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The Silver Chain
Uplifting and unputdownable, a coming-of-age verse novel about family, mental health and the healing power of music.
Azadeh is a budding violinist on a music scholarship at an expensive private school, dealing with all the usual trials of being sixteen: trying her best to fit in, keep up and have fun. Then as her mum's mental health spirals out of control, Azadeh's world starts to unravel. Her friendships fall away, and as much as she and her dad try to keep a lid on everything, their problems insist on taking over. Feeling alone, it's her violin that finally helps Azadeh to find her way back to her friends, herself and even her mum.
A beautifully packaged, highly important and irresistible novel about mental health struggles and the solace we find in music and rhythm, friendship, family and honesty.
Azadeh is a budding violinist on a music scholarship at an expensive private school, dealing with all the usual trials of being sixteen: trying her best to fit in, keep up and have fun. Then as her mum's mental health spirals out of control, Azadeh's world starts to unravel. Her friendships fall away, and as much as she and her dad try to keep a lid on everything, their problems insist on taking over. Feeling alone, it's her violin that finally helps Azadeh to find her way back to her friends, herself and even her mum.
A beautifully packaged, highly important and irresistible novel about mental health struggles and the solace we find in music and rhythm, friendship, family and honesty.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published April 7, 2022
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187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 13, 2022
3.5 stars
Headlines:
Told in verse
Parental mental illness
Poles apart friendships
There was a lot to unpack in this story told in verse. I really enjoyed the format where some sections were more lyrical than others, and some more straight narrative. Azadeh was something of a prodigious violinist, having a scholarship at a private school. In fact, Azadeh's family were from humble means setting her apart financially from her peers but also in term of her heritage. Azadeh had a Persian father and I think an English mother although I wasn't certain. Azadeh had some longings towards her origins that seemed unfulfilled.
Azadeh sought solice in her music, her violin, the notes, the message of the music. When things went wrong at home however, she lost her connection to music for some time. That seemed to untether her own mental wellbeing.
There were some slightly toxic friendships in this book, some lack of cultural understanding from friends and racist microagressions. Azadeh found this hard to navigate and it was uncomfortable to witness.
There was a strong storyline of mental illness and while that was good representation, I didn't always feel that it was fully unpacked. It felt a little unfinished in the end from that perspective.
The most enjoyable aspect of this book was in it's narrative style of verse. I found it very easy to read and listen to.
Thank you to Hot Key Books for the early review copy.
Headlines:
Told in verse
Parental mental illness
Poles apart friendships
There was a lot to unpack in this story told in verse. I really enjoyed the format where some sections were more lyrical than others, and some more straight narrative. Azadeh was something of a prodigious violinist, having a scholarship at a private school. In fact, Azadeh's family were from humble means setting her apart financially from her peers but also in term of her heritage. Azadeh had a Persian father and I think an English mother although I wasn't certain. Azadeh had some longings towards her origins that seemed unfulfilled.
Azadeh sought solice in her music, her violin, the notes, the message of the music. When things went wrong at home however, she lost her connection to music for some time. That seemed to untether her own mental wellbeing.
There were some slightly toxic friendships in this book, some lack of cultural understanding from friends and racist microagressions. Azadeh found this hard to navigate and it was uncomfortable to witness.
There was a strong storyline of mental illness and while that was good representation, I didn't always feel that it was fully unpacked. It felt a little unfinished in the end from that perspective.
The most enjoyable aspect of this book was in it's narrative style of verse. I found it very easy to read and listen to.
Thank you to Hot Key Books for the early review copy.
September 15, 2022
Wow, I was really surprised at how good this book is. It blew me away. The book is a novel which is written poetically, and it is an amazing piece of literature, which is very deep and emotional.
Azadeh is a young girl whose voice we hear throughout the book, and it is her story that we are focusing on. She plays the violin, and throughout the audiobook, we hear violin music, which is really beautiful. Azadeh has problems at home, as her Mum has mental health problems, and to cope with her stress, she uses her music. She finds it hard to talk to people, but she has wonderful friends who help her through her stress. I loved her a lot, and I enjoyed reading about her journey.
The narrator of the book was fantastic. I really loved the whole book, and I highly recommend it, as I found it heartwarming, inspiring and touching, and it is a book that I will always remember. It is one of my favourite books of this year. If you get the chance to read the ebook or listen to the audiobook, please go for it, as you will not be disappointed!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Azadeh is a young girl whose voice we hear throughout the book, and it is her story that we are focusing on. She plays the violin, and throughout the audiobook, we hear violin music, which is really beautiful. Azadeh has problems at home, as her Mum has mental health problems, and to cope with her stress, she uses her music. She finds it hard to talk to people, but she has wonderful friends who help her through her stress. I loved her a lot, and I enjoyed reading about her journey.
