Le ciel est partout
by Jandy Nelson
- First published 2010
- 367 pages
- French
Jude and her twin brother, Noah, were once inseparable, sharing a single, artistic soul. Noah painted constantly, capturing the world in his mind, while Jude carved sculptures and spoke for them both. But at sixteen, they are barely speaking. A family tragedy, jealousy, and competition have driven a wedge between them, leaving them isolated by grief and secrets. The story unfolds through two timelines: Noah's perspective at age thirteen, when their world began to fracture, and Jude's at sixteen, as she navigates the aftermath.
Each twin holds only half of the story, clouded by their own guilt and misunderstandings. Jude meets a mysterious mentor and an intriguing boy who threaten to shatter her self-imposed isolation, while Noah grapples with a secret that has changed the core of who he is. For them to remake their world, they must find their way back to each other and confront the truths they have been hiding. This novel explores the intense and complicated bonds of family, the raw journey of first love, and the transformative power of art to heal and reconnect.
Each twin holds only half of the story, clouded by their own guilt and misunderstandings. Jude meets a mysterious mentor and an intriguing boy who threaten to shatter her self-imposed isolation, while Noah grapples with a secret that has changed the core of who he is. For them to remake their world, they must find their way back to each other and confront the truths they have been hiding. This novel explores the intense and complicated bonds of family, the raw journey of first love, and the transformative power of art to heal and reconnect.
What readers say
4.15
364K ratings across the web 8 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
The book receives widespread praise for its unique narrative structure, which alternates between the perspectives of twin siblings, Noah at age thirteen and Jude at age sixteen. This distinct approach effectively unravels the complex dynamics of their relationship and how they evolve over time. The characters themselves are consistently described as deeply human, flawed yet profoundly compelling, undergoing significant development throughout the story. Many reviewers lauded the writing style for its beauty, lyricism, and imaginative use of artistic metaphors, finding it to be a work of true art that evokes powerful emotions. The book’s exploration of family dynamics, love, loss, and self-discovery resonates deeply with readers, particularly highlighting the integral role of art in the characters' lives and featuring a memorable LGBT romance.
However, the book’s distinctive writing style is also a point of contention for some, who found the constant artistic metaphors and descriptive prose to be gimmicky, cloying, or even "purple," occasionally hindering their ability to connect with the characters or the narrative. Other criticisms include the portrayal of Jude’s love interest, Oscar, whom some reviewers found to be a collection of stereotypical "dreamboy" tropes rather than a believable character. A common frustration centered on the characters' tendency to avoid direct communication, leading to prolonged misunderstandings that felt unrealistic or a device to extend tension. Additionally, some readers found the plot to be predictable in parts, or noted that the story had a slow beginning, while the extensive length of individual chapters was also mentioned as a potential drawback.
Despite these divided opinions, the book is overwhelmingly well-regarded and deeply impactful for many, often described as a memorable and brilliant story. It is likely to appeal most to readers who appreciate literary young adult fiction, unconventional narrative structures, and character-driven stories that delve into complex family dynamics and the transformative power of art. Those who enjoy deeply emotional reads and can embrace a distinctive, metaphorical prose style will find much to love, while readers who prefer more straightforward narratives or faster pacing might find it less engaging. Ultimately, it’s a book that ignites strong feelings and is recommended for those seeking an immersive and unique reading experience.
However, the book’s distinctive writing style is also a point of contention for some, who found the constant artistic metaphors and descriptive prose to be gimmicky, cloying, or even "purple," occasionally hindering their ability to connect with the characters or the narrative. Other criticisms include the portrayal of Jude’s love interest, Oscar, whom some reviewers found to be a collection of stereotypical "dreamboy" tropes rather than a believable character. A common frustration centered on the characters' tendency to avoid direct communication, leading to prolonged misunderstandings that felt unrealistic or a device to extend tension. Additionally, some readers found the plot to be predictable in parts, or noted that the story had a slow beginning, while the extensive length of individual chapters was also mentioned as a potential drawback.
Despite these divided opinions, the book is overwhelmingly well-regarded and deeply impactful for many, often described as a memorable and brilliant story. It is likely to appeal most to readers who appreciate literary young adult fiction, unconventional narrative structures, and character-driven stories that delve into complex family dynamics and the transformative power of art. Those who enjoy deeply emotional reads and can embrace a distinctive, metaphorical prose style will find much to love, while readers who prefer more straightforward narratives or faster pacing might find it less engaging. Ultimately, it’s a book that ignites strong feelings and is recommended for those seeking an immersive and unique reading experience.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- France loisirs, 2011
- ISBN
- 9782298046892
- Language
- French
Original edition Le ciel est partout Originally published in 2010 · French · Gallimard Jeunesse
