By Aisha Y., Glen Burnie High School
Living with Viola by Rosena Fung is an honest and relatable story about a young girl that struggles with anxiety and other insecurities. In the book, the depression, anxiety, and insecurities of Viola, the main character, manifest into a shadowy creature that constantly looms over her. This manifestation is named “Livy”, a spin on Viola’s name. Livy constantly demeans Viola throughout the duration of the book; judging her for her choices. Along with shedding light and providing insight on mental health struggles within children, this book touches on struggles with socioeconomic status, culture, and friend groups. Viola is an Asian American that struggles with fitting into her friend group and having anxiety. I’ve read this book twice in my life, once in middle school, and once during my freshman year.
When I read the book during middle school, I found Viola as a character quite difficult to receive. She was too eccentric. But, when I read it again with a more nuanced lens, I received the book and its characters more warmly. I think the book is great for children who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders, but for kids that don’t relate, I don’t think this book would be extremely interesting. Regardless, Rosena Fung did a splendid job bringing the characters to life. Overall, Living with Viola is a wonderful story.
Check out Living With Viola by Rosena Fung.