Dedicated: April May June July by Alison B Hart (Review by Amelia Bowes)

4/5 Stars

It’s spring 2014, and the Barber siblings — April, May, June, and July — are about to gather for June’s wedding. This would mean nothing but excitement and festivities, if it wasn’t the first time they’ll be together in years. Ever since their father, Frank, disappeared while working in Iraq in 2004, the siblings have been estranged. However, when April is certain she spots Frank during her vacation in Dubrovnik, his case is reopened. In order to find out what really happened, they’ll have to work together. In doing so, there’ll be no way to hide the true toll the past has taken. 

This book is an excellent portrayal of how a family trauma can manifest itself differently in its individual members, with coping mechanisms ranging from extreme perfectionism to debilitating addictions. The fact that each chapter is from a different sibling’s perspective emphasizes this, as the reader is allowed an in-depth look at how each of them attempt to reconcile Frank’s initial disappearance with the fact that he might still be alive.

I also appreciated the historical backdrops of the Iraq War in 2004 and the advancement of the Islamic State in 2014. Although I knew about these events, Hart provides a geographical and human-based experience of them that’s difficult to get from news headlines. 

April May June July revolves around the intricacies of family dynamics, a premise that a lot of readers can relate to. The characters, while prone to destructive decision making, still experience healing and redemption. I have no doubt that it will generate poignant discussion at a future Gloss meeting.

Buy the book!