Radio Silence
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4.6 • 81 Ratings
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- £4.99
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- £4.99
Publisher Description
The second novel by the phenomenally talented Alice Oseman, the author of the 2021 YA Book Prize winning Loveless, Solitaire and graphic novel series Heartstopper – now a major Netflix series. Heartstopper Season 2, coming soon
What if everything you set yourself up to be was wrong?
Frances has always been a study machine with one goal, elite university. Nothing will stand in her way; not friends, not a guilty secret – not even the person she is on the inside.
But when Frances meets Aled, the shy genius behind her favourite podcast, she discovers a new freedom. He unlocks the door to Real Frances and for the first time she experiences true friendship, unafraid to be herself. Then the podcast goes viral and the fragile trust between them is broken.
Caught between who she was and who she longs to be, Frances’ dreams come crashing down. Suffocating with guilt, she knows that she has to confront her past…
She has to confess why Carys disappeared…
Meanwhile at uni, Aled is alone, fighting even darker secrets.
It’s only by facing up to your fears that you can overcome them. And it’s only by being your true self that you can find happiness.
Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has.
A YA coming of age read that tackles issues of identity, the pressure to succeed, diversity and freedom to choose, Radio Silence is a tour de force by the most exciting writer of her generation.
Reviews
Praise for SOLITAIRE:
“The Catcher in the Rye for the digital age” The Times
“The most honest and authentic account of modern teenage life that you’ll read this year… outstanding contemporary fiction with appeal to fans of John Green.” The Bookseller
‘A very authentic, teenage voice’ – Sunday Times
‘Solitaire is an extraordinary novel … [Oseman] has captured her characters’ rage, humour and insecurity with aplomb.’ The Financial Times
‘Oseman proves herself a clever, witty writer’ Publishers Weekly
“Full of wit, cynicism, sarcasm and humour. This book is relatable yet original at the same time.” Goodreads review
About the author
Alice Oseman was born in 1994 in Kent, England. She completed a degree in English at Durham University in 2016 and is currently a full-time writer and illustrator. Alice can usually be found staring aimlessly at computer screens, questioning the meaninglessness of existence, or doing anything and everything to avoid getting an office job. Alice's first book, SOLITAIRE, was published when she was nineteen.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Oseman (Solitaire) explores sexual identities, the weight of expectation, and the intensity and fickleness of fandom in a story revolving around a mysterious, Welcome to Night Vale esque podcast called Universe City. Frances Janvier, a high-achieving but largely friendless British student, has been a fan of Universe City since its first episode, even creating fan art for the show under the online persona of Toulouse. Aled Last, the boy next door, turns out to be Universe City's creator, and, soon after each realizes who the other is, the two collaborate on the podcast and develop a much-needed friendship. Frances and Aled both identify as queer, and their intense friendship as well as relationships with their mothers that couldn't be more different are central to the story. Oseman gives Frances an honest, insecure, and occasionally meandering voice, as she considers the stresses, joys, and letdowns of her high school existence. Oseman vividly illustrates that the world and its technologies offer opportunities for connection and fulfillment that go far beyond traditional definitions of success. Ages 13 up.)
Customer Reviews
Such An amazing read!
Okay, so I’ve read a few Alice Oseman books before this one, like heartstopper (a graphic novel), solitaire etc.
But THIS is by far my favourite Alice Oseman novel.
The characters are just so unique and different in their own way which makes the reader somehow “connected” to the character and the part they play in the book.
The plot really is something spectacular which I personally think makes this such a good coming-of-age book.
This book also covers many different subjects such as stress, sexuality, belonging. And the fear of your future and what it might turn out to be.
I really like the fact that it covers these subjects because of how relatable it makes the book to readers.
This was an amazing book and I highly recommend!
Really good read
It’s the kind of book I think young people should read. Older teens and young adults in the middle of the scholastic academic rat race. The competition for highest grade and places at the best universities.
The build-up towards the decline of Aled is really well done. I think a lot of parents and students underestimate how lonely and vulnerable it can be at university or college.
Up until that point most young people are kept cocooned in the bubble of home and school. Gifted academics are fooled into thinking that because they are the smartest in their school that they are the smartest overall. Of course this particular bubble bursts when they find themselves in lecture rooms full of smarter and equally intelligent students. They go from being rock stars to one of many in the galaxy.
Not everyone is an academic though, and both schools and parents need to be mindful of students with other skills and talents.
In an effort to appear independent and strong Aled doesn’t reach out for help when everything takes a downward spiral. His only cry for help is Radio Silence.
Another important theme in the book is discovering sexuality and preferences or lack of them. Oseman does this without trying to strong-arm the plot or the reader.
Aside from the friendship between Frances and Aled I think the relationship between Carol and her children is one of the most interesting. In a world of Tiger moms, pushy parents and an ever rising number of children being abused, she was a small character, but a pivotal one.
Carol is the type of parent that flies under the radar when it comes to her behaviour. Outside her four walls she is the epitome of the perfect parent. A helpful respected member of society, who has an entirely different persona for those who know her privately.
I really enjoyed the read, perhaps because a lot of the scenarios rang very true for me.
*I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.*