The narrator of the book was fantastic. I really loved the whole book, and I highly recommend it, as I found it heartwarming, inspiring and touching, and it is a book that I will always remember. It is one of my favourite books of this year. If you get the chance to read the ebook or listen to the audiobook, please go for it, as you will not be disappointed!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
June 13, 2022
I wasn’t prepared for how beautifully heartbreaking this book was going to be. It perfectly encapsulates the struggle of having someone you love become unrecognisable due to mental illness. Dealing with that on top of the struggles of school, friendships and exam stress etc. is overwhelming. I love how it’s written in verse, it makes it more emotive. This is the type of book I’ll think about for a long time, I’ll definitely be buying a copy once it’s released.
*Thank you to NetGalley, Jion Sheibani and Bonnier Books UK for proving me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you to NetGalley, Jion Sheibani and Bonnier Books UK for proving me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
April 24, 2022
**Listened to the audio book**
I'm a big fan of books in verse, but I have never actually listened to one on audio before. I have to say, after reading this, i wouldn't want to listen to a verse novel again. I prefer reading hard copy.
This book had lots of subplots and themes, and for me, it was too many! There was too much going on and therefore I didn't feel attached to the book. Just as I was getting into it, there would be a new subplot.
Because it was in verse, when listening, it felt very bitty and broken. That being said, I really loved the narrator. She played all the characters in the book brilliantly, and was very engaging.
I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read it instead of listening.
I'm a big fan of books in verse, but I have never actually listened to one on audio before. I have to say, after reading this, i wouldn't want to listen to a verse novel again. I prefer reading hard copy.
This book had lots of subplots and themes, and for me, it was too many! There was too much going on and therefore I didn't feel attached to the book. Just as I was getting into it, there would be a new subplot.
Because it was in verse, when listening, it felt very bitty and broken. That being said, I really loved the narrator. She played all the characters in the book brilliantly, and was very engaging.
I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read it instead of listening.
June 27, 2022
Beautiful novel in verse about coping with a family member suffering from ill mental health. I loved the illustrations a lot, and all of the music stuff made me happy even though the lark ascending is the most boring orchestral piece I've ever played because I play woodwind and it's practically just a violin solo 😅 a beautiful solo, which I listened to while reading the end, but a solo nonetheless 😂
Weird personal music gripes aside, I definitely recommend this book 😊
Weird personal music gripes aside, I definitely recommend this book 😊
November 13, 2024
I loved the poems that were a part of the text. I am really glad that Azadeh was able to make up with her friends and that her mum was able to get better. I thought the relationship with her dad was pretty cool. I thought Margaret was so lovely. I liked the music themes, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2022
One of my favourite reads of 2022 so far. It's breathtakingly incredible and a must read.
TW - mental health - suicide
The Silver Chain is the most beautifully written collection of poetry from protagonist Azadeh. I defy anyone to be able to read it and not feel your heart strings tugged and tears falling from your eyes. At page 229 I fell apart totally lost in the overwhelming emotions Azadeh feels. It's a coming of age story centred around Azadeh's two juxtaposed worlds; her home life with mum and dad and her friendships at a private school where she has a music scholarship.
Her Mum's mental health spirals out of control but this unravelling is written in a slow delicate way. The emotions are tender yet raw and you are left totally entwined in Azadeh's world. I wonder if being a mother gives me another viewpoint for this book. As the reader you have an intimate understanding of Azadeh's life through poems that she writes. This forms a diary style of writing.
There's a strong message of hope, of talking to and accepting support from those around you and the power of creativity through music or other forms of creation such as the clay work Azadeh's mum does.
Jion Sheibani writes in lyrical prose and it romps you through the book at lightning speed as you just can't put the book down. I wondered how I would feel about the lack of chapters but the use of a title for each poem entry only. I actually didn't mind no chapters but it did mean I did feel I hadn't any natural stopping points and just had to devour the book at pace.
The layout of the book is so carefully considered and there is such a clever use of placement of words on the page that really brings each poetry entry to life.
Azadeh finds solace in her violin playing and the friendships she forms with teachers and peers through her music. I'd love to re-read this book and have a playlist of all of Azadeh's choices of music playing in the background.
Throughout the book there are illustrations that enhance the reading experience and it's lovely to see this aspect in a YA Title.
It's a showstopper and I'd highly recommend to all YA readers and adults. It's not my typical style of book and I'm so grateful for Hot Key Books for sending this tremendous title my way to review. It's absolutely worth reading outside your comfort zone!
TW - mental health - suicide
The Silver Chain is the most beautifully written collection of poetry from protagonist Azadeh. I defy anyone to be able to read it and not feel your heart strings tugged and tears falling from your eyes. At page 229 I fell apart totally lost in the overwhelming emotions Azadeh feels. It's a coming of age story centred around Azadeh's two juxtaposed worlds; her home life with mum and dad and her friendships at a private school where she has a music scholarship.
Her Mum's mental health spirals out of control but this unravelling is written in a slow delicate way. The emotions are tender yet raw and you are left totally entwined in Azadeh's world. I wonder if being a mother gives me another viewpoint for this book. As the reader you have an intimate understanding of Azadeh's life through poems that she writes. This forms a diary style of writing.
There's a strong message of hope, of talking to and accepting support from those around you and the power of creativity through music or other forms of creation such as the clay work Azadeh's mum does.
Jion Sheibani writes in lyrical prose and it romps you through the book at lightning speed as you just can't put the book down. I wondered how I would feel about the lack of chapters but the use of a title for each poem entry only. I actually didn't mind no chapters but it did mean I did feel I hadn't any natural stopping points and just had to devour the book at pace.
The layout of the book is so carefully considered and there is such a clever use of placement of words on the page that really brings each poetry entry to life.
Azadeh finds solace in her violin playing and the friendships she forms with teachers and peers through her music. I'd love to re-read this book and have a playlist of all of Azadeh's choices of music playing in the background.
Throughout the book there are illustrations that enhance the reading experience and it's lovely to see this aspect in a YA Title.
It's a showstopper and I'd highly recommend to all YA readers and adults. It's not my typical style of book and I'm so grateful for Hot Key Books for sending this tremendous title my way to review. It's absolutely worth reading outside your comfort zone!
June 8, 2022
"You're never alone, dear, not when you have music."
An absolutely beautiful and heart wrencing book about mental health, music and finding hope in the dark.
This story is a coming of age novel following Azadeh, a young violinist and her journey to fit in at the private school she attends, keeping a straight face to not alert others that in reality, not everything is okay.
Azadeh's mother's mental health has been steadily declining and it has been taking its toll on Azadeh. Her dad tries to put on a brave face, stop Azadeh from beating the brunt of her mother's illness, but there is only so much that can be done until it affects Azadeh more and more.
This story is about family, friendship, mental health struggles and music.
Music plays a key role in Azedeh's day to day life and the story in general. I this I it was very clever how the author incorporated music and verse into the novel and it made the story that bit more impactful.
As someone who also struggles with their mental health I did find that I had to take breaks from reading the book. Sometimes it just mentally drained me but i honestly did really enjoy it.
Thank you so much to the publishers for providing me with an eArc in exchange for my honest review!
An absolutely beautiful and heart wrencing book about mental health, music and finding hope in the dark.
This story is a coming of age novel following Azadeh, a young violinist and her journey to fit in at the private school she attends, keeping a straight face to not alert others that in reality, not everything is okay.
Azadeh's mother's mental health has been steadily declining and it has been taking its toll on Azadeh. Her dad tries to put on a brave face, stop Azadeh from beating the brunt of her mother's illness, but there is only so much that can be done until it affects Azadeh more and more.
This story is about family, friendship, mental health struggles and music.
Music plays a key role in Azedeh's day to day life and the story in general. I this I it was very clever how the author incorporated music and verse into the novel and it made the story that bit more impactful.
As someone who also struggles with their mental health I did find that I had to take breaks from reading the book. Sometimes it just mentally drained me but i honestly did really enjoy it.
Thank you so much to the publishers for providing me with an eArc in exchange for my honest review!
April 28, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook ARC for review.
This novel written in verse addresses some serious issues, particularly mental health. Azadeh is a scholarship student at a private school, her background not like that of her friends. As well as being from a working class family, her dad is also Iranian. Her mum is suffering from severe mental health problems and Azadeh uses her violin and music as a form of escape from the stresses she faces. She is afraid to speak about her home life with her friends who are from more privileged backgrounds as she thinks they will judge her and not understand.
I was very moved by this story as I had similar experiences as a young person. When I was growing up mental health was a taboo topic. My mum had serious mental health issues but I didn’t feel there was anyone I could talk to. Books like this are so important to introduce the subject and show people they’re not alone. I wish there had been books like this when I was a teenager. I really liked the inclusion of music and art therapy as things that can help people to cope and bring people together.
I’m not sure the poetic nature of the writing always came across in the audiobook and I would be interested to see how it is formatted in text. I did really like the inclusion of the musical piece that Azadeh is practising and performing throughout the book though, this was a great touch.
The narrator did a good job but the voices she put on for some of the main characters friends didn’t always quite work for me.
This novel written in verse addresses some serious issues, particularly mental health. Azadeh is a scholarship student at a private school, her background not like that of her friends. As well as being from a working class family, her dad is also Iranian. Her mum is suffering from severe mental health problems and Azadeh uses her violin and music as a form of escape from the stresses she faces. She is afraid to speak about her home life with her friends who are from more privileged backgrounds as she thinks they will judge her and not understand.
