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I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoë's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoë lost in her broken life. Zoë escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoë's autistic sister. After Zoë is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.
Before I begin my review I must reiterate that reading experiences and subsequent reviews are subjective and can therefore be affected by circumstances beyond your control, such as an I-swear-to-God-she-is-insane friend who is maybe psychotic enough to spoil the ending for you - which by the way could have been a really unexpected one had it not been for said friend blurting it out as if it wasn't even important.
Having said all that, this review will therefore depend much on said issue - and must be therefore approached as such. I feel I have been deprived of enjoying this book a whole lot by knowing beforehand how it ends. Despite the little fiasco however, I feel I have gathered a lot from reading Heavenly.
The book focuses more on themes other than that of romance. Zoe's turns to alcohol to counter the stress brought about by the stress of being in a fragile household where taking care of her autistic sister, Abria, takes its toll on the family. Apart from Zoe's alcohol problem, her brother Luke also turns to drugs. The focus on these family issues - especially the bonds of siblings - really touched me. It gave me an insight into the difficulties of such household without letting me lose hope in any of the characters. I think a special trait this book possesses is the fact that although the actions of Zoe and Luke were both questionable, they were not entirely blameless. It was very difficult for me to blame both of them as the book showcases the severity of their problems.
I related well to Zoe - really, really well. Simple elements such as her use of personal expressions define her as an easily identifiable character. I was drawn to the way she handled her difficulties - sort of like walking in a tight rope - neither right nor wrong, only human. I felt her concern for her brother and the love she reserves for Abria in her every motivation and it was wonderful reading about a family that though struggles, struggles together. I immensely enjoyed Abria - Jennifer zoomed in on the difficulties of relating to her without neglecting every part of her that makes her so special. The fact that Heavenly focuses more on love more than hate is very admirable.
The romance I could have enjoyed a little more. Thoughout I felt distance to Matthias and I could have enjoyed a little more interaction between the Zoe and him. However, I felt the emotions they shared was palpable in both actions and words. The ending was especially beautiful - I even regretted knowing it, for I enjoyed it hugely and could have done so more if I had not known it beforehand. Matthias was a very angelic character, to say the least. Sometimes unpredictable but always so genuinely handsome.
Generally I think what makes Heavenly a good book is not the forbidden romance - it's its backdrop of a family struggle revolving around autism and vices and a heroine that arises from these difficulties.
I'm waiting for Penitence!
Three stars.
Heavenly is my read for Autism month. What's yours?
