Review

Cuando Reescribamos la Historia by Belén Martínez

Julen Bas was just a boy who wanted to go unnoticed. Ibai Ayala was just his old childhood friend. This was just going to be another, quiet and boring school year. But everything changes with a dream, a red moon like blood, a diary and death. Now Julen faces a countdown in which he will have to fight and, perhaps, give a chance to whom he would never have thought. Because to change history you will have to reach the roots of friendship and face your shadows, to understand how much a life is worth and how much you would be willing to give in order to save it.

We do not have the words to describe how much we loved this book, as always, Belén Martinez always comes with a wonderful and unexpected plot that never fails to leave us breathless. In this occasion, Belén Martinez tells us the story about Julen, who tries with all his heart to avoid a terrible future for someone who used to be his best friend, Ibis, without realizing how much he could change his own future.

Throughout the story, Julen changes his way of seeing the world, and grows much closer to people he would have never talk to, like Oliver, Cam, and even his relationship with her best friend dramatically changed. 

Not only changing his external relationships, but his way of perceiving himself also changed, learning to accept himself just as he is and getting to survive and live in a world that judges his for his sexual orientation.

One of the best things about this book is the individual character development, each character has a complete background story that we get to discover as the book takes place, each character is relatable and absolutely adorable, being Oliver one of our favourites.

Besides this, behind the book there is a deeper meaning, that treats subjects as the real consequences of bullying, sexual abuse, among other issues, giving a clear approach against discrimination and abuse of power, strongly criticizing an educational system that does not protect the victims.

This book is truly memorable, and we would not doubt a second to recommend it, we just adored it and would definitely read it again, it is so worthy.

"I sigh, but I nod. I know he is wrong. It cannot be forgotten. Talking about it can help you understand it, accept it, but silence is never the solution. Running away from your problems only makes them stronger"

Camila Orozco and María Camila Pinzón
Step 10