REVIEW
A charming story that follows four kids in their discovery of self and how small events collide with one another to create a wonderfully beautiful connection amongst them.
I’d say that this book is a good recommendation to any readers who’d like to experience small nuances of a Filipino family. Albeit, not as strong as I’d like, there was enough to get a feel of what it’s like to be a part of one. The interpretation was weak, but it was enough to allow readers to visualize themselves in the situation.
“The woman would buy kisses from Judas if they were on sale.”
The characters of the book were all curious, with their little eccentricities and the thin strings of similarities that ties them all together. Add to that, their differences was a good complimentary colours that blended well with each other creating a beautifully whimsical combination. There was a fruitful outcome to everything within the story and that is something to look forward to.
But, of course, it isn’t without its villain. That is where the story fell short for myself. The antagonist felt like nothing but a plot tool added within the story just so there is something to shake the foundation of the novel. He did not have any redeeming arc despite having his own perspective within the story. This, in turn, gave it quite a disappointing tone.
Something to consider when reading this book is that despite being a children’s fiction, the story is quite bleak. It’s sad yet it is such a special story that lays down the topic of bullying and toxicity within family in such a beautiful way that.
“That was their name for him: Turtle…”
Despite the melancholy, the book was a wonderful discovery of a small yet genuine friendship. I saw myself in the characters from different angles and it felt as though the story was my own. One thing I couldn’t wrap my head around, though, was the antagonist of the story. I crave for something more from him—maybe even a small redemption taking in how involved he was in the story—but that wasn’t the case.
Hello, Universe is an adorable book that reflect upon important topics you wouldn’t expect children’s fiction to divulge into. It humanizes children and tells a narrative that despite their lack of mature knowledge and their naivety, they too, are humans with feelings.
