Alice Oseman is a notable author who gained popularity after she released her hit graphic novel series “Heartstopper,” which got its own Netflix adaptation. But some don’t know that she also writes novels, one of which is called “Radio Silence.”
“Radio Silence” is about main character France Janvier, the smartest girl in her year, and her journey in finding comfort in being her true self. She is a big fan of a podcast called Universe City, which is run by an anonymous person online who goes by Radio Silence. She gets invited to make art for this show by the creator, whom she figures out is Aled Last, her neighbor and the best friend of her rival at school. The pair get to know each other after Frances has to help him home from a bar where he accidentally admits that he is Radio Silence. They end up becoming extremely close but they have a falling out and it’s revealed what Aled went through and why his twin sister Carys ran away.
This book is very important to me because it’s not about finding romantic love, but platonic. It reflects how love can come in many forms that aren’t romantic. It’s revealed that Aled started Universe City because he was trying to reach out to Carys, even before she ran away, and to anyone that will listen to his distaste of education and the idea that your life revolves around academic success. It’s a book about love and companionship, but also the importance of perseverance through hard times. It’s about how love can hold people together even if you think you hate each other. True love is shown through the effort you’re willing to show to help someone in need.
It’s refreshing to read a book that isn’t about romance, but rather about family and friendship. I also love that the main character doesn’t get everything she thought she wanted, but the things she didn’t know she needed. It’s more realistic and more relatable to those that don’t want to pursue romance or believe their entire lives revolve around how you do in school or what university you get into. I highly recommend this book to those who find love and satisfaction in the friendships you build.
