Aimee Roh has Sensory Time Warp Syndrome. Whenever she smells a distinctive scent, she is immediately cast back in time to her memory of when she first experienced that smell. Her disappearances used to be rare, but now she’s travelling back in time more and more often. She thinks the change may be linked to her missing mother, so she books a plane ticket to South Korea in an attempt to find her, and get some answers.
Aimee is such a likeable and memorable character. Her STWS’s are an interesting take on a time-travel narrative, almost like if The Time Traveller’s Wife was written about a modern-day teenager. Her condition can be read as a metaphor for disability, hidden or physical, but I found the theme could also be applied to queerness or neurodivergence.
This book absolutely captures the feeling of not wanting to be seen as a burden, even if the world is not made with you in mind. I never got tired of listening to Amy’s inner monologue, which always stays relatable, never verging on whining or unrealistic. She’s just a great YA lead.
The book starts out in Vancouver, but the story comes alive when Sarah Suk takes us to Korea. The whole experience is a sensory masterpiece, she incorporates so many sights, sounds, smells and tastes into her writing.
The Space Between Here and Now has an amazing protagonist, great story, cute romance, engaging characters, and a fun plot hook. It just ticks all the boxes.
Reviewed by Rachel Denham-White
Age Guide 13+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Suk (pronounced like soup with a K) lives in Vancouver, Canada, where she writes stories and admires mountains. She is the author of young adult novels Made in Korea and The Space between Here & Now, as well as the co-writer of John Cho’s middle grade novel Troublemaker. When she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the water, taking film photos, or eating a bowl of bingsu.
0 Comments