When I first heard about this book, I was hesitant to pick it up. Mainly because of its premise. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read a novel about teenage sweethearts separated by war. I admit, I was afraid that it would be either cheesy or over-dramatic, and I definitely didn't need another Hurt Locker. But then the reviews started pouring in, and they were all so gushy and enthusiastic, I knew I had to give this book a chance. And guys, I am so happy that I did! This book proved to be nothing short of brilliant. Absolutely and utterly amazing! Everything, from the poignant narrative voice, to the convincing characters and engaging plot, is excellent. It took me less than a day to devour it, and every moment I spent reading it was filled with emotions. In tender and almost poetic prose, Schreck captures not only the sweetness, anticipation and hopefulness of young love, but also angst, uncertainty and pain that comes from long-term separation. And she does it in a way that really pulls on your heart strings.
The premise of this book is very simple. A boy, a girl, first-love, and the war in Iraq. David signed up for the military service before Penna moved to Killdeer, but even if he could change his mind later, he probably wouldn't. It's something he wants/needs to do - for himself, for his family, for the country. He's scared, but also proud. He's a good kid, and although Penna's far from happy to see him go, she understands how much it means to him. And she promised him she'll wait for him as long as it takes. They will write letters and frequently call each other, and she will support him all the way through it. But that's the thing about life... Things don't always go as planned. Stuff happens. People change, bonds weaken, and fear and doubt slowly take over. In the end, the only thing that stays the same is the distance.
I honestly don't know what it is about this novel, but I absolutely adored it. It's a very melancholic and atmospheric read, full of warmth and thoughtfulness. And it's so incredibly authentic, so harrowing and moving.. I couldn't help but to fell under its charm. It is not a silly, cheesy romance, and definitely not a light summer fling. At the same time, though, it's not by any means a heavy or traumatizing story either. It's something in between, with just the perfect amount of happy and sad. It has its darker moments, when our characters go into withdrawal and seem to lose faith, but its overall tone is rather hopeful and positive. I liked how balanced it was, and how it made me feel a whole palette of emotions: from making me laugh, swoon, long, hope, to almost making me cry. Few books have ever given me so many feelings.
The characters.. oh, the characters! At times they are disturbingly real. There were moments when I felt like I was reading my own diary (and I know how weird it sounds, considering my husband never went to war). It's just that Penna's narrative voice was so authentic, vibrant and moving.. it really spoke to me! I was totally immersed in the story, to the point of losing track of time, skipping meals and - at times - forgetting to blink! I was mesmerized and spellbound, and I couldn't help but to sympathize with both Penna and David. I loved the chemistry between them. Their love was strong, beautiful and gentle, and it seemed more mature than what you usually see in YA. And let's not forget about Ravi, either! Ravi was another fascinating character, and one that really stood out to me. Sweet, charming, thoughtful and shy, he bounded with Penna and became her support system and a trusted friend. I can't put my finger on what it was exactly that made me like him so much, but I couldn't help it, I trusted him.
Overall, While He Was Away was a fantastic read, and one executed with utter skill and believability. It's a novel that takes two teenagers and a seemingly mundane premise, and turns it into a piece of fiction that is just as enthralling as it is touching, and just as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