I was very moved by this story as I had similar experiences as a young person. When I was growing up mental health was a taboo topic. My mum had serious mental health issues but I didn’t feel there was anyone I could talk to. Books like this are so important to introduce the subject and show people they’re not alone. I wish there had been books like this when I was a teenager. I really liked the inclusion of music and art therapy as things that can help people to cope and bring people together.
I’m not sure the poetic nature of the writing always came across in the audiobook and I would be interested to see how it is formatted in text. I did really like the inclusion of the musical piece that Azadeh is practising and performing throughout the book though, this was a great touch.
The narrator did a good job but the voices she put on for some of the main characters friends didn’t always quite work for me.
April 23, 2022
Azadeh's home and school lives are poles apart. At her expensive private school that she attends thanks to a scholarship, she has a few friends, all of them wealthy and happy, but spends most of her time practising the violin. At home, her Persian father works hard to make ends meet and her mother is becoming more unwell, losing control of her mental state. Feeling alone as her friendships fall away, she finds solace in her music.
Sheibani's novel is written in verse, using many short chapters to explore an expansive story at pace. It touches upon family, health, friendship and growing up with an honest and raw approach. Throughout, there is nice character progression and development, one that is respectful to the reality of the situations Azadeh and other characters find themselves in. These issues are not neatly solved; they take time to improve and, even then, encounter setbacks.
Awad's narration of the novel incorporates an array of accents and voices to suit the wide cast of characters, bringing each of them to life from the page. As a combination of Awad's voice and the verse style of the writing, the narration does come across as an enthusiastic actress performing a Shakespeare speech; it's good but the voice lacks the tonal variation to emphasise the depth of the story, making the end product feel less impactful.
This is a good coming-of-age novel and one that will be ideal for a YA audience, specifically one that identifies with regular '#hashtag' mentions.
Sheibani's novel is written in verse, using many short chapters to explore an expansive story at pace. It touches upon family, health, friendship and growing up with an honest and raw approach. Throughout, there is nice character progression and development, one that is respectful to the reality of the situations Azadeh and other characters find themselves in. These issues are not neatly solved; they take time to improve and, even then, encounter setbacks.
Awad's narration of the novel incorporates an array of accents and voices to suit the wide cast of characters, bringing each of them to life from the page. As a combination of Awad's voice and the verse style of the writing, the narration does come across as an enthusiastic actress performing a Shakespeare speech; it's good but the voice lacks the tonal variation to emphasise the depth of the story, making the end product feel less impactful.
This is a good coming-of-age novel and one that will be ideal for a YA audience, specifically one that identifies with regular '#hashtag' mentions.
July 5, 2022
I'm a huge fan of Ya and free verse so those combined make me a very happy reader but I wasn't prepared for how beautiful and powerful this book was going to be.
Azadeh is like most normal sixteen year olds, navigating her way through those often tumultuous years, the friendships, finding her way in life, trying her best to fit in. A budding violinist with both great passion and talent and often uses music to find solace.
You see Azadeh is hiding a secret, her Mum suffers from poor mental health and often isn't very well. Where do you turn when the person you depend most on isn't recognisable, who do you talk to when the person you love most in the world doesn't understand?
This book made me feel everything. I cried a lot, I related to it all. I wanted to wrap both Azadeh, her Dad and her Mum in the biggest hug. Living with bipolar I'm always looking for great mental health rep and The Silver Chain has it in abundance. I loved that it's from a teenagers point of view, I think often when dealing with people in mental health crisis naturally they receive the support and the families are sidelined so this is such an important topic. Jion perfectly balances the themes in this book from mental health, family, identity and belonging and I would absolutely recommend this to everyone. Jion writes in a breathtakingly beautiful way with a powerful message of family, honesty and the power of music.
Azadeh is like most normal sixteen year olds, navigating her way through those often tumultuous years, the friendships, finding her way in life, trying her best to fit in. A budding violinist with both great passion and talent and often uses music to find solace.
You see Azadeh is hiding a secret, her Mum suffers from poor mental health and often isn't very well. Where do you turn when the person you depend most on isn't recognisable, who do you talk to when the person you love most in the world doesn't understand?
This book made me feel everything. I cried a lot, I related to it all. I wanted to wrap both Azadeh, her Dad and her Mum in the biggest hug. Living with bipolar I'm always looking for great mental health rep and The Silver Chain has it in abundance. I loved that it's from a teenagers point of view, I think often when dealing with people in mental health crisis naturally they receive the support and the families are sidelined so this is such an important topic. Jion perfectly balances the themes in this book from mental health, family, identity and belonging and I would absolutely recommend this to everyone. Jion writes in a breathtakingly beautiful way with a powerful message of family, honesty and the power of music.
