On The Ledge by Naomi Clarisse - REVIEW
A review by Victoria Walsh
On The Ledge by Naomi Clarisse is a young adult novella that delves into the life of Sam Robinson, a teenager who seemingly has it all—He’s an athlete with an attractive and attentive girlfriend, a seemly happy family, an expensive home, and popularity at school. Despite these outward signs of contentment and success, Sam is standing on the ledge of a building, questioning his sanity and understanding of the world around him while contemplating suicide both physically and metaphorically.
On The Ledge delves into several themes, including mental health, sexual identity, and the general pressures faced by teenagers. Fifteen-year-old Sam Robinson navigates these challenges somewhat haphazardly. If you recall what Year 10 or freshman year in high school was like, Sam's feelings, so eloquently described in the story, will resonate with you deeply. They might even make your toes curl.
YA fiction novellas like On The Ledge usually feature protagonists who are teenagers, often between the ages of 15 and 18, to help make the story relatable to readers. Common themes that run through young adult fiction are frequently (but not always) self-discovery, personal growth and identity, including sexual identity. On The Ledge explores the challenges of growing up, navigating relationships with friends and family, and romantic relationships, encouraging the characters and readers to find a comfortable and safe place in the world to be their most authentic selves.
Naomi Clarisse is an emerging author with a big voice in YA fiction. Clarisse writes confidently and in a style that young adults will relate to, especially younger ones around 13-16. Clarisse understands and explains all the emotions of a young person trying to fit in while trying to make sense of their feelings that might not match their peer group. If the point of this book is to reassure the reader, then Clarisse has done an excellent job.
Writing a YA fiction book is no easy task. Making Sam’s voice feel authentic and resonate with young readers means capturing teenagers' language, emotions, and perspectives without patronising or trying to keep up with ever-changing slang or text speak. Clarisse’s writing style reminds me of Becky Albertalli with a sprinkling of Rainbow Rowell; it is engaging and highly entertaining. One criticism is that the novella is too short. While the characters are well-rounded, the story could benefit from more detail, especially regarding Bradley and his father's relationship. This type of book could include detailed factual information about teenagers' mental health issues. Including more factual details will help readers understand that what they are experiencing is typical for young adults and how they feel about themselves.
On The Ledge is an enthralling and thought-provoking novella that captures the essence of teenage struggles with authenticity and sensitivity. Clarisse's ability to create a relatable narrative that resonates deeply with young adult readers is praiseworthy. While the book leaves us wanting more, it also opens up teh prospect for meaningful conversations about mental health and self-acceptance. On The Ledge is a must-read for any young person looking to understand the complexities of adolescence and the importance of finding one's true self amidst the chaos.
The final word - Once you have read the book, tell me if you agree that the character Samantha is Naomi Clarisse; maybe Samantha is based on the author's experiences, or perhaps she isn’t; either way, the depth and authenticity of Samantha's character make Sam’s journey incredibly relatable and impactful. Clarisse's ability to create such a vivid and emotionally resonant character suggests a deep understanding of the teenage experience, whether drawn from personal life or keen observation. This connection is what makes On The Ledge a standout in YA fiction.
The author is planning on doing a sequel to On The Ledge so the story is not ended.
