July Week 2: Perfect

In the summer of 1972, two seconds are added to time. This prospect terrifies the young Byron Hemming who recognises the impact two seconds can make. "It's the difference between something happening and something not happening," he claims (p. 17). His fears are confirmed later that morning when his mother makes a shocking mistake as the seconds are added. The story describes Byron's attempts to protect his mother with his school-friend James, in a plot they call Operation Perfect. The novel also has a subplot based in the future around a character with severe OCD and social anxiety, trying to cope with life outside of a psychiatric hospital. As the story progresses, it becomes clearer to see how his character ties in with the events of 1972 and the heartbreaking consequences of that summer.

Arguably Byron's mother, Diana, is the heart and soul of this story. I had so much sympathy for her and thought that her character was so well described. The phrase "the road to hell is laid with good intentions" sprung to mind often whilst reading this and I certainly wouldn't pick it up if you're wanting a light summer's read, but I thought it was so well written and loved the unique story. I don't often enjoy books with children as main characters, but this one was brilliant. Four stars from me!