The Color of the Sun by David Almond

One hot summer morning, only weeks after his father’s death, Davie steps out his front door into the familiar streets of the Tyneside town that has always been his home. But this seemingly ordinary day takes on an air of mystery and tragedy as the residents learn that a boy has been killed. Despite the threat of a murderer on the loose, Davie turns away from the gossip and sets off toward the sunlit hill above town, where the real and imaginary worlds begin to blur around him. As he winds his way up the hillside, Davie sees things that seem impossible but feel utterly right, that renew his wonder and instill him with hope. Full of the intense excitement of growing up, David Almond’s tale leaves both the reader and Davie astonished at the world and eager to explore it.

I love Almond’s novels, but this one doesn’t quite hit the mark. In some ways, however, it’s remarkable. It follows Davies, a boy who has just lost his father, through one day of wandering through his small town after a murder. He talks to priests, little kids, sworn enemies, and even the ghost of his father. There’s a dreamlike, ruminative quality that reminds me of James Joyce’s Ulysses. Davies learns about war, human nature, love, religion, all kinds of great stuff. 

The only flaw is ... not much happens. And because this is a YA book, I think something should, a least a bit more. I could see myself getting very frustrated at this book as a teen reader. 

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc.