Review: The Crossing by Manjeet Mann
by Rose Gant
The Crossing by Manjeet Mann
Natalie's world has turned upside down. She's lost her mum and her brother is descending further and further into anger and violence with a far-right gang who march the streets of Dover. Sammy has fled his home and family in Eritrea for the chance of a new life in Europe. Every step he takes is a step into the unknown - into a strange country and a hidden future. A twist of fate brings these two teens from opposite sides of the channel together, but will their journey end in hope or despair?
The Crossing is heart-wrenching tale of friendship and strength even in the most adverse situations.
The Crossing follows two teens whose stories intertwine with one another in more ways than one. Natalie has just lost her mum and clings to swimming as an escape from reality. Sammy is fleeing his country in the hope of new beginnings, but with every milestone comes a bigger challenge to face.
Hope is the strongest element bringing their two lives together and the beautiful motif of the stars is littered throughout both Nat and Sammy’s journeys providing not only a physical form of hope but also a connection between them both.
I loved Mann’s storytelling throughout The Crossing and both Nat and Sammy are such endearing protagonists that you simply fall in love with and don’t want to leave. The story is also so beautifully told in the form of poems that intertwine with one another which truly combines the two stories into one and creates a captivating narrative that you cannot help but be drawn to and devour (possibly even in one sitting like I did!).
The Crossing is a beautiful but heart breaking story showcasing the variety of struggles experienced by young people all around the world and how with strong friends beside you anything is possible. The poetic structure is a joy to read and further engulfs you into Nat and Sammy’s lives. Manjeet Mann is definitely a new YA author to watch and I cannot wait to read her future works.