June 18, 2024
The Silver Chain by Jion Sheibani is a beautiful, heart-wrenching novel that delves into mental health, family bonds, and the search for hope in difficult times.
This story follows Lila, a young girl grappling with anxiety while trying to navigate her everyday life. Lila's inner world is complex, and her journey is both relatable and inspiring. The author paints a vivid picture of Lila's struggles and triumphs, making her character one that truly resonates.
Lila's relationship with her family is central to the story. Her mother's mental health issues cast a shadow over their lives, and Lila's father does his best to shield her from the worst of it. But as Lila's anxiety intensifies, she learns that sometimes the bravest thing one can do is to seek help and confront these issues head-on.
Music also plays a pivotal role in Lila's life. It serves as both a refuge and a means of expression for her. Sheibani's incorporation of music into the narrative adds an extra layer of depth and emotion, making Lila's experiences even more poignant.
As someone who has grown up with a parent suffering with bipolar disorder, I found parts of the book to be quite intense and needed to take breaks. However, this only underscores the authenticity and impact of Sheibani's writing. This novel is a touching exploration of mental health, resilience, and the power of family and music to heal and support. Huge thumbs up from me!
This story follows Lila, a young girl grappling with anxiety while trying to navigate her everyday life. Lila's inner world is complex, and her journey is both relatable and inspiring. The author paints a vivid picture of Lila's struggles and triumphs, making her character one that truly resonates.
Lila's relationship with her family is central to the story. Her mother's mental health issues cast a shadow over their lives, and Lila's father does his best to shield her from the worst of it. But as Lila's anxiety intensifies, she learns that sometimes the bravest thing one can do is to seek help and confront these issues head-on.
Music also plays a pivotal role in Lila's life. It serves as both a refuge and a means of expression for her. Sheibani's incorporation of music into the narrative adds an extra layer of depth and emotion, making Lila's experiences even more poignant.
As someone who has grown up with a parent suffering with bipolar disorder, I found parts of the book to be quite intense and needed to take breaks. However, this only underscores the authenticity and impact of Sheibani's writing. This novel is a touching exploration of mental health, resilience, and the power of family and music to heal and support. Huge thumbs up from me!
April 4, 2022
I received an e-copy of this on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warning: mental illness, suicide attempts
I really enjoyed this and loved that the story was in verse with illustrations intertwined. This is a gorgeous story following Azadeh. She attends a private school and feels like she doesn’t really fit in because she attends on a scholarship and her family are no rich like everyone else’s. This leads to her feeling embarrassed of her parents and feeling like a charity case around her friends who often cover her financially. Her friendship group often leads to her feeling excluded due to differences amongst them and this only worsens as her best friend begins to spend more time with the others. At the same time as all of this, Azadeh’s home life isn’t going so well. Her mother has been acting strange recently and her father isn’t getting much work. This leads to feelings of anger, guilt and shame.
Throughout the story music plays a big part. Azadeh plays violin and has regular lessons with Margaret. Her love of the violin occasionally waivers due to her life challenges but in the end music brings everyone back together.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any further novels by this author as well as exploring more novels in verse in the future.
Trigger warning: mental illness, suicide attempts
I really enjoyed this and loved that the story was in verse with illustrations intertwined. This is a gorgeous story following Azadeh. She attends a private school and feels like she doesn’t really fit in because she attends on a scholarship and her family are no rich like everyone else’s. This leads to her feeling embarrassed of her parents and feeling like a charity case around her friends who often cover her financially. Her friendship group often leads to her feeling excluded due to differences amongst them and this only worsens as her best friend begins to spend more time with the others. At the same time as all of this, Azadeh’s home life isn’t going so well. Her mother has been acting strange recently and her father isn’t getting much work. This leads to feelings of anger, guilt and shame.
Throughout the story music plays a big part. Azadeh plays violin and has regular lessons with Margaret. Her love of the violin occasionally waivers due to her life challenges but in the end music brings everyone back together.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any further novels by this author as well as exploring more novels in verse in the future.
February 27, 2023
Listed on this year's Carnegie Prize longlist. This is such a beautiful read - I love books that are written in verse as the format, the concise use of language always seems to have more emotional impact. Our narrator Azedah is part Iranian, part English and is on a music scholarship as she is a violin prodigy. As the child of an electrician, she does sometimes feel embarrassed by her home life and the fact there her family do not have the disposable wealth of her classmates. In fact if her father does drive her to school, she makes him park around the corner so her friends do not see his van. Even so, she does have a close friend, Phoebe, although their relationship does his a rocky patch during the book. The book excellently deals with Azedah coping - or not coping - with her mum's mental health issue. The poetry, which uses all styles of poetry, and which plays around with the shape of the words on the page all work together to reveal what Azedah is going through. The musical illustrations throughout shows us visually the importance that music plays in her life and how important it can also be for healing the mind. This is not a book that is depressing - it is full of music and hope and when I reread it, I am going to make sure that I have Azedah's music choice playing in the background.
