Three stars
Fiction
Radio Silence
Alice Oseman
Published: 2016
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 401, Paperback
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25322449-radio-silence
Alice Oseman signed her first book deal when she was 17. Her debut novel ‘Solitaire’ was published in 2014 when she was 19. ‘Radio Silence’ is her second book and she has meanwhile published a few other works including a web comic series titled ‘Heartstopper’. She has received some awards too and her stories are often praised for their realistic portrayal of contemporary teenage life. I read Radio Silence because a booktuber I’m fond of (@paperbackdreams) raves about this book every chance she gets. Even when the book doesn’t fit any of the prompts for recommendations, she will find a way to talk about it, often plucking it from her shelf and going, “Hey guys, read Radio Silence”. So, you could say I read it for her.
Radio Silence would have hit differently if I were in middle or high school. As an adult, it didn’t resonate much but the plot is quite enjoyable and uplifting. The story is about an academically-driven teen named Frances whose only goal is to get good grades and secure a seat at a good university. But that’s ‘school-Frances’, the person everyone sees. At home, she’s obsessed with a science-fiction podcast and makes fan art for it. Then she meets the creator of the podcast, Aled, and the two strike up a friendship that changes the course of things for both of them.
The book has strong themes of friendship, identity, and parental neglect. I liked the fact that Radio Silence isn’t your typical boy-meets-girl-and-romance-ensues narrative. Oseman doesn’t focus on romantic relationships as much as she does on friendship. When every other YA novel revolves around a love story, this new direction feels refreshing and lends a different perspective to what coming-of-age can feel like. And many times, that has nothing to do with raging hormones.
The book has powerful messages for teenagers and those who are stressed about life after high school. Oseman’s writing is simple. You can hear the characters talk and their thoughts too. At times it feels like you are one of them as you get caught up in what’s happening. I would have given the book four or five stars if I were younger. I still give it three stars because I think it’s a book you couldn’t go wrong with. There are interesting bits that put you in a contemplative mood. And there is an element of suspense. She tells a good story and I will definitely be reading her other books.
