The Space We’re In

Have you ever read a review that describes a book as being “full of heart”? Katya Balen’s The Space We’re In is exactly that–a book full of heart. It bursts with love and emotion, raw and authentic. And the voice? Perfect.

Ten-year-old Frank sometimes resents his brother Max. Max has changed everything with his humming and hand flapping and his meltdowns. (Frank has no idea why they’re called meltdowns, though, because there’s no melting in that rigid, furious body.) His mother has no time to paint, and she looks tired all the time.

And yet, when Frank hates Max, he feels a surge of guilt, of shame. Because there’s so much to love about his little brother, about the way he shines with happiness and the way you never need to wonder what he’s feeling or thinking because he has no artifice.

The Space We’re In navigates Frank’s feelings, and right through the book, I love that the author never once lets go of his voice. His conflicting emotions are brilliantly portrayed and ring true page after page. Family love bursts through the story, and most heart-warming of all is kindness.

Yes, there are bullies. Yes, there are cruel people, but it’s the kind ones that stand out, the ones that make space for people who are different, as well as for big feelings. Frank’s neighbour Mark is one of them, as is his teacher Mrs Havering. Frank’s friends Ahmed and Jamie are the kinds of characters you want to reach out and hug.

Once more, this is a book where I urge you not to read the blurb–it gives away too much! While the story isn’t one that is full of surprises and twists, it’s the kind you want to live through, experiencing every detail slowly. A beautiful book that made my heart ache more, The Space We’re In tackles the biggest emotions with sensitivity and grace.