July 23, 2024
Adolescent family/mental health story told in verse.
I've loved this style since seeing it deployed so well by Sarah Crossan, and it's equally well used here in a YA narrative that hits hard.
Starting sixth form in a very well-to-do private school with a music scholarship, Azadeh already feels like she doesn't fit in easily, though her friends there try to take money pressures off her. Still, she's already a 'music nerd' and with a dual nationality heritage, electrician father and a mother going through a mental health crisis.
Trying to keep up with studies, violin practice, friends and with her heart pushing her towards a fellow music student, it all starts to feel too much when she's also trying to keep her mother's situation private. Her dad seems to be 'going out for walks' to cope, and Azadeh is at breaking point, keeping things together. Her violin helps though - hours of practice, beautiful transcendent music, her own private world.
The story takes us through a highly emotional and relatable period in Azadeh's life, told in small chunks of labelled verse, illustrated throughout in black and white music-related pictures.
It's moving, very well-written and a wonderful piece examining the impact of mental health crises on the whole family. There is no graphic content to be aware of.
For ages 13 and above.
I've loved this style since seeing it deployed so well by Sarah Crossan, and it's equally well used here in a YA narrative that hits hard.
Starting sixth form in a very well-to-do private school with a music scholarship, Azadeh already feels like she doesn't fit in easily, though her friends there try to take money pressures off her. Still, she's already a 'music nerd' and with a dual nationality heritage, electrician father and a mother going through a mental health crisis.
Trying to keep up with studies, violin practice, friends and with her heart pushing her towards a fellow music student, it all starts to feel too much when she's also trying to keep her mother's situation private. Her dad seems to be 'going out for walks' to cope, and Azadeh is at breaking point, keeping things together. Her violin helps though - hours of practice, beautiful transcendent music, her own private world.
The story takes us through a highly emotional and relatable period in Azadeh's life, told in small chunks of labelled verse, illustrated throughout in black and white music-related pictures.
It's moving, very well-written and a wonderful piece examining the impact of mental health crises on the whole family. There is no graphic content to be aware of.
For ages 13 and above.
February 11, 2022
I fell in love with several novels in verse last year and so was excited to read 'The Silver Chain' by Jion Sheibani, particularly with music being at this story's core. Azadeh is at the beginning of her A-level studies. A talented violinist, her instrument is an extension of her self, an escape from the everyday teenage troubles of homework, squabbling with friends and falling for a boy. Under the surface, disquiet is bubbling in Azadeh's home life; we see her father's paid work drying up as her mother's mental health spirals. Azadeh uses music as an outlet to pump her emotions, her story expressed in beautiful poetic form.
Sheibani has done a wonderful job with this story, expressing it in such a clever structure. The poetry varies form throughout, rhyming, free verse, acrostic, the words forming shapes, each structure selected to suit the particular mood and narrative moment. This is accompanied by jaw dropping illustrations, music at the essence of every word and image. Reading this was a multi-sensory experience, portraying important messages about mental health, cultural identity, and the power of art. A fantastic read - 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sheibani has done a wonderful job with this story, expressing it in such a clever structure. The poetry varies form throughout, rhyming, free verse, acrostic, the words forming shapes, each structure selected to suit the particular mood and narrative moment. This is accompanied by jaw dropping illustrations, music at the essence of every word and image. Reading this was a multi-sensory experience, portraying important messages about mental health, cultural identity, and the power of art. A fantastic read - 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this novel written in verse. Poetry does not tend to be my reading of choice and I don't profess to know a lot about it. This book however was extremely clever and emotion evoking while being told in lots of different poetic ways. Some verses rhymed, some were written in repeating structures, others written in shapes across the page. It was very unusual to find the story told in this manner.
Azadeh was a teenager with a lot of angst and worries, she used her music throughout the story to cope with the many trials she and her family faced. Being a poorer family and having a scholarship to a rich private school, her dad's work fizzling out, her mum suffering from mental health issues as well as her own cultural identity issues. This book did not shy away from hard hitting topics, it was not all doom and gloom though, as well as the emotional pieces there were some lighter themes which helped break it up.
The illustrations throughout were beautiful and added such a strong element to the story, entwining the music throughout the poetry.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing an ARC copy of this book to review.
Azadeh was a teenager with a lot of angst and worries, she used her music throughout the story to cope with the many trials she and her family faced. Being a poorer family and having a scholarship to a rich private school, her dad's work fizzling out, her mum suffering from mental health issues as well as her own cultural identity issues. This book did not shy away from hard hitting topics, it was not all doom and gloom though, as well as the emotional pieces there were some lighter themes which helped break it up.
