Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano is a brilliant novel that is released in the UK on the 20th of February. The tale of a 12-year-old boy who is the only survivor of a deadly plane crash. 

We were incredibly lucky and have a sneak preview of this amazing book, and give a preview of Dear Edward to our reviewers. Firstly, here is what our Expert Reviewer, Liz Robinson had to say:

"An exquisitely written and beautifully emotional novel that will remain in my heart and thoughts. Edward survives a plane crash in which every other person, including his parents and brother, die. As the only survivor he becomes the lodestone for the relatives of the other passengers. Ann Napolitano writes with huge compassion as she explores overwhelming grief, and the tragedy is sensitively and skilfully handled. Knowing what is coming, in no way prepares you for the journey. Two time frames travel together, the first immediately leading up to the crash, the second as Edward learns how to survive the aftermath. Scattered within are smaller, intense, briefly short stories that added to, and intertwined with the overall tale. I was allowed to find my own way, to consider and contemplate as I walked alongside Edward. I felt the most profound heartache and joy as I sank into the lives of the passengers, not only incredibly thoughtful, it is also a thought-provoking read. Dear Edward has been chosen as one of our LoveReading Star Books, it is a must-read and truly deserves to be a huge success." Liz Robinson 

This is a beautiful and life-affirming story that follows both the events leading up to the catastrophic incident and Edward's slow physical and mental recovery from such a horrendous accident.

A luminous, life-affirming novel about a 12-year-old boy who is the sole survivor of a deadly plane crash

One summer morning, a flight takes off from New York to Los Angeles. There are 216 passengers aboard: among them a young woman taking a pregnancy test in the airplane toilet; a Wall Street millionaire flirting with the air hostess; an injured soldier returning from Afghanistan; and two beleaguered parents moving across the country with their adolescent sons, bickering over who gets the window seat. When the plane suddenly crashes in a field in Colorado, the younger of these boys, 12-year-old Edward Adler, is the sole survivor.

Dear Edward depicts Edward's life in the crash's aftermath as he struggles to make sense of the meaning of his survival, the strangeness of his sudden fame, and find his place in the world without his family. In his new home with his aunt and uncle, the only solace comes from his friendship with the girl next door, Shay. Together Edward and Shay make a startling discovery: hidden in his uncle's garage are sacks of letters from the relatives of the other passengers, addressed to Edward.

As Edward comes of age against the backdrop of sudden tragedy, he must confront some of life's most profound questions: how do we make the most of the time we are given? And what does it mean not just to survive, but to truly live?

We can't sing the praises of Dear Edward loudly enough, and the same was thought by our consumer review panel:

"Wow. Just once in a while, a book comes along that resonates, affects and captures my imagination and Dear Edward was one of these." Sharon Wood

"An unputdownable novel which evoked many emotions. A work of genius!" Val Rowe

"As 12-year-old Edward is the sole survivor of a plane crash there is huge interest in him. How he recovers, and how he faces the future, makes for a gripping read. Read it in one sitting, just not on a flight." Alison Burns

"This is a lovely book that shows us how another person can have an impact on our life with a simple gesture. It deals with grief and loss in a beautiful way and I enjoyed reading it and thoroughly recommend it." Rebecca Kirkby

"Stunning." Charlotte Walker

If you would like to read full comments left by our consumer review panel then click this link!

In addition to being able to offer this book to our consumer reviewers, we enlisted the help of some of our blogger friends who also fell completely in love with this book. They have helped us to really shout about this over the past few months. 

"I finished #DearEdward by @napolitanoann @VikingBooksUK and it’s heartbreaking, hopeful and wise.

As I went to take a picture, a plane flew over and now it’s there, rightfully next to Edward’s story. I loved this book."

Clare Reynolds, Years of Reading Selfishly, @yearsofreading

See the stars in the photo? Yes? That's what you'll be seeing once the impact of #DearEdward hits you. Phenomenal!! 

Thanks to @LoveReadinguk, and @LRLizRobinson  for the Book Buzz Super Ambassador opportunity and @napolitanoann, @PenguinUKBooks  for an amazing book!

Laura Turner, Page Turner's Nook, @pageturnersnook

Dear Edward by @annnapolitano is one of few books that instantly captures your heart, then shatters it into hundred pieces and teaches you many life lessons at the same time.

A boy called Edward is flying with his family to start a brand new life in another state. This is their brand new start. But the plane crashes, and Edward is the only survivor... I gave this book 5-stars. It is now one of my favourites. Go to my blog to read the full review!

Ivana Atansova, Diary of Difference, @DiaryDifference

Ann Napolitano's book has also been selected as a Star Book, it really is the creme de la creme! We have fallen hook, line and sinker, for Edward's story and we hope that you will love it too!