This book reminded me of "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles. It is a lyrical story of a friendship between Robert Carter and Nathan Tilly. Nathan believes anything is possible. Robert has a heavy burden to carry as the Carter's healthy son. I love the metaphor of the kites. Both boys are looking for ways to set themselves free. I would highly recommend this book. ( )

4.5 stars

Setting Free the Kites by Alex George is a nostalgic yet poignant coming of age novel which takes place on the coast of Maine during the mid seventies.

In 2016, the demolition of a long vacant paper mill is the catalyst for Robert Carter's recollections of his long ago friendship with Nathan Tilly. The two boys meet in 1976 after Nathan's family relocates to Haverford from Texas. Thirteen year old Robert notices Nathan right away, but he is more concerned about bully Hollis Calhoun than making new friends. Just as Hollis is visiting a new torture on his poor, beleaguered victim, bold and brash Nathan steps in to rescue Robert. Nathan's adventurous spirit and indomitable zest for life is the perfect foil for Robert's more cautious approach to life and the two boys enjoy many fun-filled exploits over the course of their friendship.

The youngest of the Carter sons, Robert is often eclipsed by his older brother Liam who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Their parents dote on Liam while his health deteriorate as his disease worsens. Robert adores Liam yet he is ever mindful of the very different relationships the two boys have with their parents. Not one to rock the boat (or break the rules), Robert tries to keep out of trouble and the limelight since his parents have enough to worry about with Liam's illness.

Robert's unexpected friendship with Nathan is one escapade after another as the two boys run free and embark on fun-filled days out of the sight of their parents. Nathan's unbridled optimism is a stark contrast to Robert's fears and concerns yet Robert is always quick to overcome his doubts about whatever exploit Nathan proposes. Even in the midst of heartbreaking losses, they manage to find a way to step outside their grief and find happiness in each other's company. Not even the mundane jobs they undertake at Robert's family amusement park can put a damper on their exploits but even the strongest bonds can be tested when one of the boys discovers his first love.

While the overall story is incredibly heartfelt and enjoyable, there are a few things that occur toward the end of the novel that need mentioning. Without giving away any spoilers, here are a few observations about the most notable revelations and plot twists. Late in the story, one of the characters does something that is so out of character that is impossible to believe. Heavy foreshadowing from the first chapter hints at one of the events that occurs so it should not come as a surprise to readers once it finally happens. And the final plot twist is an absolute delight and explains an awful lot about one of the secondary characters.

Setting Free the Kites is a very moving novel of friendship that is quite compelling. The coastal setting is harsh yet beautiful Alex George brings it vibrantly to life. Robert and Nathan are wonderfully developed characters that are multi-dimensional and so life-like it is difficult to believe they are fictional. The storyline is engaging and although each family experiences devastating losses, the boys' adventures and natural resiliency prevent the novel from becoming bogged down in grief. Readers will appreciate the touching epilogue that completely wraps up any loose ends. An extremely heartwarming and engaging story that will appeal to readers of all ages.
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Alex George's writing is captivating. His characters are real and easy to like. They're all flawed, but I loved that about them. He uses words perfectly to capture each situation. I look forward to reading more of his novels. "Setting Free the Kites" was a delightful surprise. ( )

This is a coming of age story that begins when Robert is beginning 8th grade in 1976. He is afraid of going back to school after summer break because he was bullied by another student the previous year. Sure enough, at the end of the first school day he's on his knees in a bathroom stall with his head in the toilet. Suddenly the stall door slams open and a new boy, Nathan, saves Robert from further humiliation and pain.

Immediately Robert and Nathan become inseparable. Neither has much parental supervision and they are free to roam their costal locale seeking adventure. Over the next few years Robert and Nathan experience the joy of friendship, tragedy in both of their families, and exasperation with each other. In these characters George has gracefully captured the bittersweet nature of teen friendship.

A moving and thoughtful book, the story is being told by Robert forty years after the friendship ends. George has created a moody and atmospheric setting with beautiful writing and characters that can't escape from my head. I had read George's first book, A Good American and put him on my new authors to watch list. I'm not in any way disappointed by his second book and look forward to his third. ( )

This author keeps you on your toes as you read. The things you least expect happen. Sometimes it was hard to read and other times, I couldn't put it down. I will be looking forward to the next things from Alex George. His writing reminds me of some of my other favorite authors like John Irving and Richard Russo. Each of his stories opens a new window into the world of people and the places they live. ( )