BOOK: Dance On My Grave by Aidan Chambers

Title: Dance On My Grave (Je Moet Dansen Op Mijn Graf)
Author: Aidan Chambers
Genre: Teenromance
Publisher: Querido
Pages: Paperback 238
Language: English. Read in Dutch.
Rating: 8/10
Summary: During the summer of his 16th birthday, Henry (Hal) takes out a friend's boat for a day's sailing. He gets into difficulties and is rescued by 18 year old Barry Gorman. Their ensuing relationship brings Hal the intense emotions of his first teenage love.

"Promise me..."
The first page of the book has a newspaper clipping about the title and gives away what happened to Barry, although in true 'objective' fashion, it doesn't tell the whole heartbreaking story.
But after that introduction, Hal is the one giving us the true events and he doesn't hold back (apart from the more intimate events in his life;). I had to get used to the style, not only because it is clearly a book aimed at teens, but mostly because it's quite direct and open.
It's a very honest story, especially since on occasion Hal corrects himself en retells the same part from a more emotional point of view, without trying to make himself look more sophisticated or grown up. And he's also not afraid of letting us see the not so pretty sides of himself and his boyfriend.
Much more than teendrama, this is a bitter but beautiful coming of age story. I highly recommend it. I am going to buy the original as soon as possible and am curious about other books by Aidan Chambers.