Review of Everything We Never Said by A. S. Sweeney
As a book blogger, I always find myself drawn to tales that delve deep into the intricacies of human emotion and trauma. This curiosity led me to Everything We Never Said, a YA dark romantic thriller by A. S. Sweeney. The blurb hinted at the turmoil of grief and guilt, and honestly, who could resist a gripping narrative that intertwines love and loss? With the promise of navigating such heavy themes, I eagerly dived in.
For those unfamiliar, the story follows seventeen-year-old Ella in the aftermath of a car accident that tragically takes her best friend’s life. Right from the get-go, you’re entrapped in the weight of Ella’s grief—she’s in a dark place, unable to muster the energy to face even the simplest daily tasks. But what truly caught me off guard was the swift transformation of her character. In the blink of an eye, her grief seems eclipsed by a crush on none other than Hayley’s boyfriend, Sawyer. While I understand that grief can lead us down unexpected paths, Ella’s evolution felt jarring and somewhat insincere.
From the beginning, Ella’s mourning is palpable, yet I found my investment in her character waning as she obsessively pursues Sawyer. She reads Hayley’s diary—not for closure but to gather tips on how to navigate her burgeoning relationship with Sawyer. That’s where I faltered. I was left grappling with the notion that Ella, someone deeply affected by her friend’s tragic fate, seemed to lose herself in a teenage infatuation. Her actions felt like a betrayal to the memory of Hayley, and, let’s be honest, Ella often came off as a bit of a terrible friend.
And then there’s Sawyer. His character oscillates wildly, shifting from the “perfect boy” to someone who embodies the very traits of emotional and physical abuse he had previously been accused of—the inconsistency drove me mad! The author does touch on themes of trauma, and while I commend that, the execution felt a little hit-or-miss. There were moments when Ella’s internal dialogue resonated deeply with me, especially as someone who’s navigated similar traumas. Yet, they often sat uncomfortably alongside hastily resolved subplots.
One character who anchored the narrative was Sawyer’s mother—her strength and love stood out starkly amidst the chaos. She was the voice of reason, and honestly? She should have insisted that her son seek therapy.
While the book tackles heavy themes of trauma that felt perhaps a touch too intense for a young adult audience, I appreciate that Sweeney didn’t shy away from dark realities. Still, I couldn’t help but think that with better pacing and execution, the book would land stronger emotional punches. Perhaps for younger readers less versed in thrillers, some twists would hit hard, although I found most predictable, save for one notable revelation.
In conclusion, I appreciated the ambition behind Everything We Never Said. It’s a challenging narrative that resonates with those grappling with loss and the weight of moving on. I’m intrigued to see how younger readers might react, as this book might provide crucial discussions about trauma and healing. For me, though, while the journey was worthwhile, I yearned for a more consistent, thoughtfully crafted tale. 2.5 stars. Thank you, Penguin Teen, for my copy! #PenguinTeenPartner
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