A review by elizabethberger
Shtum by Jem Lester

5.0

Two phrases in the author comment at the end of this leapt out at me and, I think, sum up this novel beautifully. "Emotionally raw" and "brutality of reality". This is a wonderfully honestly and unflinching story of flawed people summoning the strength to be the best they can be and to fight for someone they love. Laugh out loud funny in places, tears streaming down your cheeks in others; and with Jonah, a vividly drawn and hugely memorable character.