One Day Soon is a verse novel inspired by Cristy Burne’s own lived experience. The story of Alex, who lives with his mum and dad and little brother, Archie, plunged into puzzlement after some confronting news about his uncle Rohan’s health.
Alex’s story is expressed entirely through verse, offering readers gentle, poetic and sensitive insights into his new reality. One filled with very big questions that even some grown-ups never get around to asking. (Life and making plans and the future, genetic mutations, families and counselling, sickness, health, dying and grief.)
Metaphors punctuate Alex’s expression as he confronts, avoids and processes the enormity of his experiences. The writing is grounded and relatable, yet subtle, lyrical, sophisticated, expressive and profound. In parts, the typography and graphological features serve to echo complex concepts and Alex’s inner state.
As his uncle’s energy is ‘all used up’, Alex’s emotional burdens are just like a ‘big elephant’ in the room. But it’s okay to feel sad.
One Day Soon allows younger readers into Alex’s intimate experiences, thoughts, feelings, tears and reflective realisations. The book is supportive and allows readers to potentially reframe pain and grief (‘but maybe the whole point is to just keep breathing’).
Reviewed by Mark Parry
Age Guide 8+
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cristy Burne grew up climbing trees, jumping drains, chasing cows and inventing stories. She has a passion for learning through doing, and loves to inspire creativity, daring and resilience in her readers. Cristy is a children’s author and science writer with degrees in Biotechnology and Science Communication. She has also worked as a science circus performer, garbage analyst, Santa’s pixie and atom-smashing reporter.
Cristy Burne’s children’s fiction book, Off the Track, was shortlisted for the 2022 West Australian Young Readers’ Book Award (WAYRBA). Her other titles with Fremantle Press – Into the Blue, Beneath the Trees, and To the Lighthouse – have all been popular with young readers.
Read an extract from One Day Soon here.
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