I’ll Give You the Sun is a standalone novel written by Jandy Nelson. This contemporary novel takes place in California and centers around two twins, Noah and Jude. Growing up, Noah and Jude were inseparable, but something happened that split the two apart. The plot takes place during two timelines. The first is before the event took place. It is narrated by 13 to 14 year old Noah as the twins slowly separate. The second is after the event took place. It is narrated by 16 year old Jude dealing guilt and grief. Both timelines are beautiful woven together and interconnected in unexpected ways.
As a 13 to 14 year old, Noah is a little weird. He is introverted, obsessed with art, constantly picked on and has little to no friends. He thinks his weirdness marks him as a revolutionary and is determined to get into the prestigious California School of Art. During this time, he falls in love with a boy and this marks a major change in his life. In his later years, Noah does a complete personality flip. He no longer draws, plays sports and Jude also views him as extremely moody. In both timelines, Noah is impulsive and occasionally says or does things without thinking.
As a 13 to 14 year old girl, Jude is moody. She is popular, outgoing, daring, and beautiful, but is also the kind of teenage girl that parents are afraid of. She cliff-dives, goes to wild parties, and kiss boys. As a 16 year old girl, she is still impulsive (a trait she shares with her brother), but slightly more subdued. She is weighed down by secrets and the loss of loved ones. Jude is haunted by the ghost of her dead grandmother who counsels her. In both timelines, she views herself as Noah’s protector.
I’ll Give You the Sun is a beautiful story. Jandy Nelson’s writing is amazing. She overuses figurative language in a way that makes the book more enjoyable and relatable, although, the writing can be annoying or confusing at times. The use of metaphors, similes and allusions do an amazing job at conveying the story through the artistic minds of Jude and Noah. Many thoughts and emotions are described as if they were a painting. While interesting, I’ll Give You the Sun is not an intense book. It won’t keep you up until late hours of the night, nor will it have you on the edge of your seat. It is simply a sweet and wonderful story that beautifully weaves two timelines together. If you are looking for a high action thriller, you have come to the wrong place. If you are looking for a heartwarming story, I’ll Give You the Sun is the perfect book for you. I give this 371 page book 4.5 stars.