“Grief is like a lump in your throat, choking you until you
wished you were dead instead”
-Lemony Lemon-
This novel is a beautiful yet sad story, depicted on the
grief of a family during the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, London.
This story followed the life of a teenage girl named June
coping with the loss of his uncle because of AIDS. June is a shy girl who lived
in the suburban, a place which she thinks she didn’t fit in. She loved the medieval
concept of living which she often portrayed when she played alone in the woods
behind her school. The only person who understands her is Finn, her uncle.
Little did she know, her uncle is dying of AIDS. As one of
his last wishes, he wanted to paint a portrait of June and her sister, Greta. The
portrait became famous later on as Finn was a renowned artist. The masterpiece
was called “Tell The Wolves I’m Home”.
From this novel, it can be seen that there are complicated
relationship between Greta and June. Both of them used to be close sisters, but
due to certain circumstances, they drifted apart. Realising this, Finn asked to
draw a portrait of both her nieces, hoping that this can bring them back
together. This is something Finn can relate to as he was in the same
complicated relationship with her sister, June’s and Greta’s sister.
When Finn died, June find out about Toby, Finn’s special
friend which was accused of giving the HIV germs to Finn by June’s family. June
was told under strict order to never interact with Toby but they ended up being
close friends anyway. From Toby, she find out everything about him and Finn,
how Toby sacrificed for Finn, willingly taking the blame for something he didn’t
do.
It will be a nice and touching love story, ignoring the ‘gayness’
involved. It is revolting but just thinks of best buddies living together, and
you’ll be fine.
During the 1980s, when people were still ignorant about
AIDS, the people who contracted with the disease suffer miserably. With no hope
of getting better, they were treated as outcasts. The way the public reacted,
you might think the disease is spread just by saying ‘AIDS’ out loud. It is as
if the word is cursed. The people also perceived the diseases wrongly. They might
think that the germs might get them if they were near with the patients, which
is not the case. HIV can only be transmitted by blood transfusion, from mother
to child during childbirth and breastfeeding, and also sexual intercourse. As long
as there is no fluid involved, you were safe from the disease.
There.
This novel taught us how family matters the most, in the end
of the day.
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