The illustrations throughout were beautiful and added such a strong element to the story, entwining the music throughout the poetry.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing an ARC copy of this book to review.
June 20, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for my honest opinion. Thank you to Jion Sheibani and Hot Key Books for giving me the opportunity to read The Silver Chain before its release.
The Silver Chain is a book that is so completely different to the other books I have read so far this year that I was genuinely worried that I would not be able to appreciate it in a way I would have when I studied at Uni.
I am so glad that I was wrong, the Silver Chain is such an important and evocative look into mental illness and the stigma that is often attached to it. Azadeh is a budding Violinist who is working hard to balance all the elements of life as a teenager; changing friendships, grades and expectations. When her mother’s mental health begins to worsen Azadeh’s life begins to spiral out of control; torn between hiding the illness from everyone she knows while continuing her life everything begins to come undone.
What really made this story great however was the formatting and creativity shown within the presentation of the piece. I felt swept along by the story and the literal flowing of the words on the page was extremely aesthetically pleasing.
The Silver Chain is a book that is so completely different to the other books I have read so far this year that I was genuinely worried that I would not be able to appreciate it in a way I would have when I studied at Uni.
I am so glad that I was wrong, the Silver Chain is such an important and evocative look into mental illness and the stigma that is often attached to it. Azadeh is a budding Violinist who is working hard to balance all the elements of life as a teenager; changing friendships, grades and expectations. When her mother’s mental health begins to worsen Azadeh’s life begins to spiral out of control; torn between hiding the illness from everyone she knows while continuing her life everything begins to come undone.
What really made this story great however was the formatting and creativity shown within the presentation of the piece. I felt swept along by the story and the literal flowing of the words on the page was extremely aesthetically pleasing.
January 14, 2023
Book 01 of our Goodreads Challenge 2023
A heartfelt tale told in verse. The story of a young talented violinist finding her place in the world. Suddenly her mums Mental Health issues take a turn for the worst and things begin to go downhill.
Words dance lyrically across thick pages illustrated with images compiled using sheet music and beautiful musical notes.
It took us longer to read than expected as we kept stopping to listen to the wonderful classical music that weaves endlessly through the story. Namely 'The Lark Ascending' by Robert Vaughan Williams inspired by the poem of the same name created by George Meredith.
We recommend you make this a must read of 2023 if you have not read the story already.
A heartfelt tale told in verse. The story of a young talented violinist finding her place in the world. Suddenly her mums Mental Health issues take a turn for the worst and things begin to go downhill.
Words dance lyrically across thick pages illustrated with images compiled using sheet music and beautiful musical notes.
It took us longer to read than expected as we kept stopping to listen to the wonderful classical music that weaves endlessly through the story. Namely 'The Lark Ascending' by Robert Vaughan Williams inspired by the poem of the same name created by George Meredith.
We recommend you make this a must read of 2023 if you have not read the story already.
February 28, 2023
This novel is told in verse and focuses on the impact a mother's mental illness has on her family. This topic is close to my heart so I was keen to read it. Azadeh was a great protagonist and I understood her struggles as she tried to fit into a prestigious school while hiding the fact that everything at home was not okay. Unfortunately, as her mother's mental health deteriorated, it impacted Axadeh more and more.
I loved how Azadeh escaped through her music. She was a talented violinist and spent much of her day practicing her craft.
Dealing with family, friendships, mental health, music and coming-of-age, The Silver Chain was presented beautifully and was a heartfelt read with a touching ending.
I loved how Azadeh escaped through her music. She was a talented violinist and spent much of her day practicing her craft.
Dealing with family, friendships, mental health, music and coming-of-age, The Silver Chain was presented beautifully and was a heartfelt read with a touching ending.
January 15, 2023
1.5 (because I didn't enjoy it, but it's (probably) not a terrible book)
Curious to find that most other reviews, even less positive ones, praise the style of prose. I listened to the audiobook, and this was acutely aware of the verse. But it didn't sound like verse. It was a very awkward rhythm, where, occasionally, some words rhymed, which thrust me out of the immersion. It didn't work for me at all, not even a tiny little bit.
Additionally, the dialogue style for the main character and her friends was...something...do people actually...talk like that??
The subject matter was fine, I just wasn't particularly invested in anything.
Curious to find that most other reviews, even less positive ones, praise the style of prose. I listened to the audiobook, and this was acutely aware of the verse. But it didn't sound like verse. It was a very awkward rhythm, where, occasionally, some words rhymed, which thrust me out of the immersion. It didn't work for me at all, not even a tiny little bit.
Additionally, the dialogue style for the main character and her friends was...something...do people actually...talk like that??
The subject matter was fine, I just wasn't particularly invested in anything.
June 27, 2022
Beautiful.
This is such a unique book.
A story told through poetry.
It's delicate and intricate.
The way that the words are displayed over the pages lend a certain intimacy to the tale as well.
