J's Musings

Review by Janhavi

I finally finished Holly Jackson’s YA catalogue! I say that like its an achievement, even though its only 6 books. Anyway, I’m so happy that I get to say that, because it makes me feel like a legit superfan. No idea how weird that sounds. I also have a little bit of gnawing anxiety in my gut because I have not read enough books this year, reviewed even less so. But I have my goals, and I’ll get to them when I will.

Keeping my excitement and anxiety aside (for a moment), I think I also found my favourite Holly Jackson book. And there are so many reasons for that, almost too many.

It took me a week to finish this book, because I was buddy reading it with a friend, as we both had only one book left by the author.

I think, if it wasn’t for that, it would’ve taken me not more than 3 days to finish this book.

Holly Jackson’s writing is smooth as always, easy to read with an uninterrupted flow. She twists words in an addictive manner that helps you forget the thin line between real life and fiction.

The plot revolves around 18-year-old Bel, living with her father. Because 16 years ago, her mother disappeared without a trace. Despite never having been in her life, Rachel’s life shadows over Bel’s more often than not. The case is closed, Rachel presumed dead. Until, a true crime documentary shakes things up, dragging things left in the past.

While Bel can’t wait for things to go back again, Rachel reappears, and now nothing can go back to how it was…

If that sounds crazy enough, the book has even more twists and turns in store. I won’t say its anything too crazy that NO ONE can figure out, but its definitely unexpected for a regular reader like me and my friend.

To go more so into detail, lets start with the heart of a book, the plot. While the basic premises of the book is already twisted, as we get into the book, the sense of something weird takes over from page one. Like something is just wrong, but you can’t quite tell what. Slowly, the story unwinds and spirals into some sort of insanity that took me by surprise. I love how everything progresses, making way for each tiny mystery to be solved and ends in a way that is deeply rooted in today’s reality.

Next, the writing. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, Holly Jackson was born knowing how to write thrillers in the most unsettling way, which are rooted in the reality. Its so scary, because it can happen in real life. She weaves words together in a way that blurs lines between the book world and the real world.

Lastly, the characters. If someone knows teenage girls, its Holly – expert on teen girls – Jackson. The anxiety, uneasiness, lack of friendships. Like so many elements in the book, the characters feel very alive. Like they could exist and no one would raise an eyebrow about if they were from our world or not.

Bel is unlikeable, in ways that aren’t overdone, but just feel so toe curling. Mainly, because she is so relatable. I loved Bel; her anger, her bitterness, her way of protecting herself and her people, just the whole package.

Rachel is a very well written character that I wont reveal much about, because I think its better to discover her as you go. Other characters are also flawlessly flawful. [Yes, I made that word up]

I think, as a person who loves the human psychology, Holly Jackson’s mysteries appeal to me. She considers human thought, development and nature so well, she exceeds herself each time with her ability to put together a practical world and story.

As a now certified superfan [I will not give up on that], I definitely believe that ‘The Reappearance of Rachel Price’ is one of Jackson’s best, most thrilling works.

For anyone looking to start reading Holly Jackson’s books, this is the best entry gate, and if you want to save the best for the last. Well, you have 5 books to go through before you can [hopefully] have your cake, and eat it too.

I give this book a 10/10. From simply the vibe, to the details, ‘The Reappearance of Rachel Price’ outdoes all other works by Holly Jackson. I really hope you read this book and share your thoughts below.

Wishing you a good Wednesday and an even better read,

Janhavi ❤