Tin Heart

Tin Heart
Written by Shivaun Plozza
Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, #LoveOzYA
310 Pages
Expected Publication February 26th 2018
Thank you to Penguin Teen Australia
Add to Goodreads
★★★★★
When Marlowe gets a heart transplant and a second chance at life, all she wants is to thank her donor’s family. Maybe then she can move on. Maybe then she’ll discover who she is if she’s no longer The Dying Girl.

But with a little brother who dresses like every day is Halloween, a vegan warrior for a mother and an all out war with the hot butcher’s apprentice next door, Marlowe’s life is already pretty complicated. And her second chance is about to take an unexpected turn…
Seventeen year old Marlowe Jensen was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, the resilient young woman the recipient of an organ transplant bestowed by a sixteen year old young man. Since the transplant, Marlowe is experiencing a dissociation of identity. Recipients are forbidden to contact donor families but Marlowe is resolved to uncover her anonymous donor, compelled by gratitude and appreciation for the perpetual sixteen year old boy.

Marlowe is an extraordinary young woman. Although the transplant was successful, Marlowe attends monthly hospital appointments to ensure her body remains healthy. Encouraged by her progress, Marlow is returning complete her education. Naturally her peers are curious and Marlowe is feeling overwhelmed by the unwanted attention. Especially the effortlessly stylish and popular Zan Cheung. The tentative friendship between Marlowe and Zan was lovely. Zan is a Chinese Australian young woman who challenges stereotypes, sexuality, racism and advocates for equality.

Marlowe's single mother is a vegan warrior, opening a small business selling vegan products next to a family owned butcher. Her brother Pip's flamboyant costumes and idolisation of David Bowie is infectious, her mother's protests are theatrical and wonderfully confrontational, igniting a rivalry between Marlowe and apprentice butcher Leo. Leo is charismatic and incredibly attractive but beneath the debonair exterior, Leo and Marlowe both share parental constraint. Leo is pressured to abandon his education for the family owned business while Marlowe's mother is affectionately overbearing. The romance was wonderfully tender and delightfully entertaining. 

Through the online group established to introduce donor families and transplant recipients, Marlowe believes she may have found her donor. Although morally ambiguous, Marlowe finds her donor's sister Carmen and befriends her under an assumed name, convoluted by Zan's attraction to Carmen's friend Kari. Although I don't condone her deception, I sympathise with Marlowe as unconsciously, she had been preparing for her own passing with only her mother and brother unable to accept her diagnosis.

The transition to recovering survivor is a journey of realisation and acceptance for Marlowe, gradually feeling a sense of control and empowerment of her environment. Marlowe's experience is prevalent throughout Australia. Last year in Australia, over fourteen hundred members of our communities were the recipients of an organ transfer from over fife hundred patients. Marlowe's journey represents the thousands of organ and tissue donors and recipients throughout our communities each year. Those waiting for the opportunity to begin their lives. Organ donation is rarely spoken about until a family is confronted with the death of a loved one and although Marlowe is a fictional character, the narrative encourages discussion.

Shivaun Plozza is an exceptional and revered Australian young adult author. Captivating until the final page.
For more information on organ and tissue donation in Australia, visit the Donate Life website.

23 comments

  1. I love that cover!

    Though I do agree, organ donation is rarely spoken of, even in the US from what I've noticed. We get asked if we're willing to donate and sometimes get encouraged to, but there's not much info on the spot. (I personally don't for reasons.)

    Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's important to research so we can make informed decisions like yourself Hannah, it's such a personal and individual choice. The narrative is a wonderful discussion of not only the benefits of organ donation, but it also looks at the family left behind as well as the recipient. Such a brilliant read.

      Delete
  2. Gosh, this sounds good and heartbreaking and wonderful, and I wish more people understood how important it is to donate organs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd never really thought too much about it until now actually, it encouraged me to read through the Donate Life website and talk about organ donation with family members.

      Delete
  3. This sounds like a beautifully written book, with a lot of great, eclectic characters. I think Marlowe sounds wonderful - as does Zan. I think I'd also really love Marlowe's little brother - he sounds like a character for sure!! I think being an organ donor is wonderful and I wish more people would make sure they are on the list because it's so needed!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It truly is Lauren. After I finished Tin Heart, I searched for information about organ and tissue donation and how many people are waiting on the recipient list. It's probably the greatest legacy we could leave when we pass, to give others life. The narrative was beautiful, Marlowe is a incredible character. I would love to see what you think of it.

      Delete
  4. I actually read a book like this earlier this month, but I think the only similarities are that both girls received a heart transplant at a young age (and from someone equally young), and watching her recovery was inspiring. This sounds like another phenomenal read, and I'm so glad to see you liked it!

    Her mom sounds amazing. I'm vegan, but I don't often see that portrayed in books. Especially not a vegan warrior. Also, the little brother sounds awesome.

    If you have a chance, look up This Heart of Mine by C.C. Hunter! If you liked this, I think you'll like it! Beautiful review!

    Do You Dog-ear?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have that on Kindle too from Netgalley and reading it soon as well! Her mother is amazing, as are all the side characters in Marlowe's life. Opening her vegan, holistic store right next door to the family owned butchers is absolutely hilarious. I think you'll adore this one too!

      Delete
  5. I do like the cover, and hopefully Marlowe is a great person to read about

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She's amazing Ailyn, Shivaun Plozza always creates such wonderful, feministic characters.

      Delete
  6. Marlowe sounds likes an amazing character. I remember reading a book about a young woman who received a heart transplant from a woman, and then she fell in love with her husband. It was an interesting concept about organ donation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh I'm curious about that one. Was the recipient aware it was her donors husband? Tin Heart is incredible, warm and wonderfully written. Absolutely loved it.

      Delete
  7. I've had a few friends on the transplant list One was successful and the other was not. The supporting characters sound just as fleshed out on this one. Great review!

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so sorry to hear that Karen, it just reiterates how important organ donation is. All of the characters are incredible, I think you would really enjoy this one too.

      Delete
  8. Wow! This sounds like it would be good on so many levels. It sounds like such a beautifully sad book, but it's also bringing such important awareness to organ donation which isn't actually that touched on in YA (that I'm aware of anyway). Also I love all the Aussie YA that you're introducing me to!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so warm and compassionate Lara, Marlowe is a brilliantly feministic character as well. You'll love this Lara, I'd love to see what you think of it.

      Delete
  9. Oh, wow. I can't believe I haven't heard about this one yet. My latest read was about a heart transplant, but it was a bit meh for me, so hopefully this one will be a better read for me. Beautiful review as always, Kelly! <3

    - Aimee @ Aimee, Always

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Aimee and sorry to hear that that one didn't work out. Tin Heart is absolutely incredible, it'll definitely be one of my favourites for years to come.

      Delete
  10. I've received this one in the mail and I wasn't sure what it was about but with the heart transplant and everything, it sounds so interesting. I like the fact that every character sounds so nuanced as well. Lovely review Kelly!

    Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's wonderful Jeann, with Shivaun Plozza's trademark character snark and humour. Really enjoyed it and looking forward to reading your thoughts.

      Delete
  11. I was intrigued by the summary, a heart recipient wanting to connect with the donor's family? That sounds pretty damn good, but then you mention all the different characters and a slightly crazy story and I totally want to read. I mean, I can see how things could get messy because deception is never a good plan so I definitely want to read this now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's absolutely Brilliant! The reason why I love Australian young adult and beautifully written with incredible humour.

      Delete
  12. Wow. Sounds like a very exceptional read Kelly

    ReplyDelete

© Diva Booknerd. Design by Fearne.