#Review [E-ARC] What Remains by Helene Dunbar



Book: What Remains
Author: Helene Dunbar
Pages: 288
Publisher: Flux
Release date: May 8th 2015
Format: Netgalley e arc
Rating: ✪✪✪✪ 

Review

The Story...

I really enjoyed What Remains. I didn't really know what I was expecting but the journey the characters went on was fantastic and I wanted more of their story, which is a good sign of a great book.


The story is centred around a young guy who get's a heart transplant, something I haven't read before and the effects it has on the recipient. But I found the concept really interesting and it really felt like the author had researched it really well. But this story is also about true friendship and Grief. I loved the friendship between, Lizzie, Spencer and Cal. I really wanted more of their friendship prior to the events that happen in the book. The Story is a realistic contemporary and it deals with issues that are very real and the topics the author covered where done very well. Overall the story was fantastic.

The Characters...

I have to applaud Helene Dunbar on making me love a story told from a male POV. I have this problem where I can never relate to male protagonists and hate reading them. However in What Remains the story is told from Cal's POV and I really loved it. I loved Cal, he is a bit like me where everything needs to be planned and he doesn't like Surprises. The whole ordeal with having to have a heart transplant and the reason behind it and the donar behind the heart is all very emotional. And I went on that journey with Cal. 

Spencer is just fantastic, he is the one with common sense in the group, the listener and I really loved him.

Lizze broke my heart so much, I really felt for her. She is quirky and tough but has no fight in her for her future, she is resigned to it and it just made me so sad as I understood her reasoning's.

Overall I really rate this book. It's got great characters who I fricking fell in love with , a story that is realistic, and it takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion's. You will be smile, laugh and cry but I think that what makes a great story.

4 comments

  1. I love when a book covers this topic - organ transplants/donations. This sounds like a really touching book.

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  2. I thought the cover was cute when I saw it but when I read what the book was about, it became really meaningful. And I love when authors nail pov's and make you relate. Sounds like a bit of a heartbreaker and one to keep an eye out for!

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  3. Oh this makes my eyes water just reading your review. I am so glad you enjoyed journey.

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  4. I definitely agree with everything you've said! I adored the characters, and I seriously cried through at least 90% of the book! It was so well done, and such a pleasant surprise! Great review :)

    Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight

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