Handful — A Boy at the End of the Rainbow
First glances, good timing, and the courage to be seen and to love
Finding Yourself in a World of Differences
Handful is a witty, warm coming-of-age story set in Finland. Tuomas — red-haired, restless — meets Esa, the new boy at the dojo with a gaze as steady as his judo stance. Their push-and-pull through spring into a hopeful autumn charts first love, identity, and the bravery it takes to grow up.
A prequel to The Birthmark Murders, it deepens the backstories you’ll meet in Death Is a Cabare
Set against the backdrop of a Finnish university town's suffocating reality, the novel intricately weaves the lives of its protagonists through their trials and triumphs. Readers are introduced to Tuomas, a spirited gay youth whose fiery red hair is as unruly as his burgeoning sense of self, and Esa, whose quiet resilience and profound intellect challenge Tuomas in unexpected ways. Their journey through adolescence, loss, longing and love is marked by a series of misadventures and milestones, from judo classes to introspective moments that define their futures.
Lucky crafts each chapter with a delicate balance of humor and heartache, pulling us deeper into the lives of these characters as they navigate the complexities of sexual identity, friendship, and ambition. With "Handful," Lucky not only enriches the narrative of his debut novel but also invites readers to view its characters through a lens of empathy and understanding, setting the stage for the darker themes they will encounter in "Death Is a Cabaret."
Prepare to be captivated by Janus Lucky's evocative storytelling. " Handful promises to reflect youthful exuberance and explore the events that compel us to embrace our true selves. This novel is not just a prequel; it is a heartfelt invitation to witness the early sparks of character that ignite into the full blaze of intrigue and mystery in Lucky's subsequent works.
Here are some songs the story refers to:
Elton John: I'm Still Standing
Dire Straits: Money For Nothing
Sinéad O'Connor: Nothing Compares 2 U
The Beatles: All You Need Is Love
You can listen to the first chapter of The Handful from above.
“Handful held the reader in its grip because there was nothing unnecessary in it,” says beta reader Reija Lampi-Parvela.
What early reader says:
Interested? Let’s get in touch.
Send me a message if you want to have an interview, ask any questions, or want to become a beta reader.
As a beta reader of Janus Lucky's Handful, I was captivated by the nuanced portrayal of Tuomas and Esa, two teens exploring friendship and identity. The setting is vivid, and the dialogue is genuine, bringing the characters' emotional journeys to life. Lucky's narrative is both engaging and reflective, making Handful a promising addition to young adult literature. It’s a compelling read that offers depth and invites introspection. As a bonus, it also made the LGBTQ+ story relatable for a straight man like me.
– Arthur I., beta reader
Amy
★★★★★