{"product_id":"9780063476714_the-sunflower-boys-a-novel","title":"The Sunflower Boys: A Novel","description":"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA poignant coming-of-age story with the sensitivity and haunting power of \u003cem\u003eWhat Belongs to You\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSwimming in the Dark,\u003c\/em\u003e about a young boy wrestling with his sexuality as war breaks out in modern Ukraine.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn many ways, twelve-year-old Artem’s life in Chernihiv, Ukraine, is normal. He spends his days helping on his grandfather’s sunflower farm, drawing in his sketchbook—a treasured gift from his father, who works in America—and swimming in the river with his little brother, Yuri. In secret, Artem has begun wrestling with romantic feelings for his best friend, Viktor. In a country where love between two boys is unthinkable, Artem has begun to worry that growing up, his life will never be normal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThen, on a February night, Artem and Yuri are woken by explosions—the beginning of a war that will tear their life in two. The invading Russians destroy their home, killing their mother and grandfather, and leaving young Artem and Yuri to fend for themselves. Fleeing in hopes of somehow reuniting with their father, the brothers traverse the country their ancestors once fought and died for, with nothing but their backpacks and each other. Surrounded by death and destruction, Artem is certain of one thing—that whatever may come, he must keep himself and his brother alive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA harrowing and gorgeous tale of love, identity, lost innocence, and survival set in a time of devastating war, \u003cem\u003eThe Sunflower Boys\u003c\/em\u003e is a powerful, heartrending exploration of young queer love, the Ukrainian spirit, and a family’s struggle to survive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sam Wachman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46895157018773,"sku":"9780063476714","price":34.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0484\/3175\/9509\/files\/9780063476714_813718f0-964b-4d76-9810-9abc6045176b.jpg?v=1776888161","url":"https:\/\/harpercollins.com.au\/products\/9780063476714_the-sunflower-boys-a-novel","provider":"HarperCollins AU","version":"1.0","type":"link"}