Revolution

Revolution. Jennifer Donnelly. New York, Delacorte Press, 2010. 484 pages. $18.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0385737630. Grades 9-12.

My Thoughts...

Historical fiction is a genre that I have learned to love, so when I realized that Revolution fell in to this category I was pretty excited. I got in to the characters and dark mood of Andi from the very beginning. I loved that we were introduced to her mental instability and only given hints of to why she feels responsible for her brother’s death. I thought it was bold to have a character so dependent on her antidepressants. Although being on meds is not uncommon, popping them like M&Ms and having hallucinations at 17 is not typical in young adult literature. I loved that music and creativity were important elements in this book, because these outlets tend to be relatable to young adults. Readers may not literally bleed for their musical gift, but every teen knows what it is to love and get lost in some kind of music, even if it is only in private. I also think it is important that music, which isn’t necessarily a wise and guaranteed career path shows an area of disagreement in Andi’s life. The struggle between following one’s personal, creative dream often outweighs and causes tension between young adults and their parents. I think Andi’s character, though a little extreme, is relatable and that young adults will find her as interesting and compelling as I did.

In addition to having a strong character that makes the story interesting and relatable, Donnelly plays with Dante, organization, history, and parallel/intersecting plots to propel the story and keep readers on their toes. I think using quotes from Dante and the section headings of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise were perfect. They give a summary of the tone and mood of the section prior to it as well as chart Andi’s physical and mental state. I wonder if Donnelly decided to organize her book this way first, or if she realized this would be perfect after she had already written it. I do think it is important that she did divide the book, since it is so long. I think the divisions offer newish stories that readers can read a chunk at a time.

I love Paris (modern day) and was thrilled when I realized that the majority of the book would take place there. I also loved learning about the French Revolution in history class, so I was stoked to see that this was the revolution the title referred to. I did not learn about the French Revolution until college, but I don’t think any preexisting knowledge of the French Revolution is necessary. If anything, I think this book made me want to go back and learn more. I know that this is historical fiction, but I love any ideas of rogues and conspiracy. I definitely think Alex’s diary and her life will capture and amaze readers. I think the way her story happens to fall in to Andi’s hands and then cross in to her real life with Louis-Charles’ heart is amazing. I did find it a little odd, and maybe too weird that she got placed back in the 18^th century and crossed paths with Amandé, but I do like how it tied up lose ends for her mentally.

I loved this book, and while I thought it could have ended a little sooner, I think that all of the stories work together really well. I think this book will pique curiosity about history while still relate to the struggles of today.