I'd describe it as a powerful coming of age story.
Sheibani had me turning the pages at a rapid pace.
Reading this was effortless.
Because of how the tale is delivered, each chapter is short but somehow filled with detail. It's meaningful without being overwhelming.
I cannot wait to see what this author has to offer next.
This is such a unique book.
A story told through poetry.
It's delicate and intricate.
The way that the words are displayed over the pages lend a certain intimacy to the tale as well.
I'd describe it as a powerful coming of age story.
Sheibani had me turning the pages at a rapid pace.
Reading this was effortless.
Because of how the tale is delivered, each chapter is short but somehow filled with detail. It's meaningful without being overwhelming.
I cannot wait to see what this author has to offer next.
July 27, 2022
YA free verse about mental health? Sign me up.
Azadeh is trying to navigate being in a school on a scholarship with other children that are much richer than her, whilst also struggling with home life as her mums mental health spirals.
Azadeh was a great character and I loved how music was intertwined with the story.
The daily battle of dealing with her mum and the struggle with a new person in her friendship group changing the dynamic was really well done.
I love free verse novels and this one was set nicely against some amazing illustrations.
Azadeh is trying to navigate being in a school on a scholarship with other children that are much richer than her, whilst also struggling with home life as her mums mental health spirals.
Azadeh was a great character and I loved how music was intertwined with the story.
The daily battle of dealing with her mum and the struggle with a new person in her friendship group changing the dynamic was really well done.
I love free verse novels and this one was set nicely against some amazing illustrations.
February 7, 2022
I loved this story - there were lots of beautiful emotional moments. All the artwork is also gorgeous.
However, I felt a bit jarred by rhymes and dialogue that didn’t feel natural. At times the friendships felt a bit disingenuous. But there were other relationships that made my heart sing.
A powerful depiction of mental health, the impact this can have on loved ones and the importance of music.
However, I felt a bit jarred by rhymes and dialogue that didn’t feel natural. At times the friendships felt a bit disingenuous. But there were other relationships that made my heart sing.
A powerful depiction of mental health, the impact this can have on loved ones and the importance of music.
February 27, 2022
An absolutely stunning novel in verse about mental health and ethnic diversity, featuring emotionally evocative and beautiful illustrations throughout. The first thing I wanted to do upon finishing this beauty was run to my librarian and recommend she stock copies! I think this book will mean a lot for many young readers, and I'll be thoroughly disappointed if I don't see a Carnegie nomination in The Silver Chain's future.
July 28, 2022
Azadeh has gained a scholarship for a private education due to her talent. In this verse form YA she has to navigate her feelings of being the least affluent of her friends and her mother's deteriorating mental health. The story although dealing with sensitive themes is uplifting rather than harrowing.
The narration by Aijaz Awad not only suits the form but realistically captures the teenage Azadeh.
Thank you Netgallery for the opportunity to listen to this title.
The narration by Aijaz Awad not only suits the form but realistically captures the teenage Azadeh.
Thank you Netgallery for the opportunity to listen to this title.
November 29, 2025
Very well written. I love how this book shows just how important music truly is, not just in helping with mental health, but in life. In letting your emotions free and allowing yourself to feel what you feel, when you feel it.
It’s lovely to read a book, centred around mental health struggles, that DOESN’T end badly. I won’t spoil it, but definitely worth a read. A nice one to curl up with under a blanket on a rainy day, with a warm cuppa.
It’s lovely to read a book, centred around mental health struggles, that DOESN’T end badly. I won’t spoil it, but definitely worth a read. A nice one to curl up with under a blanket on a rainy day, with a warm cuppa.
April 23, 2022
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Thankyou #netgalley #jionsheibani #forthcoming #bonnetuk for a audiobook copy for honest review.
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Mixed emotions on this book . fast paced and easily understands the plot . I enjoy the plot with strong emotions but in brutal honesty I’m not a fan . This book will be good for young adults.
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❤️Shaye.reads
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Thankyou #netgalley #jionsheibani #forthcoming #bonnetuk for a audiobook copy for honest review.
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Mixed emotions on this book . fast paced and easily understands the plot . I enjoy the plot with strong emotions but in brutal honesty I’m not a fan . This book will be good for young adults.
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❤️Shaye.reads
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
More a 2.5 than 2, this isn’t what I expected at all. Don’t get me wrong it was a decent enough story but I just didn’t expect it to be told through prose and feel as if the topics involved and the plot itself could have been portrayed and explored so much better if it was an actual proper novel. Definitely disappointed at this one
March 20, 2024
This book was so inspirational; as an ex-violinist, it was very engaging to read this book. I'm glad the main character reconciled with her friends in the end and the metaphorical writing in this book is so subtle but so obvious at the same time?? This author is seriously amazing and I recommend for every reader.
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