I wonder — if nobody is listening to my voice, am I making any sound at all?
Rundown of Radio Silence
Radio Silence is the second novel written by Alice Oseman, creator of the best selling graphic novel series Heartstopper. The book was originally published in 2016 but the story takes place in 2014.
Radio Silence follows the life of Frances Janvier, a bright 18-year-old girl who aspires to get into Cambridge for English Literature. She is the epitome of the perfect student - head girl, flawless grades and a role model to others. But in her spare time, she makes fan art for her favourite fictional sci-fi podcast series, Universe City.
Aled Last, the quiet boy in school, has a different persona online. He goes by Radio Silence, otherwise known as the host of Universe City.
When Radio Silence messages Frances asking to collaborate, Frances gets an opportunity to get out of her comfort zone and create lifelong friendships with the people she least expects.
Review on Radio Silence
This book could not have come to me at a better time. From the get go, I could already tell that this book was going to be good since I was able to resonate so well with it.
Recently, I found out all of my college applications were rejected. I was feeling bummed out because I hadn’t had a backup plan of what I wanted to do if the whole school thing didn’t work out. But when I read the experiences of the characters in Radio Silence, it made me realise that life is a whole lot more than grades, and you don’t need a degree to be able to live your life.
“It must be useful to be smart,” she said, and then laughed weakly. She glanced down and suddenly looked very sad. “I’m, like, constantly scared I’m going to be homeless or something. I wish our whole lives didn’t have to depend on our grades.”
Oh, how my heart ached for Raine and I wished I could give her the biggest hug ever. I was, and still is, in Raine’s shoes and I am so grateful that there is a different perspective to the typical “go to university or it’s the end of the world” mindset.
This book also just spoke to me on a different level. Right from the first chapter, I could feel myself resonating with Frances. Not too much on the fact that she is academically gifted while I am not, but the mindset she has towards productivity.
I had work to do when I got home. I almost always had work to do when I got home. I almost always did work when I get home, because whenever I wasn't doing schoolwork, I felt like I was wasting my time.
I think there is this toxic culture that is very apparent on social media especially, that if you’re not busy then you’re not productive. But that simply isn’t the case. We need a balance of things to feel fulfilled in life. But I just felt so seen when I read those sentences, I couldn’t help but sympathise with Frances.
I think this book was also well paced. It was focussed more on the plot but there were really good character development as well (I’m not looking at you though, Carol Last).
Even though Frances and Aled were the main characters, you could tell that Oseman had given the other side characters much thought too. They each went through their own journeys and had a story to tell. I could honestly read more about Daniel, Raine and Carys if there were to be a spinoff. Hell, I'll even read about Carol Last to see if she has some traumatic past that could redeem her for her actions.
One thing that is so commendable about Alice Oseman’s works is that she can sum up being a teenager into words so perfectly. She has mastered the art of teenage texting, conversations, thoughts and everything in between. All the characters she has created in her books, Radio Silence especially, are so real and it feels as though I know these people in person. Oseman has managed to channel her inner teen and this is especially apparent when she writes conversations through text! The text convos were especially fun to read.
Speaking of characters, the relationship that each character has with one another is so special. Even though I was rooting for Frances and Aled at first (before I found out about the whole sexuality thing), it was refreshing to see a platonic relationship filled with so much love. I also admire how Oseman was able to turn relationships around and create a friend group that you would have never expected.
The characters from Radio Silence as portrayed by the author, Alice Oseman. From left, Frances Janvier, Aled Last, and the five main characters in the novel at Pride. (Credit @aliceosemanart )
Since this is a YA book, the language is simple to comprehend and everyone can get Oseman's writing style in a jiffy. I am a big advocate for simple writing because I don't think that a good book needs to have complicated writing to get their point across. What's the point of having a good plot if no one understands what you're trying to say?
Nevertheless, I find that the scenarios fall flat sometimes. There is so much tension and drama that is going on in the book that Oseman could have used to create a better cool down. It sometimes felt as if she was rushing to end the scene and start a new one.
Final thoughts
While I did enjoy the book with my whole heart, it wasn't anything spectacular.
This is the book for you if you're looking for something light, inspiring and emotional. If you liked Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, I think you'll definitely love Radio Silence!
There were so many times when I found myself rooting for the characters and wishing I could jump into the page and offer them my hand. Radio Silence would also be perfect for the teenagers who are transitioning from high school into university (or not going, in my case).
At whatever age or place in life you are in, I think everyone can learn a thing or two from reading Radio Silence.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Genre: YA Contemporary
Series: Standalone
Number of pages: 474
Year published: 2017
Version read: Hardcover
TW: Anxiety, animal death, emotionally abusive parent
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