Irfan Master

Donating your heart is the most precious gift of all. LONGLISTED for the 2018 CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL Adam is a teenage boy who lives with his mum and younger sister. His dad has left them although lives close by. His sister no longer speaks and his mum works two jobs. Adam feels the weight of the world upon his shoulders. Then his grandfather dies and in doing so he donates a very precious gift - his heart. William is the recipient of Adam's grandfather's heart. He has no family and feels rootless and alone. In fact, he feels no particular reason to live. And then he meets Adam's family. William has received much, but it appears that he has much to offer Adam and his family too. A powerful tale of love and strength in adversity.

Out of Heart

ellie chase

"Your heart is the size of your clenched fist."

Out of Heart is heartbreakingly beautiful. Intermingled with the narrative of the story are the linear thoughts of characters, and plays on important words in the story, such as "heart". They give the story a poetic feel, which elevates the pathos of the narrative, and makes you cry.
I absolutely loved this story and the pure emotional weight it carries. It is very character-centric with very little actual plot, which makes it all the more powerful.

William finds a family, Adam finds someone who stays,
and Icarus falls from the sky.

Out of Heart

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