis, following Loathing Lola. We meet Bill and his family in the hospital ward, where they are gathered around their ailing yiayia and enjoying a precariously balanced Greek feast at her bedside. Bill’s family—his mother and brothers—is slowing pulling apart, and as Yiayia’s condition worsens the ‘glue’ that has been holding them together begins to slip away. From her bedside, Yiayia entrusts Bill with a bucket list of things for him to do for her before she passes way, and it is at this point that the story takes off. Written with plenty of heart, Kostakis explores the love and strength that families rely on in difficult times, as well as their hopes and disappointments when life doesn’t go to plan. Kostakis has obviously drawn on aspects of his own Greek heritage to create this narrative world, but the humour and surprising twists in the story prevent it from becoming overly self-conscious. The First Third is a beautiful, sometimes sad novel that will be enjoyed by readers aged 13 and up.

Natalie Crawford is a freelance reviewer and works at Dymocks Claremont

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Category: Reviews