Izzie Allnutt - Book Review - Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth

"Now is the time between birth and slaughter. Another Summer has arrived.” Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth is one of those gut-wrenching, relatable coming-of-age stories that is impossible to put down. It is set in 1990s rural Ireland and explores the secret romance between two teenage girls, Lucy and Susannah, against the backdrop of conservative norms and religious expectations. Howarth fully immerses the reader into Lucy’s world: her small village in Ireland, and the societal expectations that eventually shape her future and identity. Throughout the novel, Lucy faces an internal conflict as she struggles to live between two worlds: the comfort of what she has always known and her newfound, passionate first love.  

The most notable aspect of the novel for me is Howarth’s poetic and fluid writing style. This prose effortlessly transports the reader through the events of the book (which is set over multiple years), whilst also highlighting the teenage angst and over-dramatic nature of the typical teenage girl. The love letters written by Lucy and Susannah also provide more depth, allowing for a deeper exploration of their relationship and personal feelings. The exploration of queer identity is portrayed with nuance and emotional truth, avoiding cliché and stereotypes. 

The burden of a mother’s love is a theme felt throughout the book. Lucy and Susannah grew up in the same town and environment; however, their attitudes towards the future of their romance are very different. This highlights the role that their mothers played in their teenage development and identity. Lucy’s mother embodies the religious and moral expectations of rural 1990s Ireland, and as Lucy begins to feel different, her craving to belong intensifies, leading to her greatest desire becoming her mother’s acceptance, which in turn means acceptance from her community. Susannah’s mother is emotionally distant and self-absorbed, which leads Susannah to crave her attention rather than her acceptance. It is easy to criticise the decisions that Lucy makes, but it truly emphasises that she believes her mother’s love is conditional, and yet it is what she craves the most. This concept exists side by side with the theme of belonging throughout the novel. One of the most underrated aspects of the novel is Howarth’s exploration of female friendships and how these impact your identity and development. Lucy has an obsessive need to be liked and wanted by her friends, even those whom she admits to not particularly enjoying, because she craves inclusion and acceptance.  

Ultimately, Sunburn is a beautiful yet haunting novel about growing up, falling in love, and learning that sometimes love cannot conquer everything. It leaves you with the aching truth that the people we love most are often the ones we fear disappointing the most. Although love cannot overcome all obstacles, it can transform us in many ways. This is one of my favourite books I have read all year, and a perfect read for the beginning of summer. I am very excited for what Chloe Michelle Howarth has in store for us next.