Lullaby by Bernard Beckett... Question Your Life Choices!

Lullaby
Written by Bernard Beckett
Contemporary, Science Fiction
Published May 27th 2015
208 Pages
Thank you to Text Publishing
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★★★★
Rene’s twin brother Theo lies unconscious in hospital after a freak accident left him with massively disrupted brain function. There is hope, though. An experimental procedure, risky, scientifically exciting and ethically questionable, could allow him to gain a new life.

But what life, and at what cost?

Only Rene can give the required consent. And now he must face that difficult choice. But first there is the question of Rene’s capacity to make that decision. And this is where the real story begins.
Identical twins Rene and Theo have always been inseparable, especially since losing both their parents at the tender age of twelve. Two brothers who shared a bond that no other could understand. But now Theo lies unconscious as a result of a tragic accident, and while his body is still functional, his brain no longer responds. As Rene waits beside his hospital bed, as his only living relative he must decide Theo's fate. 

Psychologist Maggie must decide whether Rene is capable of making that decision, the revolutionary surgery to repair Theo's brain is the first of it's kind and not without controversy. While the media and protestors rally a campaign against the hospital, Rene must prove he is of sound mind to attempt the surgery or to say goodbye to his brother. 

Over the course of mere hours, Rene will recall his life with his brother, their relationship and how Rene would often struggle in Theo's shadow. Rene was the intelligent student but socially awkward, while Theo was the budding athlete, relying on personality and humour to win over friends and girls alike. But the brothers didn't always have the perfect relationship, and begun to drift apart. Theo was experimenting with drugs, and a new group of friends enabling his new found persona. Rene tried to tag along, trying to bridge the gap between the two and found himself falling in love for the first time and Theo destroying any remaining trust the two shared.

With a sibling relationship now based on deceit and lies, Theo is now dying as a result. The surgery may not only save Theo but put Rene's life at risk in the process. How much would you be willing to give up to save a loved one?

Kelly's Thoughts

Wow. I think when most of us read young adult, we rarely expect to stumble across a new read that not only questions our own moral compass, but poses deep psychological questions of the reader by asking what we would do in the same position. It tells the story of identical twins Rene and Theo, both now eighteen and orphans from the age of twelve. Blowing apart the nature verses nurture debate, the two brothers are worlds apart. While Theo has always been popular, Rene is the quiet achiever and struggles socially, Theo having always come to his rescue. But now Theo lays unconscious after a tragic accident, brain damaged and the decision rests upon Rene as to Theo's fate.

Over the course of Lullaby, the reader is taken on a journey through the twin's life, from when their parents were still alive, up until the day prior to Theo's accident. Told from Rene's point of view, their lives are presented in a series of flashbacks while Rene talks to therapist Maggie to determine whether he is of sound mind to make the life changing decision. We experience Rene falling in love, Theo's downward spiral while dabbling in drugs and a new social scene, the guilt Rene feels towards his brother while he's being labelled the intelligent and sensitive twin, and Theo using guilt to his advantage. It's clear that while Rene feels emotions deeply, Theo was impulsive and only cared for his own needs, even at the betrayal of his own brother. Their relationship struggled to find middle ground in their latter years, but it's clear that Rene loves his brother and this is one decision not to be taken lightly.

It was incredible. The complexity of the storyline was nothing short of delicious and encouraged that deep, emotional thinking that is lacking in the majority of young adult novels. Even being a quick read, as the storyline develops it will keep readers on their toes. It left me questioning more than just what if, but the moral complications of Rene's decision should he go ahead and what it would mean for the experimental treatment that could be seen as playing God. Beautifully paced, the storyline builds upon stories of their childhood, while Rene still internally seeks Maggie's approval.

The Final Verdict

It played with my emotions, left me mentally exhausted and I loved every moment. An intelligent read for those who need more than entertainment, but to be challenged and asked the tough questions.

22 comments

  1. YES! YES! YES! I definitely need this! First of all, I loveee me a well written psychological read! & I will admit, I haven't read a great one yet from YA so I'm sooo excited for this one. Your review gave me the chills girl, and I'm pretty sure I'll get emotional, because HELLO I'm a Leo and we're secretly big babies lol. The cover also reminds me of a graphic novel, so you know what? Off to amazon I go. I'm adding this to my wishlist to remind myself to pick it up!

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    1. Awesome Tika, I think you'll really enjoy this one. He has a few others out too that look just as incredible. I love a book that will mess with your psyche and isn't afraid to ask the big questions. It was absolutely incredible.

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  2. HOW GOOD WAS IT? I've read another of Bernard Beckett's and it was the same WTF-ish read. Now I have to go and read Genesis, because I've heard that's amazing too.

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    1. I'm hunting down his other books now too, I'd never heard of him before this one. He's an author you're never likely to forget either.

