White Like Milk, Red Like Blood: A Novel
by Alessandro D'Avenia
This story feels very much like an 80s teen movie. If John Hughes had specialized in tragic events, this book could have easily been one of his movies. And there is tragedy. Tears. Various types of losses, some bigger than others. But there is also the typical high school drama - fights, girls, parents, tests.
With the name and hair of a lion Leo is trying to survive high school and life in general (at his age, high school and life are basically one in the same). His world is pretty small - there’s his best friend, Silvia, the girl who is always there for him. Niko, a different kind of best friend -- the kind that you play soccer with and make bets with but don’t actually let into your world in any meaningful way. Parents and teachers. Oh, and the girl. The one who may or may not know who he is. The one he loves. Beatrice. Perfect Beatrice.
Leo takes us through approximately the length of one school year. A not so typical one. One where he does a lot of growing. One where mistakes are made. Love is found and lost and explained. One where death makes itself known in the most painful of ways.
Leo’s main guide through these times, besides Silvia, is a substitute teacher. A Dreamer. One who makes Leo open his eyes, ask questions, try to figure out where he belongs. As Leo learns, sometimes you have to take the long way around and go in circles to get to where you belong.
There were some characters that felt very important, yet got little page time. That would be only real issue with this book and it is a minor issue as it fits with the way that Leo is telling his story. Because of that it’s a 4.5 star book, but with 1/2 stars not available, I’m bumping it up to a 5.
* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think you’ll hate?
