This Is Our Place by Vitor Martins
Publisher: Push
Special thanks to Scholastic Canada for sending a copy for review.
Summary:
If the walls of Number 8 Sunflower Street could talk …
As Ana celebrates the new millennium, she is shocked to learn that she must leave behind her childhood home, her hometown, and — hardest of all — her girlfriend for a new life in Rio de Janeiro.
Ten years later, Greg is sent to live with his aunt — who runs a video rental store from her garage and owns a dog named Keanu Reeves — as his parents work out their not-so-secret divorce.
And ten years after that, Beto must put his dreams of becoming a photographer on hold as the Covid-19 pandemic arrives in Brazil, forcing him to live with his overprotective mother and overachieving sister.
Set in and narrated by the same house, Number 8 Sunflower Street, and in three different decades — 2000, 2010, and 2020 respectively — This Is Our Place is a novel about queer teens dealing with sudden life changes, family conflict, and first loves, proving that while generations change, we will always be connected to each other (Goodreads).
Thoughts:
This Our Place by Vitor Martins is a heartwarming novel set in refreshing São Paulo, Brazil, that revolves around the lives of three different teens–Ana, Greg and Beto. The story takes place under the same roof but in different years. It is uniquely told from the house’s point of view, which is what connects the three individuals together.
First, there is Ana, the millennial protagonist from 2000. Ana is not met with good news as her single father says they will be moving out of Number 8 Sunflower Street to Rio. That means she will have to leave her girlfriend, Leticia, behind. Being in love for the first time challenges Ana to work out a long distance relationship or break things off. Eventually, the couple decide to move forward and see what the universe has in store for them. Their separation was bittersweet but so beautiful as they value each other so much. Being able to move forward hints that they will find their way back together if they are really meant for each other. Through Ana’s story, readers can learn not to take anyone or anything for granted because you don’t know what will happen ahead of you.
Following Ana’s story is Greg’s narrative from 2010. Greg is sent to live with his strange, quirky aunt due to his parent’s potential divorce. One day, he meets a guy named Thiago who delivers food at his aunt’s video rental store, and they instantly click. The town watches their friendship lead to something more meaningful, which they are all supportive of. Coming from a disconnected family where he lacks affection, Greg relearns the meaning of having a family by living in a small town where everyone is fond of each other. While his family may break apart, he considers the town to be his family too as he is truly happy when he’s around them. Greg’s story shows that not all families are perfect, but finding the right people can help you replace that emptiness.
Finally, there is Beto from 2020. At the peak of COVID-19, Beto’s plans of moving out are put on pause due to the lockdown. Beto is irritated by this as the city strictly perpetuates gender roles, which stops him from freely being himself. Beto expresses these feelings through his passion for photography and posts his pictures online. As a result, he connects with Nico who comments on his posts. With exchanging heartful messages here and there, Beto can’t help but feel his heart flutter and realize that it starts to hurt. Beto struggles to understand how you can love someone you’ve never met; that’s what his story teaches. No matter the distance you are from someone, love will transcend. Showing affection can come in many different ways, and Beto and Nico portrayed that being in a long distance relationship is still love.
Out of the three stories, Ana’s journey resonated with me the most. The main takeaway was that everything happens for a reason even when it may not seem like it at first. Ana accepted that the events happening were out of her control and moved forward with her life. Leticia was the very first person she got into a relationship with, and she will always appreciate her as she has learned many valuable things. Additionally, it was cool to see how communication evolved throughout the years. For instance, Ana’s generation interacted through email while Beto used social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Although the house being the narrator was a unique touch, it created a barrier because it prevents readers from knowing what was happening outside. My insights about the characters were limited to what was happening inside the house unless they were telling somebody else, which was frustrating sometimes. However, the house’s personality made up for it. The house would constantly bring up that they are just a house but also show appreciation that they get to watch its owners go through their ups and downs. The house is a big part of their lives as it is a safe space where they can be vulnerable.
This Our Place is an endearing novel about three different queer love stories that all navigate through important life lessons. This is the perfect read for the summer!
Reviewed by Lyndsay E.