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  3. Reminds me of my experience with Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I love that it backed me into corner where I had to examine my stand on assisted suicide - all while I drown in my tears. This book sounds about the same. And I have to agree that it is very rare in YA to find one that forces you to think about something you'd rather not.

    Great review, Kelly. <3

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    1. I actually have that one on my shelf too Joy, but sadly haven't found the time to get around to it yet. It's amazing that even fiction can be so moving, so thought provoking and turning the onus back on the reader. You feel much more involved in it's characters. We need more books like this in young adult, I never realised how much until Lullaby provoked that response from me.

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  4. Second positive review of this I've stumbled across today! So yes, I WILL be reading this one. I generally love "WTF" sort of reads, so this one looks like it's for me. ^_ ^

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    1. Me too Kara and this one is awesome. It's pretty short, but bloody hell it packs a punch.

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  5. I agree with Joy, this does remind me of Me Before You and I adored that novel <3 This book does sound intriguing as well, it's the first time in hearing about it. I shall add it to my TBR now :) Im glad you found a a thought provoking topic in YA though. Beautiful review Kelly. <3 Benish| Feminist Reflections

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    1. They are pretty hard to come by aren't they. It was magnificent. Thought provoking contemporary with a touch of science fiction woven in. I can't wait to see what you think of it Benish.

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  6. THIS SOUNDS SO GOOD. I recently read The Secrets We Keep by Trisha Leaver which has a similar premise and absolutely loved it, so I'm really excited for this one as well. I love the sound of the complicated, the intelligently thought-out storyline, the focus on twins (because who doesn't love twins?!) and the awesome psychological focus. Thanks for putting this under my radar Kelly and fabulous review! <3

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    1. Thanks Zoe.

      I think this is one read that you'll really appreciate. Intricate, but not to the point of not being able to follow the storyline. I loved it and looking forward to grabbing the authors previous releases as well.

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  7. Firstly, can I just say how spell-binding that cover art is? Wow. I could seriously just sit here and stare at it and think of a story of my own! Second, I cannot stress it enough. We need books that challenge our complacency and perspective; especially the youth and young adults! I echo this sentiment so much on the young adult reviews that I share. I actually just voiced this thought on a review I am presently working on :P I will most definitely look into this one Kelly, and as always lovely review friend <3

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    1. It's lovely isn't it. If you have a look at the authors other releases, they all share the same cover artist I assume, very similar illustrations. I'm not sure it truly represents how incredible his books are though, as on the shelf they could be mistaken for middle grade. We certainly do Claudia, there needs to be more books that not only challenge young adults, but also have that same cause and effect woven throughout. A striking and intelligent read.

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  8. Wow this sounds very different from the usual YA reads! It's good to read books that challenge set beliefs though :)
    Michelle @The Unfinished Bookshelf

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    1. It is Michelle. It was wonderful to read something unique that challenges the reader and also stays with you long after the finale page.

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  9. I love, love, LOVE intelligent reads - books that make you think, books that go beyond what is usual and conventional, books that make you ponder about yourself and your identity, books that push you into an existential crisis (come on, who doesn't want to be philosophical now and then?) I first heard about this from Emily, and I already love it from what I heard. I want more unique reads, unusual and different and intelligent! Sign me up for this one, Kellyyy!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. We need those books, even if it's to promote high quality and intelligent young adult reads. I love the unusual releases, it feels as though you've read something really unique and special.

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  10. Oh wow. Both your review and the synopsis of this book sounds amazing. I really like the sound of it. I'd never thought that this book has a touch of scifi just by looking at the cover. I'm sold. I'm gonna haunt this book down. :D

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  11. Brilliant review, Kelly. It was so interesting to see how you and I felt differently about this, and we do quite intently. Whilst you enjoyed the aspects of having to question your life and the lives of those you care about, they were overshadowed and even a bit too much for me, which is a pity. I enjoy that with Beckett's writing I can have all these deep and thought provoking questions thrown unforgivingly at me, but I just tend to get overwhelmed. I would really recommend you read Genesis, if you're interested in reading more of his work. It was incredibly memorable and not wholly enjoyable for me, but I think you'd really enjoy it, if you liked this. You're likely to like it more, actually.
    I found the lingering question of what would *you* do in the same instance to be really powerful and uncomfortable, at the same time. What a question. It certainly made my mind whirr.
    xx

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  12. The author's name reminds me of Samuel Beckett who wrote this really existential play called Waiting for Godot which is also really complex and well...deep. On another note, *this* book sounds really intriguing with all the relationships explored and something out of the ordinary. Thanks for sharing a brilliant review Kelly, hopefully I'll get to read this myself soon!

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  13. I really need to prepare myself for this read, it sounds deep and emotional with a strong brotherly relationship that has an impact. I really love the sound of it Kelly, especially with the way it challenges your thoughts and feelings. Lovely review! <3

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