The Belly of a Wolf (Julianne Negri, UWA Publishing)
The Belly of a Wolf is a powerful young adult verse novel by award-winning writer Julianne Negri. Little Red is grieving and struggling to return to school and connect with her peers after the death of her best friend, Wolf, whose suicide shapes the emotional core of the novel. In a deeply introspective first-person narration, Little Red details her isolation and feelings of brokenness. What feels cruel to her is that life continues – she goes to school, she meets a boy, she makes a new friend, she starts a band – all without her other half. Paradoxically, it’s these small acts of living that give her hope and a new perspective. Little Red’s voice comes through strong in each line, highlighting Negri’s talent for authenticating the pain, angst and ambitions of young people. The stanzas and pacing reflect Little Red’s chaotic internal life while also capturing her poetic, beautiful mind and the lens through which she sees the world. Negri expertly explores themes of guilt and shame, holding onto pain so as not to forget what it means to be changed during formative years, and the unbreakable power of female friendship. The Belly of a Wolf is an astonishing novel for readers aged 14 and over who have lost someone they love, who have ever felt alone in the world or who have found comfort in creative practice. For fans of AS King, Vikki Wakefield and Davina Bell.
If you or someone you know needs support, Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling and suicide prevention services on 13 11 14, via text on 0477 13 11 14 or through online chat. Suicide Call Back Service provides 24-hour support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal on 1300 659 467.
Books+Publishing reviewer: Danielle Bagnato is a book reviewer and marketing and communications professional. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
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Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews
