Review ~ Perfect by Rachel Joyce

Random House UK - Transworld Publishers
July 2013

In 1972, two seconds were added to the clock in order to correct the rotational force of the earth.  Under normal circumstances this change wouldn't be especially noticeable, but to eleven year old Byron Hemming and his friend James Lowe, the outcome of these extra two seconds will have a devastating effect on both their lives. In order to protect Byron’s gently dysfunctional mother Diana from the consequences of a tragic chain of events, the boys launch ‘Operation Perfect’, in the hope of protecting Diana from further harm.

Throughout the narrative there is a clever blending of two time frames. In 1972, we have the evolving and compelling story of Byron and James. Whilst in the present day, we have the story of Jim, a man struggling with mental health issues, who has not yet found his rightful place in the world. At first there is no indication why these two stories should be joined together but over time the connection between the two is sympathetically revealed.

 The characterisation is excellent with a real sense of them taking you into their lives; they could so easily be people you know.

The story is beautifully written from start to finish, and although rather sad in places, there is a real uplifting feel, and the ending when it comes is, quite simply, perfect.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my copy of this book to review.

I featured this lovely story 23rd August 2013 on my post on Friday Book Beginnings - find it here