We Are Okay

We Are Okay
Written by Nina LaCour
Contemporary, LGBT, Realistic Fiction
240 Pages
Publishing in Australia March 5th 2019
Thank you to UQP
Add to Goodreads
★★★★★
Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. No one knows the truth about those final weeks. Not even her best friend, Mabel. But even far away from the California coast, at college in New York, Marin still feels the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun. Now, months later, alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, Marin waits. Mabel is coming to visit and Marin will be forced to face everything that’s been left unsaid and finally confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart.

An intimate whisper that packs an indelible punch, We Are Okay is Nina LaCour at her finest. This gorgeously crafted and achingly honest portrayal of grief will leave you urgent to reach across any distance to reconnect with the people you love.
The snow continues to fall in New York City, washing the landscape in flutters while students prepare to journey home for the holiday season. Except Marin Delaney, a permanent dormitory resident since the death of her grandfather, the man who raised her after the passing of her mother. Marin has escaped her hometown in San Francisco for the anonymity of New York, her immeasurable sorrow isolating her from her hometown and her best friend Mabel. Mabel is now travelling to New York and after months of avoidance, Marin will need to confront her past, her isolation and the revelations of the death of her grandfather.

Marin's anguish is palpable as she grieves not only for her grandfather but for the life she has left behind. After her mother passed in a tragic drowning accident, Marin has lived with her grandfather in their small, San Francisco beachside home. Marin's relationship with her grandfather was wonderfully gentle and considerate and although residing within the same home, both lived separate lives. Her grandfather enjoyed using moments throughout their day as teaching moments, instilling important wisdom upon Marin, preparing her for the challenges of attending university and becoming an independent young woman.

Marin and her grandfather shared an unspoken agreement as not to encroach on the others personal space, Marin not entering his study or bedroom and her grandfather, allowing Marin the privacy of her bedroom. As Marin gained her independence, her grandfather became increasingly isolated within his study and Marin, grief stricken long before her grandfather passed. The once sprightly elderly gentleman is sustained by his correspondence with the mysterious Birdie, a woman that has captivated his attention and as Marin matures, she observes his health deteriorating.

We observe as Marin and Mabel's friendship transformed from friends to tentative lovers, exploring their sexuality and the new parameters of their relationship. As Mabel visits New York, Marin is confronted as to why she left San Francisco behind. The tenderness between the two young women is beautiful and although they've been separated from one another, Mabel is a wonderful friend who is determined to remain a part of Marin's life.

Throughout the narration, Marin's sorrow becomes a tangible element and arbours resentment towards the man who raised her, perpetuated by the isolating, wintry landscape. We Are Okay is a gentle narrative of bereavement and isolation, of solidarity that's encompassed by a quiet artistry that's rarely seen in young adult literature. Simply exquisite. 

25 comments

  1. oh yes the isolated winter vibe was so well written in this one! It's such a very quiet and soft story with a lot of heartache...I'm really glad you liked it!

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    1. It was really lovely wasn't it. I love those quiet narratives that captivate readers, it was exquisite.

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  2. This sounds like it could make me cry but like in a good way...

    Great review, and it sounds like a lovely book!

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    1. One of the most gentle and loveliest narratives I've had the pleasure of reading in a long while.

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  3. This sounds like a beautiful story that would have me reaching for my tissues. Lovely review!

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    1. Thanks Suzanne, it's beautiful and I would love to see what you think of it!

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  4. I've heard a lot of good things about Nina LaCours books but have yet to read anything by her. This one sounds excellent, though! So glad it was such a hit for you.

    Tanya @ Girl Plus Books

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    1. I absolutely loved this one Tanya. I typically really enjoy gentle contemporary novels but this was incredible. I hope you can pick this one up soon, I would love to see your thoughts.

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  5. I read this awhile ago. I remember liking it - but maybe not as much as you did. The authors writing is very beautiful though.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. It's definitely a sobering read isn't it but the prose is breathtaking. It's lyrical and symbolic without losing impact. One of the best books I've read in a long while.

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  6. What a wonderful blog post! I remember not really liking this novel very much, but you've brought up a lot of interesting points. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. It's amazing how our tastes in literature change though, perhaps you might enjoy it more as a reread. I know that's happened to me with quite a few novels, I haven't been in the right frame of mind and ended up really enjoying them the second time around.

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  7. This sounds like it would break my heart. The grief I felt loosing my last grandparent last year was brutal. I felt extreme guilt at allowing her to be alone for so long (she was on the other side of the county). She wasn't isolated, but I felt like she was and it killed me. Not sure if I could read this! Beautiful review.

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    1. I can certainly understand that Rebecca. You may find this cathartic though, I certainly did. My grandparents on both sides of my family have passed as well. In the narrative, Marin was present when her grandfather passed. I'm so sorry for your loss Rebecca, it's always difficult when we lose the ones we love.

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  8. I've been seeing We Are Okay floating around (I think it came out last year in the US? Not sure) and have mostly heard positive praise for the novel. This sounds sad, a little bittersweet but also emotionally beautiful as well.

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    1. It did but we're thrilled that it's been picked up by University of Queensland Press in Australia so it'll be widely available here. Hooray! It's such a beautiful read Sophia, I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  9. Whew, my goodness this sounds magnificent. It sounds like this author has such a deft touch on such tough topics. Wonderful review, Kelly <3 you break my heart over and over again with reviews like this.

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    1. It's amazing Verushka. The narrative and prose is stunning but itsi also incredibly atmospheric. The wintery landscape of New York almost becomes a character in itself. ItsI absolutely beautiful and one of those reads that makes you reflect on your own life.

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  10. I've heard so many great things about this book, particularly the LGBTQ representation. Great review.
    Vivien @ Pages of Wonderland

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    1. It seems to be one of those books that's almost universally loved by most readers Vivien, it's so lovely and the prose is beautiful. I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  11. Beautiful review Kelly.
    I think I'll start this one this weekend.
    I'm thinking; the A/C on, a blanket and a hot chocolate will set the perfect atmosphere.

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    1. It's a perfect weekend read Sarah, I don't know about the blanket and hot chocolate for us down in Melbourne though, it's like a damn inferno at the moment. Looking forward to seeing your thoughts!

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  12. WELP looks like I need to read this immediately! This sounds so, so good. I have been wanting to read it for awhile now, but your review definitely seals the deal! Lovely review!!

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    1. Thanks Shannon. It's absolutely beautiful and I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  13. So glad you loved this one, Kelly! It's so gorgeous and heartbreaking and touching. I lament the fact that it's not more widely loved because it is such a special little book that deserves more attention! So excited for more Aussies to read it as part of our tour :D

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