Review: The Apple Tart of Hope

Author: Sarah Moore Fitzgerald

Started reading: August 22nd 2022

Finished the book: August 23rd 2022

Pages: 201

Genres: YA, Fiction

Published: June 5th 2014

Source: Bought the book

Goodreads score: 3.88

My score:

Synopsis

Fourteen-year-old Oscar Dunleavy is missing, presumed dead. His bike was found at sea, out past the end of the pier, and everyone in town seems to have accepted this as a teenage tragedy. But Oscar's best friend Meg knows he isn't dead. Oscar is an optimistic and kind boy who bakes the world's best apple tarts; he would never kill himself, and Meg is going to prove it.

Through interwoven narratives, the reader learns what really happened to Oscar. His sweet life had turned sour after Meg's family moved away. Though Meg didn't know it, Oscar had a manipulative bully plaguing him with toxic humiliation. Meg must confront the painful truth of Oscar's past six months—and the possibility that he might really be gone. Surrounded by grief and confusion, she starts to put the pieces back together. With a poignant ending and memorable characters, this story of love and friendship reminds us to keep hope in our hearts.

My thoughts

Thanks to Kirsten for going on a bookcation with me and reading this book as a buddyread! I had quite high hopes for this book and I ended up really loving it. The main theme, hope, was so strong in this book and then throw in the amazing characters. It made for such a strong book that I highly enjoyed.

Pros

• Hope: There was so much hope in this book and there were some amazing quotes. I was quite sad that I forgot to bring my sticky notes to tab this book. Hope is definitely the main word that describes this book. There are so many beautiful layers and quotes about hope and not losing hope. I can definitely understand why this book would be important for people.
• Characters: Sweet, sweet Oscar. He is so softhearted and kind and smart and gentle. And he falls victim to a horrible person. This book clearly shows how words can destroy a person. Many kindhearted spirits get bullied and they don't come out of it stronger or happier. I wish people would think twice before they say stuff.
• Apple tart: Baking and preparing food for others is something we do without thinking 9 out of 10 times. But in this book the apple tart is definitely one of hope, and so much more than just a tart. It resembles friendship and light in the dark.
• Questions: There were many, many questions in this book. And when one was answered, another one popped up for me. I really needed the answers and that also made me rush through this book. It took me less than 24 hours to read this book.

Cons

No!

Overall

I completely loved this book. It has mystery, great characters and awesome relationships. A golden combination for me. I love how baking and the apple tart are symbols for hope in this book and I can totally see myself reading this book again. That my friend made this awesome apple tart and we could eat it while reading made this so, so awesome!

Other opinions on this book

"Fully developed secondary characters and richness and depth to this lyrically written tale, which explores themes of manipulation, self-discovery, hope and love. This touching novel is one to savor."

- Booklist, Starred Review

"While this is a sweet story of friendship and first love, it is also a road map for keeping hope alive. Sweetly satisfying."

- Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Memorable quotes from this book

"Peace built on lies, is no peace at all."

"Kindness is magic."

Thanks for reading!

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