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In the Key of Dale
For fans of the Netflix series Heartstopper (based on the bestselling graphic novels by Alice Oseman): a disarming coming-of-age novel about a queer teen music prodigy who discovers pieces of himself in places he never thought to look.
Sixteen-year-old Dale Cardigan is a loner who's managed to make himself completely invisible at his all-boys high school. He doesn't fit with his classmates (he gives them funny nicknames in his head), his stepbrother (nobody at school knows they're related), or even his mother (she never quite sees how gifted a musician Dale might be)—but they don't fit with him either. And he's fine with that. To him, high school and home are stages to endure until his real life can finally begin.
After Dale is unable to locate his father's grave at the cemetery, he starts writing letters addressed to his father, initially to tell him everything he can't bring himself to tell his mother and soon as a way to keep track of some unexpected developments. Somewhat against his will, he befriends his classmate Rusty, who gets a rare look at Dale's complex life outside school. Their friendship gets awkward when it seems Dale's growing attraction to Rusty is doomed to remain one-sided, but it's to Rusty that Dale turns when he stumbles upon a family secret.
In the Key of Dale is a beguiling, pitch-perfect book about growing up, fitting in, and finding a way out of grief and loneliness toward the melodic light of adulthood.
Sixteen-year-old Dale Cardigan is a loner who's managed to make himself completely invisible at his all-boys high school. He doesn't fit with his classmates (he gives them funny nicknames in his head), his stepbrother (nobody at school knows they're related), or even his mother (she never quite sees how gifted a musician Dale might be)—but they don't fit with him either. And he's fine with that. To him, high school and home are stages to endure until his real life can finally begin.
After Dale is unable to locate his father's grave at the cemetery, he starts writing letters addressed to his father, initially to tell him everything he can't bring himself to tell his mother and soon as a way to keep track of some unexpected developments. Somewhat against his will, he befriends his classmate Rusty, who gets a rare look at Dale's complex life outside school. Their friendship gets awkward when it seems Dale's growing attraction to Rusty is doomed to remain one-sided, but it's to Rusty that Dale turns when he stumbles upon a family secret.
In the Key of Dale is a beguiling, pitch-perfect book about growing up, fitting in, and finding a way out of grief and loneliness toward the melodic light of adulthood.
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2022
7 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Lefebvre
21 books28 followersBenjamin Lefebvre is the author of the novel In the Key of Dale (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2022), which was also published in Italian in 2023. His edited books include the three-volume critical anthology The L.M. Montgomery Reader (UTP, 2013–15), which won the 2016 PROSE Award for Literature from the Association of American Publishers, and an edition of L.M. Montgomery's rediscovered final book, The Blythes Are Quoted (Penguin Canada, 2009), which has since appeared in Polish, Finnish, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Italian and which was republished as part of Penguin Canada Modern Classics in July 2018. He also prepared and introduced the Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition of Anne of Green Gables (2017).
He is also editor of The L.M. Montgomery Library, a series of books that collect Montgomery's extensive publications in the areas of short fiction, poetry, and miscellaneous pieces. A Name for Herself: Selected Writings, 1891–1917, A World of Songs: Selected Poems, 1894–1921, and Twice upon a Time: Selected Stories, 1898–1939 are already available, and several more volumes are in progress.
He is also editor of The L.M. Montgomery Library, a series of books that collect Montgomery's extensive publications in the areas of short fiction, poetry, and miscellaneous pieces. A Name for Herself: Selected Writings, 1891–1917, A World of Songs: Selected Poems, 1894–1921, and Twice upon a Time: Selected Stories, 1898–1939 are already available, and several more volumes are in progress.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 29, 2022
Absolutely outstanding debut novel from Benjamin Lefebvre. It has been quite some time since I finished a book so fast.
February 23, 2024
Super fast read, and I absolutely loved it. I’m a big fan of slow burns, and the way their relationship unfolded was super pure. I’m normally not the most keen on books written as letters, but this worked so well and made the ending that much more impactful— yet another book I wish I could’ve read when I was younger
April 30, 2023
Veramente bello, commovente e sofferto.
Con 2 personaggi meravigliosi Dale Scott Cardigan & Rusty Friesen.
Consigliato 💖💖💖💖💖
Con 2 personaggi meravigliosi Dale Scott Cardigan & Rusty Friesen.
Consigliato 💖💖💖💖💖
February 2, 2025
Really lovely and heartfelt story about what to share and what you can keep for yourself. I was fully captivated by Dale's mix of self-expression, hiding, vulnerability, and self-chosen walls.
The pseudo-epistolatory/diary structure served this family drama well, helping to raise stakes and raise questions. I loved the loving-friendship love story that ran through the center of it all and really appreciated the way Dale judged for himself whether or not his family were "owed" his coming out when his straight stepbrother didn't have to announce anything of the kind.
I'm surprised this book doesn't yet seem as widely read and beloved as it should be two years after its publication, like it hasn't been discovered yet by the many inevitable fans it will have. Though speaking of two years, I do wonder if the published version reflects a much older draft—a number of cultural terms and references felt liked they lagged a bit ("emoticon" vs "emoji"). None of these impacted the story or stuck out much, nor did the fact that the pop music references are almost entirely from the 90s and 80s—which can be justified by our MC being a student of music—but the novel did feel slightly more 2010s than 2020s (though not in any of the problematic ways that could imply-the queer rep here was spot on).
A delightfully honest and simple story dealing with losing and finding.
[Another pitch perfect audiobook narration from Michael Crouch who has a special gift for voicing teenage tenderness and cynicism with the raw beauty they deserve.]
The pseudo-epistolatory/diary structure served this family drama well, helping to raise stakes and raise questions. I loved the loving-friendship love story that ran through the center of it all and really appreciated the way Dale judged for himself whether or not his family were "owed" his coming out when his straight stepbrother didn't have to announce anything of the kind.
I'm surprised this book doesn't yet seem as widely read and beloved as it should be two years after its publication, like it hasn't been discovered yet by the many inevitable fans it will have. Though speaking of two years, I do wonder if the published version reflects a much older draft—a number of cultural terms and references felt liked they lagged a bit ("emoticon" vs "emoji"). None of these impacted the story or stuck out much, nor did the fact that the pop music references are almost entirely from the 90s and 80s—which can be justified by our MC being a student of music—but the novel did feel slightly more 2010s than 2020s (though not in any of the problematic ways that could imply-the queer rep here was spot on).
A delightfully honest and simple story dealing with losing and finding.
[Another pitch perfect audiobook narration from Michael Crouch who has a special gift for voicing teenage tenderness and cynicism with the raw beauty they deserve.]
June 27, 2023
Very good. I cried and cried, i also grinned and chortled.
I also really liked the ending, in response to those who said they didn't. I appreciate rationality, and from the protagonist, it made sense.
I also really liked the ending, in response to those who said they didn't. I appreciate rationality, and from the protagonist, it made sense.
February 5, 2024
Loved this low key slow burn. Great characters and wonderful pacing. I listened to the audiobook and found that I couldn't take my earbuds out until I finished it. I can't wait to read more from this author.
October 16, 2023
Voto: 4+
Una lettura davvero piacevole e frizzante, che per una volta non fa sembrare il ragazzo solo di turno il poveraccio sfigato. Perché a Dale piace stare da solo, lui vuole stare da solo con la sua musica, e io lo comprendo benissimo. Certo, si arriva sempre a quel punto in cui essere da soli diventa troppo, ma lui trova in Rusty (e in alcune altre persone) la risposta, così come noi nella nostra vita ne troviamo altre.
All'inizio pensavo sarebbe stata una lettura noiosa, perché non sapevo fosse un romanzo epistolare. E per le prime 30 pagine un po' l'ho sofferto, poi sono iniziate ad accadere cose, poi le lettere sono diventate azione e dialoghi e scene e la vita che scorre e quindi è stato come leggere un qualsiasi romanzo. La voce di Dale è ironica, cinica, sensibile. Un ragazzo strano che non ha nulla da invidiare ai ragazzi normali, perché... Cosa sarebbe questa normalità?
Per lui la musica è al primo posto, del resto si accorge ma non se ne cura. Finché è nella sua zona di comfort e tutto ok. Per questo, quando Rusty entra nella sua vita, va in tilt a tratti. Impara a interagire con qualcun altro, vuole avere un amico, vuole parlare anche se non sa come farlo e di cosa parlare. La sua storia con Rusty è uno slow burn davvero dolce, particolare e divertente. Un senso dell'umorismo non da tutti, a volte ho riso parecchio anche io, altre erano semplicemente due ragazzetti che si dicono cose da ragazzetti (che ho comunque apprezzato!) perché è facile ridere alla loro età di qualsiasi cosa.
Mi è piaciuto che ci sia stata una componente anche fisica, perché, cioè, hanno 17 anni. È più che normale. Ma di solito in young adult del genere quella parte viene eclissata e i protagonisti non vengono tanto associati al sesso.
Un altro libro in cui si parla di bullismo, di famiglie di diverso tipo e i problemi che si portano appresso. Si parla di comunicazione. Di bugie e sentimenti. Tutto in maniera delicata ma giusta.
Questo è uno di quei libri che ci vedrei bene consigliato nelle scuole.
L'unica pecca è sul finale, che mi sembra non dico monco perché dopotutto si tratta di uno stralcio di vita che continua, ma si è persa la soddisfazione che avevo soltanto fino a poche pagine prima. Avrebbe potuto fare una scena diversa, insomma. O meglio, dire cose diverse perché la scena in sé è molto significativa. Non saprei spiegare bene la sensazione che mi ha dato...
Ma comunque un ottimo libro.
Una lettura davvero piacevole e frizzante, che per una volta non fa sembrare il ragazzo solo di turno il poveraccio sfigato. Perché a Dale piace stare da solo, lui vuole stare da solo con la sua musica, e io lo comprendo benissimo. Certo, si arriva sempre a quel punto in cui essere da soli diventa troppo, ma lui trova in Rusty (e in alcune altre persone) la risposta, così come noi nella nostra vita ne troviamo altre.
All'inizio pensavo sarebbe stata una lettura noiosa, perché non sapevo fosse un romanzo epistolare. E per le prime 30 pagine un po' l'ho sofferto, poi sono iniziate ad accadere cose, poi le lettere sono diventate azione e dialoghi e scene e la vita che scorre e quindi è stato come leggere un qualsiasi romanzo. La voce di Dale è ironica, cinica, sensibile. Un ragazzo strano che non ha nulla da invidiare ai ragazzi normali, perché... Cosa sarebbe questa normalità?
Per lui la musica è al primo posto, del resto si accorge ma non se ne cura. Finché è nella sua zona di comfort e tutto ok. Per questo, quando Rusty entra nella sua vita, va in tilt a tratti. Impara a interagire con qualcun altro, vuole avere un amico, vuole parlare anche se non sa come farlo e di cosa parlare. La sua storia con Rusty è uno slow burn davvero dolce, particolare e divertente. Un senso dell'umorismo non da tutti, a volte ho riso parecchio anche io, altre erano semplicemente due ragazzetti che si dicono cose da ragazzetti (che ho comunque apprezzato!) perché è facile ridere alla loro età di qualsiasi cosa.
Mi è piaciuto che ci sia stata una componente anche fisica, perché, cioè, hanno 17 anni. È più che normale. Ma di solito in young adult del genere quella parte viene eclissata e i protagonisti non vengono tanto associati al sesso.
Un altro libro in cui si parla di bullismo, di famiglie di diverso tipo e i problemi che si portano appresso. Si parla di comunicazione. Di bugie e sentimenti. Tutto in maniera delicata ma giusta.
Questo è uno di quei libri che ci vedrei bene consigliato nelle scuole.
L'unica pecca è sul finale, che mi sembra non dico monco perché dopotutto si tratta di uno stralcio di vita che continua, ma si è persa la soddisfazione che avevo soltanto fino a poche pagine prima. Avrebbe potuto fare una scena diversa, insomma. O meglio, dire cose diverse perché la scena in sé è molto significativa. Non saprei spiegare bene la sensazione che mi ha dato...
Ma comunque un ottimo libro.
January 24, 2023
I don't normally write public reviews On Here but there aren't that many for this book yet so I thought I'd chime in. Overall this was a quick-moving, charming coming-of-age story that's probably most appropriate for high teens.
The book deals with grief in a couple of interesting ways. Dale's father has been dead for a number of years, but his absence is still felt keenly by Dale, who feels he can't talk to the rest of his family, which is why he starts writing the letters. But after Dale finds out something that changes his perception of his father, the grief takes a new shape: now he has to mourn the person he thought he knew and figure out how to proceed from there.
Just as I thought the epistolary format was starting to drag, Dale breaks away from the pattern of summarizing his days and thoughts, and the narrative tone shifts into something more immediate and thorny, which was a neat way to navigate what's normally a limited or flawed POV. I enjoyed his unexpected budding situationship with classmate Rusty, and the way their relationship progressed felt very true to Dale's personality.
The missing star is mostly because I didn't quite buy into Dale's school life. The conflicts in the story come from Dale's interactions with the adults around him rather than his peers, who seem content to leave him alone, which felt oddly frictionless to me. There's also a fascinating inner monologue about identity that to me served as the real climax of the story, but we strained a bit to get there. So just a couple of narrative bumps, but nothing major that took away from my enjoyment of the book.
The book deals with grief in a couple of interesting ways. Dale's father has been dead for a number of years, but his absence is still felt keenly by Dale, who feels he can't talk to the rest of his family, which is why he starts writing the letters. But after Dale finds out something that changes his perception of his father, the grief takes a new shape: now he has to mourn the person he thought he knew and figure out how to proceed from there.
Just as I thought the epistolary format was starting to drag, Dale breaks away from the pattern of summarizing his days and thoughts, and the narrative tone shifts into something more immediate and thorny, which was a neat way to navigate what's normally a limited or flawed POV. I enjoyed his unexpected budding situationship with classmate Rusty, and the way their relationship progressed felt very true to Dale's personality.
The missing star is mostly because I didn't quite buy into Dale's school life. The conflicts in the story come from Dale's interactions with the adults around him rather than his peers, who seem content to leave him alone, which felt oddly frictionless to me. There's also a fascinating inner monologue about identity that to me served as the real climax of the story, but we strained a bit to get there. So just a couple of narrative bumps, but nothing major that took away from my enjoyment of the book.
March 15, 2023
I so very thoroughly enjoyed this. The style of the book, Dale writing letters to his dead father, worked extremely well for me. I really felt the emotions of this teen.
Super great book. I'm so glad I picked it up!!
Super great book. I'm so glad I picked it up!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
He llorado como una cabrona. Este libro es como una ventanita temporal a la vida de un chaval —de una familia— que, como todos, tiene asuntos que resolver y mucho crecimiento personal por delante.
Ha sido muy chulo.
Ha sido muy chulo.
March 16, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
"Ma thinks its nice that I have soft music playing in the background while I do my homework. What she doesn’t get is for me, the homework is in the background while I listen to the music."
I definitely let out a chuckle at the creative touch used in the aptly titled As I started reading Dale's journal entries, I definitely let out a soft chuckle at the creative touch used in the aptly titled In the Key of Dale. 😊 But, as much as the narration had a fresh feel and humorous tone to it, I found my interest waning as the story progressed. Maybe because I had previously read Letters to the Lost, which had similar themes of a child writing letters to their deceased parent, only to discover that the pedestal they'd put them on, wasn't all that well-deserved....
Dale loves his music - he loves experimenting with new ideas to bring a fresh feel to music - old and new. But, he just doesn't fit in - anywhere. Not with his mother and his stepdad and stepbrother - not at school, where the classmates haven't heard him speak once, since he started attending three years ago. A sixteen-year-old reticent musical aficionado who doesn't feel like anyone understands him and how he feels, he tries a hand at writing down his feelings and emotions and significant moments in his day in a journal letter to his father - his father who passed away when he was hit by a drunk driver, when Dale was nine years old.
Well, I really went in with high expectations for this one - sadly, it didn't really work for me. 😔 Not that Dale wasn't an interesting character. As morose and quiet as he was, his sense of humor and wit was something I admired. I liked how he wasn't afraid to speak his mind, to approach things head-on when the time required it. I also liked Rusty as a potential love interest for Dale - he was exactly what he needed in his life, to bring him out of the wall he had put up around himself.
Yet, there was still something missing for me - there was just no moment that hit me with 'oh, I get that. or oh wow, this scene hits hard'. It never came, and I was so hoping for that to come. Rather, once Dale's entire world collapsed around him - once he found out the family secret that changed his perception on everything - I felt like I was on a speedboat, racing to the finish line...I didn't get to enjoy or feel Dale's growth.
And as much as we got to see Dale become a more confident person who believed in his talents, and acted upon his feelings for a crush, opened himself to the people around him, and slowly shed this sullen withdrawn image he had created throughout his high school years, for me, this story was primarily about a young boy who finally found a way to connect with his father. Even after death, there's nothing more painful when you don't have the chance to say goodbye. And even if the truth was hurtful, for Dale to get a chance to accept and grieve and acknowledge it, was something I connected with more than the sexual explorations he shared with Rusty.
"If you’d stayed here after you died, would I have found it comforting or upsetting whenever I bumped into someone who knew you? If you hadn’t died and we’d stayed here, would I have been happy?"
So, maybe this is just a personal opinion, but I think this book would have resonated with me more if it had been written with a little bit more than just an epistolary novel. I do understand that Dale's growth had to be shown as he communicates with his father in a journal form, but the instances when the writing would be just Dale cataloguing the entire day's events (yes, I know it's a journal entry, it's what supposed to be done!) - it was hard to get through - almost like I was reading a summary of the story, instead. I would have preferred more of the 'in-action' moments, rather than a recap...Not that there weren't plenty of moments with dialogue, but that definitely marred my reading experience. 🤷
"Ma thinks its nice that I have soft music playing in the background while I do my homework. What she doesn’t get is for me, the homework is in the background while I listen to the music."
I definitely let out a chuckle at the creative touch used in the aptly titled As I started reading Dale's journal entries, I definitely let out a soft chuckle at the creative touch used in the aptly titled In the Key of Dale. 😊 But, as much as the narration had a fresh feel and humorous tone to it, I found my interest waning as the story progressed. Maybe because I had previously read Letters to the Lost, which had similar themes of a child writing letters to their deceased parent, only to discover that the pedestal they'd put them on, wasn't all that well-deserved....
Dale loves his music - he loves experimenting with new ideas to bring a fresh feel to music - old and new. But, he just doesn't fit in - anywhere. Not with his mother and his stepdad and stepbrother - not at school, where the classmates haven't heard him speak once, since he started attending three years ago. A sixteen-year-old reticent musical aficionado who doesn't feel like anyone understands him and how he feels, he tries a hand at writing down his feelings and emotions and significant moments in his day in a journal letter to his father - his father who passed away when he was hit by a drunk driver, when Dale was nine years old.
Well, I really went in with high expectations for this one - sadly, it didn't really work for me. 😔 Not that Dale wasn't an interesting character. As morose and quiet as he was, his sense of humor and wit was something I admired. I liked how he wasn't afraid to speak his mind, to approach things head-on when the time required it. I also liked Rusty as a potential love interest for Dale - he was exactly what he needed in his life, to bring him out of the wall he had put up around himself.
Yet, there was still something missing for me - there was just no moment that hit me with 'oh, I get that. or oh wow, this scene hits hard'. It never came, and I was so hoping for that to come. Rather, once Dale's entire world collapsed around him - once he found out the family secret that changed his perception on everything - I felt like I was on a speedboat, racing to the finish line...I didn't get to enjoy or feel Dale's growth.
And as much as we got to see Dale become a more confident person who believed in his talents, and acted upon his feelings for a crush, opened himself to the people around him, and slowly shed this sullen withdrawn image he had created throughout his high school years, for me, this story was primarily about a young boy who finally found a way to connect with his father. Even after death, there's nothing more painful when you don't have the chance to say goodbye. And even if the truth was hurtful, for Dale to get a chance to accept and grieve and acknowledge it, was something I connected with more than the sexual explorations he shared with Rusty.
"If you’d stayed here after you died, would I have found it comforting or upsetting whenever I bumped into someone who knew you? If you hadn’t died and we’d stayed here, would I have been happy?"
So, maybe this is just a personal opinion, but I think this book would have resonated with me more if it had been written with a little bit more than just an epistolary novel. I do understand that Dale's growth had to be shown as he communicates with his father in a journal form, but the instances when the writing would be just Dale cataloguing the entire day's events (yes, I know it's a journal entry, it's what supposed to be done!) - it was hard to get through - almost like I was reading a summary of the story, instead. I would have preferred more of the 'in-action' moments, rather than a recap...Not that there weren't plenty of moments with dialogue, but that definitely marred my reading experience. 🤷
December 30, 2022
It’s really good. Super funny. I loved all the characters and the story arc. This is something that gay teens should definitely read! I did find myself hoping for more characterization for Rusty’s character- he needs to be fleshed out more. I enjoyed the (non-cookie cutter) ending and the unreliable narrator. Overall an outstanding debut novel and I can’t wait to see what Lefebvre writes next.
December 21, 2022
This is an absolutely delightful coming of age novel. The characters were all so vivid, multidimensional and well rounded. The main character of Dale is so relatable and hilarious, and there were several times that I laughed out loud. I wanted to savour this book for longer, but couldn't stop flipping the pages, and I finished it at record speed. This is the kind of book I wish I could've read in my high school English class, it so perfectly captures that period of adolescence. I'm going to pick this book for my next book club meeting, and can't wait to discuss it in a larger group setting. I highly recommend this book!
December 12, 2022
Well-written, epistolary teen novel that's well above the usual quality. The voice is authentic and refreshingly familiar. Got this from my library where it was not labelled young adult, but really it should be.
There is much to enjoy for the adult reader however, in particular it reminds us that an intelligent but outwardly sullen, aloof teenager can be a keen observer of behaviors around them... of parents, teachers, adult relatives, and is not blind to all the foibles and hypocrisy they see everywhere.
There is much to enjoy for the adult reader however, in particular it reminds us that an intelligent but outwardly sullen, aloof teenager can be a keen observer of behaviors around them... of parents, teachers, adult relatives, and is not blind to all the foibles and hypocrisy they see everywhere.
December 21, 2022
I loved this book so much! It made me literally laugh out loud. Amazingly funny, yet emotional and relatable, Lefebvre's debut novel was easily the best book I've read this year. Although it's classified as 'young adult', people of all ages will enjoy this book. I cannot wait for whatever he puts out next!
March 31, 2024
A delightful and emotional young adult/new adult read.
I LOVED that the end wasn't the expected resolution.
I LOVED that the end wasn't the expected resolution.
June 19, 2023
Dale reminded me of young people I know and brought me back to all the questions and emotions I experienced when I was a young adult trying to find my place in the world (what to do with my life, who to love, how to not be awkward in social situations, etc., etc.). The main character is very likable and very real. At times I was moved to tears, but mostly I laughed a lot while reading this book.
November 7, 2022
A fine story for all readers, a way to share an inner life and growth by way of letters to someone who will never read them. The author’s keen humor shines throughout and his respect for his characters kept this reader happily engaged for the whole book.
September 22, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this tender, funny, and affecting coming of age novel. Excellent character development and vivid scenes combine for an immersive experience.
January 22, 2025
4,5⭐️
Romanzo originale scritto sotto forma di lettere attraverso cui Dale, un ragazzo di sedicianni, racconta al padre defunto alcuni momenti delle sue giornate.
Dale è un ragazzo estremamente solitario. A scuola - per sua scelta - non parla con nessuno (nel vero senso del termine) e a casa ha un rapporto altalenante con la madre. Non ha veri e propri amici e le uniche persone che frequenta sono quelle della chiesa e del coro (solo per la musica che li accomuna). Quindi le lettere sono un suo modo per sfogarsi, per parlare con qualcuno, anche se quel qualcuno è un persona che non c’è più.
Non so se definirlo un romanzo di formazione. In realtà non c’è una vera e propria evoluzione del protagonista, anche perchè l’arco temporale è piuttosto breve (4 mesi). Semplicemente accadono alcune cose che influenzano in qualche modo la sua vita, come la sua amicizia con Rusty, che lo farà uscire un po’ dal suo “cono d’ombra”, ma in sostanza Dale resta sempre lo stesso.
Sono più le persone che lo circondano ad accorgersi di lui e percepirlo in modo diverso.
Alcuni momenti sono stati davvero commoventi. Ho provato una profonda tenerezza per questo ragazzo introverso, con una passione per la musica, che non ha paura di essere se stesso.
Personalmente l’ho trovato davvero un bel libro. La mia mezza stellina è dovuta al fatto che mi sarebbe piaciuto un epilogo, magari a distanza di anni e sempre sotto forma di lettera, in cui Dale racconta al padre dell’uomo che è diventato e degli obiettivi che ha raggiunto. Sarebbe stato scontato ma perfetto❤️
Romanzo originale scritto sotto forma di lettere attraverso cui Dale, un ragazzo di sedicianni, racconta al padre defunto alcuni momenti delle sue giornate.
Dale è un ragazzo estremamente solitario. A scuola - per sua scelta - non parla con nessuno (nel vero senso del termine) e a casa ha un rapporto altalenante con la madre. Non ha veri e propri amici e le uniche persone che frequenta sono quelle della chiesa e del coro (solo per la musica che li accomuna). Quindi le lettere sono un suo modo per sfogarsi, per parlare con qualcuno, anche se quel qualcuno è un persona che non c’è più.
Non so se definirlo un romanzo di formazione. In realtà non c’è una vera e propria evoluzione del protagonista, anche perchè l’arco temporale è piuttosto breve (4 mesi). Semplicemente accadono alcune cose che influenzano in qualche modo la sua vita, come la sua amicizia con Rusty, che lo farà uscire un po’ dal suo “cono d’ombra”, ma in sostanza Dale resta sempre lo stesso.
Sono più le persone che lo circondano ad accorgersi di lui e percepirlo in modo diverso.
Alcuni momenti sono stati davvero commoventi. Ho provato una profonda tenerezza per questo ragazzo introverso, con una passione per la musica, che non ha paura di essere se stesso.
Personalmente l’ho trovato davvero un bel libro. La mia mezza stellina è dovuta al fatto che mi sarebbe piaciuto un epilogo, magari a distanza di anni e sempre sotto forma di lettera, in cui Dale racconta al padre dell’uomo che è diventato e degli obiettivi che ha raggiunto. Sarebbe stato scontato ma perfetto❤️
October 19, 2022
I thought this was fantastic. I'm a big fan of books written in letters, and this one is written primarily through Dale's letters to his dad, who died when he was young. Dale is a wonderful character. He's different from the other boys in his preppy private high school, and he knows it, but he doesn't really care. He's too busy leading a full life of music, including his conservatory exam in piano, choir membership, and church organist, with a side of violin. At the beginning of the novel his friendships are all outside school, with adults in his circles, but over the course of the book that changes, and we see him deepen his relationships with new friends, including a possible (no spoilers!) romance with a boy from school, and people he had previously held himself apart from. Through the letters to his dad and on learning some previously unknown family secrets, Dale is able to process some grief he'd been holding on to for many years. He's a character I will remember for a long time, and I hope there's more to come. Highly recommended.
December 4, 2023
The format isn't something I generally hunt for here, but this was really done well. It definitely suffers from unreliable narration, but that's what I enjoyed the most here, Dale is interesting and made for a very neat protagonist, and something hit me in my soul with him talking about doing the same three songs for months prepping for Conservatory, that literally gave me war flashbacks. All in all, I enjoyed this quite a bit! This was neat, and I had a lot of fun here.
October 3, 2023
Lovely, witty, moving debut novel from Benjamin Lefebvre. Told in epistolary form, the narrative voice of music prodigy Dale Cardigan is wonderfully funny. He's both precocious and naive, introverted and utterly confident, and the pacing of the story, its surprising reveals, carries—like the narrator himself—perfect pitch.
January 9, 2023
3.5 stars for me
June 2, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to adult and YA readers alike.
June 22, 2023
i didn't like the ending
I think that many details are missing
I think that many details are missing
July 31, 2023
Was very excited about the music aspect of it which was very good but I am just not a fan of slow burn romances. If you are a fan of those I definitely recommend this book.
December 5, 2023
A good read
December 31, 2023
Music provides one teen's haven from an often cruel-seeming world.
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