Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Kira Blue

Dance on my grave by Aidan Chambers is one of the most moving books I've ever read. It is one of my favorite books. It is a beautifully written story about a sixteen year old boy's struggle for his own identity, love, friendship and a promise to keep. It is written as a look back for the main character Hal, he tells us the story of his relationship with the late Barry Gorman, who died in a motor-cycle crash.


The story is set during Hal's sixteenth summer, where he meets Barry, who he falls in love with. The time they spend together is filled with new experiences for Hal. The story is witty, sad and intelligent.

Chambers uses press clippings and reports on Hal's mental health in addition to just telling the story. It is well written, and makes you think. One of the best things about it is how the focus of the story is on the love between Hal and Barry, and their personalities and how they differ, and not on them being gay.

Definitely a good read.