August Book Recommendation: Lucas
Lucas by Kevin Brooks
The sun is out, temperatures are soaring, there’s no work to do and all you have is time on your hands. What better time of year to have a good book in your lap, a cold drink next to you, and the heat bearing down on you? Don’t forget your sun tan lotion, of course, UV radiation is no joke and skincare is important. Summer is always a good time for a love story too. And what better one than Carnegie Medal winner Kevin Brooks’ terribly tragic story of love and hate?
As she approaches adulthood, Caitlin’s life in a small island community becomes increasingly troubled. She is drifting apart from her best friend, is frustrated by her father’s reluctance to talk about the death of her mother, and has a strained relationship with her elder brother since he started university. She seeks solace in the company of Lucas, a new arrival on the island. Although Caitlin is immediately drawn to this enigmatic loner, the other islanders are extremely suspicious of the stranger, particularly as he doesn’t conform to their ideas of ‘normality.’
A tide of hatred rapidly builds up against Lucas, fuelled by the fear and ignorance of the small-minded community, culminating in a witch-hunt that ends in inevitable tragedy. This beautifully written, unusual novel explores the destructive nature of prejudice and mob violence.
Resonating Themes
A compelling read from an outstanding author, it is a book that tackles personal issues, and that teenage readers resonate with as Lucas and Caitlin endure the kind of problems that any other teenager would… on top of all the other things happening throughout the plot. It explores relationships (both healthy and unhealthy) and touches on social issues that are all the more relevant even years after the novel was first published.
Social Problems
The book’s challenging nature lies in its nuanced portrayal of human behavior and societal issues. It asks questions about the consequences of fear, prejudice, and the herd mentality often exhibited by small communities. Brooks’s writing style delivers it perfectly, with some terrific descriptive prose and rich character development. It is a tale which will leave you lingering with questions once you finish it.
Lucas is by no means an easy read and has the kind of ending that you can’t look away from but wish you could change. You might not want to read it again, but you certainly won’t forget it either.
If you are interested in studying English or English Literature, Oxford Open Learning offer the chance to do so at several levels, listed below. You can also Contact Us here.
Dan Grabowski is an Amazon best-selling author and has taught in the classroom at primary level previously.