METAL FISH, FALLING SNOW BY CATH MOORE

Dylan and her beloved French mother live in a small country town and dream of going to France, a place where Dylan’s dark skin would not be the thing that defined her. But Dylan’s small family is torn apart when her mother dies in an accident and she starts a journey across the country with Pat, her mother’s grieving boyfriend. Dylan’s world has been small but inhabited by big dreams and her unique way of looking at things and the way she processes the events around her, often lead to misunderstandings and confusing outcomes.

While she fantasises about the ocean and a boat that will take her to France, Pat drives them to somewhere she suspects she doesn’t want to be. Her violent father left years ago but he has family, and Pat is taking her to them. Dylan and Pat make their way across the dry and unforgiving landscape that somehow mirrors their feelings. They grudgingly try to process their grief and what the future holds in a world without the person they love the most.

When they arrive at Dylan’s grandfather’s house she must try and adjust but cannot get the idea of a boat to France out of her head. It’s the last dream she shared with her mother and she doesn’t want to let it go. Can she ever forgive Pat for bringing her here and how will she ever fit in with this family of strangers?

Cath Moore’s debut novel is a truly wonderful picture of grief and kinship. Of how different we all are and yet can still suffer the same trauma and its aftermath. The inner thoughts and conclusions that play through Dylan’s mind throughout the novel create a character that the reader cannot help but love. The themes of loss and family are beautifully portrayed. This is a must-read novel.

For Ages: 13+ years

Number of Pages: 272 in paperback.

Published: July 2020

Themes: grief and family

Rating: 4.75/5