Review of Chroma by Oscar Wenman-Hyde
When Riley watched Chroma, the latest movie by Armani Manora, he had no idea how much his life was about to change. Riley's parents, Jean and Paul, are currently getting divorced, and they have managed to keep the situation hidden from Riley, until now.
They were unaware of the effects this was having on Riley's emotional and mental well-being, and as tensions rose at school and at home, he was visited by a voice in his bedroom. Before too long, he began a journey that was not only dangerous, but eye-opening.
Chroma explores the rapidly changing family dynamic throughout divorce, and how a child's imagination can take them to unknown places. It is emotional, insightful and a moving story which not only teaches us how to be an adult, but how to be a child.
My Review:
Who was it who said that all happy families resemble each other? Dostoevsky? Tolstoy? No matter... The point is that when a family is unhappy it can feel like a peculiarly isolating and singular experience, that convinces the miserable family members that only they feel so bad. the rest of the world is having a high old time.
So it is with young Riley and his 'astrobro' Eli, both the children of divorced or divorcing parents and relying on each other in an unreliable world populated by erratic adults. This feels very much like a passion project on the part of the author. It certainly has its heart in the right place.
It's also very good at
delineating the boys' friendship and Riley's obsession with film, so
often an escape (for all of us) when times are difficult. It's heartbreaking but also wry with recognisable and relatable characters. Jean was especially contradictory but grounded in her love for Riley.
Purchase: UK
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Author bio:
Oscar Wenman-Hyde is a writer living in Gloucester, UK. Born and raised in the quiet towns of North Devon, Oscar would spend the majority of his time as a child writing and directing short films with his brother and neighbours. From here, Oscar’s passion led him to explore all aspects of his creativity, by graduating with a BA Hons in Songwriting at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. He now finds joy in all mediums of writing and although he has worked and trained in many areas, he is always inspired by film and remains grounded in storytelling.
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