The Things We Promise

Gemma and her friends are looking forward to their school formal; as they pore over dresses in magazines Gemma is eagerly awaiting a visit from her much-loved older brother Billy, a New-York based make up artist who will be visiting for the event. It soon becomes clear that all is not well with Billy though, and that Gemma isn’t being told everything. As she becomes increasingly aware of her brother’s situation her worries shift from hairstyles and hemlines to much more grave concerns about her family.

Set in the early nineties, this novel discusses the heartbreaking impact of the AIDS epidemic. Some of Gemma’s friendships become fraught and others are formed as she navigates her life and prioritises her family during this incredibly difficult time. She learns first-hand about the effects of ill-informed attitudes and fights prejudice and fears as they spill over into her life. This is a relevant and well-executed novel about family, friendships, love and grief.

Kim Gruschow