Either the Beginning or The End of the World

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddefords, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2016

Review

Terry Farish has again written another haunting fast-paced book about love, cultural diversity, PTSD and understanding. The main characters, Sophie and Luke, newly returned from Afghanistan and is not really sure where he needs to go, are well developed and seem to grow with every page. The relationship between Sophie and her estranged mother from Cambodia, along with the tales of the Khmer Rouge from her grandmother lend another aspect of learning and understanding of hardships and differences that help Sophie deal with Luke.

Living the rugged life of a fisherman's daughter along the shores of the Piscataqua River, 17 year-old Sophie stumbles upon Luke one snowing morning on the water's edge. Her father needs to head south because the catch this winter will not pay the bills. So her mother and grandmother move in to help - Sophie is not thrilled and lets it be known that she is in charge. But once they move in and share their history, Sophie understands of their customs of which she is part of.

Recommended for those who enjoy good love story with solid characters and a story that reaches out to its readers. Could also be used in discussion about the Cambodian culture and the history of the Khmer Rouge. Ages 14 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent