25 May Book Review of The Wildest Sun
Book Review: The Wildest Sun by Asha Lemmie
The allure of The Wildest Sun captured me right from the start, primarily because of its unique premise and the powerful shadow of Ernest Hemingway that looms over it. Asha Lemmie’s exploration of a young girl’s quest to find her father, set against the vibrant and tumultuous backdrop of 1945 post-war Paris and New York, spoke to my own curiosities about family, identity, and the weight of legacy. As I delved into the novel, I found myself both enchanted and challenged by the spirited journey of Delphine Aber.
At its core, The Wildest Sun is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows sixteen-year-old Delphine as she leaves behind a war-ravaged Paris in search of her estranged father. The narrative begins with her arrival in New York City, where she finds refuge with an old family friend, Joseph LaBere, and his wife Delia. This dynamic setting allows Lemmie to explore themes of loss, belonging, and the fierce desire for connection, all while highlighting Delphine’s transition from girlhood to womanhood.
Delphine’s character, however, is a double-edged sword. Though she embodies maturity beyond her years due to her turbulent upbringing, her choices often felt reckless and off-putting to me. In her desperation to find Hemingway, she sometimes resorts to decisions that seemed more feral than reflective of her depth. This made it challenging for me to fully embrace her character. I found her journey compelling, yet I struggled to connect emotionally when her actions weighed against the earnestness of her search.
One of the aspects I genuinely appreciated was the thoughtful structure of the book, which features labeled dates and places that ground the reader, allowing for a clearer context as Delphine zigzags through her life. Lemmie’s writing style was refreshing—clear, concise, and engaging—which made for a quick read. I appreciated the pacing, too; it felt as if I was rushing through time alongside Delphine, eager to discover what each new chapter would bring. Coupled with my experience of listening to the audiobook narrated by Imana Jade Powers, who perfectly captured Delphine’s voice, my immersion was intense and satisfying.
What stayed with me were the descriptions of New York City and Havana, vividly brought to life through Lemmie’s pen. I couldn’t help but relish lines that painted the settings with such clarity, inviting me into the spaces where Delphine sought her father. Those moments of connection between place and identity were among the highlights of my reading experience.
While I found myself enjoying The Wildest Sun, it perhaps didn’t resonate as deeply with me juxtaposed to other fantastic reads I encountered this year. Nevertheless, I plan to explore Asha Lemmie’s debut, Fifty Words for Rain, trusting her knack for storytelling will continue to evolve.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Wildest Sun to anyone fascinated by historical and literary fiction—especially to those who enjoy explorations of familial bonds and the struggle for self-discovery. Whether you’re in it for the rich historical context or the delicate unraveling of a young woman’s dreams, I believe there’s something here for you. This novel may just ignite your own quest for understanding yourself across the pages of time.
3.75 stars rounded up! Thank you to Penguin Random House – Dutton and Asha Lemmie for providing a physical ARC through Shelf Awareness Pro giveaway. It has been a privilege to share my honest thoughts.
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