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Toffee summary
Brief summary
Toffee is a touching novel by Sarah Crossan that tells the story of a young girl who runs away from her abusive home and finds refuge with an elderly woman suffering from dementia. It explores themes of identity, friendship, and the power of love.
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Toffee
Summary of key ideas
Toffee: A Tale of Identity and Empathy
In Toffee by Sarah Crossan, we are introduced to Allison, a teenage girl who is running away from home to escape an abusive father and a stepmother who is unable to protect her. Allison ends up in a seaside town, where she takes on the identity of a girl named Toffee, the name of a jar of toffees she found in the house of a woman named Marla, who suffers from dementia and mistakes her for an old friend.
As Toffee, Allison finds herself forming an unlikely friendship with Marla, and the two women bond over shared memories and the comfort of a jar of toffees. Despite the challenges, Allison finds a sense of belonging and peace in Marla's company. She also gets a job at a local fish and chip shop and starts to build a life for herself, far away from her troubled past.
Throughout the story, we learn about Toffee's past, her abusive father, and her absent mother. We also get glimpses into Marla's life and the struggles she faces due to her dementia. The book beautifully captures the complexities of their relationship and the comfort they find in each other's company, despite their shared loneliness and struggles.
The Emotional Journey of Self-Discovery
As the story progresses, Allison gradually comes to terms with her past, her real name, and who she truly is. She reflects on her life, her family, and the person she wants to become. The name Toffee, which initially served as a disguise, becomes a symbol of her journey and the new identity she's formed for herself.
Marla, too, plays a crucial role in Allison's journey of self-discovery. Despite her dementia, she offers Allison a kind of unconditional love and acceptance she has never experienced before. Through Marla, Allison learns about empathy, patience, and the power of human connection, even in the most unexpected circumstances.
Unveiling the Harsh Realities of Life
Toffee doesn't shy away from portraying the harsh realities of life, especially for young people like Allison. The book addresses issues such as domestic abuse, neglect, and the challenges faced by those suffering from dementia. It provides a raw and honest portrayal of these struggles, highlighting the impact they have on individuals and their relationships.
Despite these harsh realities, the book also offers a message of hope and resilience. Through Allison's journey, we see how it is possible to overcome adversity, find strength in unexpected places, and carve out a new path for oneself.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Toffee is a poignant and powerful story about identity, empathy, and the resilience of the human spirit. It delves deep into the emotional and psychological complexities of its characters, offering a nuanced exploration of their inner worlds. The book leaves us with a sense of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of finding light and a sense of self.
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What is Toffee about?
Toffee is a poignant and beautifully written novel by Sarah Crossan. It tells the story of a young girl named Allison who runs away from her abusive home and finds refuge in an elderly woman's house. The woman, suffering from dementia, mistakes Allison for an old friend named Toffee. As their unlikely friendship develops, they both find solace and understanding in each other's company. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and the power of human connection.
Toffee Review
Toffee (2019) explores the unlikely friendship between Allison and Marla, delving into themes of family, belonging, and self-discovery. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
- It tackles emotional depth with grace, resonating with readers through its poignant exploration of identity and connection.
- Through its vivid character dynamics, the story unfolds in a way that keeps you invested in the characters' journeys and relationships.
- The book's narrative twists and turns add a layer of intrigue, ensuring that it never strays into predictable territory, keeping the reader engaged throughout.
Who should read Toffee?
Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories
Those interested in exploring themes of identity and self-discovery
People who appreciate lyrical and poetic writing styles
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Toffee FAQs
What is the main message of Toffee?
The main message of Toffee is about finding acceptance, love, and identity.
How long does it take to read Toffee?
Reading Toffee takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Toffee a good book? Is it worth reading?
Toffee is worth reading for its touching narrative and character depth.
Who is the author of Toffee?
Sarah Crossan is the author of Toffee.
What to read after Toffee?
If you're wondering what to read next after Toffee, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright