Five Feet Apart written by Rachael Lippincott, is a heartfelt love story of two teenagers. This story will have readers feeling all of the emotions! Set in a hospital where their love must always stay six feet apart. Lippincott does a beautiful job of making readers feel, suspense, joy and pain.
The Novel
The novel revolves around two high school students who both suffer from a life-threatening disease called, Cystic Fibrosis. Stella spends most of her time in the hospital, this life is filled with routines and strict boundaries. Until, one day another patient with the same disease shows up, Will, he is impossibly charming, and from the start, there is an instant flirtation between the two. The problem that lies between the two they must stay six feet apart at all times to risk spreading bacteria. It becomes apparent to the two that they can´t live without each other, and they will risk anything to be with the other, even if that means taking a foot off of the rules.
Writing Style
Lippincott does an amazing job at making the book an easy read for teens. The disease is explained to young readers and jokes are made without the plot getting mocked. The writing is very plot-driven, which essentially means the story focuses on action, with a developed and exciting plot.
About the Author
Lippincott is a 30-year-old author from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She became a published author in 2018. She ultimately fell in love with writing young adult fiction while taking writing classes at the University of Pittsburgh. Five Feet Apart was the book that made her a published writer and was loved so heavily by audiences around the world that it was later picked up as a movie, starring actors Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse.
Themes
The novel explores many themes. The reader witnesses Death, Greif, and Guilt, Stella´s life takes a turn when her sister Abby dies in an accident. Stella was always prepared for her own death since cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening illness, but she never thought she would grieve the loss of her healthy sister. Abby’s death leaves Stella with survivor’s guilt. Risk and Consequence is another theme, Stella and Will’s romance is defined by their longing, yet inability, to be physically close. They both know that if they get within six feet of each other they risk transferring Will’s bacterial infection to Stella, which would cost Stella her life.
The main theme however of the novel is Love and sacrifice. Terminal illness and the danger of cross-infection frequently force Will and Stella to make difficult decisions about what they are willing to sacrifice to continue their romance. When they first met Stella is closed off to the idea of a relationship with Will. Since he carries a bacterial infection, but due to her overwhelming love she is ready to risk it all.
Conclusion
Overall the novel portrays a beautiful message and story. It shows what it is truly like to love someone, and what it is like to do anything for that type of love. Five Feet Apart is a well-written and extremely captivating novel that will appeal to teens all over the world. The story is filled with a detailed plot and intricate characters. It is definitely a must-read for fans of romance novels.
Extras
If you want a visual aid of the novel, the movie is available on streaming services Tubi and Philo for free. The novel is available for purchase on Amazon for $10.15 hardcover and $8.97.
