Review Detail

I began reading 'On the Jellicoe Road', only a few hours ago, not knowing what I would discover along the way, nor how I would feel when I turned the ending page.

Naturally, I read the praising reviews and anticipated a great and worthwhile read. However, I unknowingly remained unprepared for the utter brilliance of this novel. At first I was baffled and curious, questions plagued me at every page. But even then, I continued. Because I grew attached to the characters so quickly. Because I needed answers, just as Taylor did. Because I could feel this was going to be an exhilarating roller coaster ride.

Consequently, I became anxious that my high expectations would only lead to my being disappointed, in the end. Again, Marchetta proved me wrong. I was disappointed. But only because Tate, Webb, Hannah, Fritz, Jude, Taylor, Jonah, Raf, Chaz, Ben, Jessa and everyone else's stories would continue, and I could no longer witness it unfold in front of me.

Needless to say, I have fallen in love with this story.

The characters were so real and relatable, they became almost tangible. I could sympathise with them. Feel their anger, frustration, fear, pain, hopelessness and helplessness. But also their joy, faith, excitement, relief and affection. And even when I couldn't understand them, because they seemed more than just fragments of fiction, I was still able to love them and admire them for all that they were - quirks and flaws and all.

Taylor was a terrific heroine, and believable. She was clever and braver than she believed herself to be, but she wasn't perfect, and the best part is that no one in this novel is. Everyone is broken in some way, and everyone seems to want more - just as Taylor said. Of course, I can't not mention the fantastic Jonah Griggs, who stole my heart as well as Taylor's. Nor the five, whose friendship I will forever yearn for. All these characters were alive within the words of this story.

The reason why I adore this book so much is because everyone develops. They all learn lessons, discover truths and make their own revelations. And through this journey, they all help each other, need each other more than they are willing to admit. I realise that life is just like that. Whether you've experienced something akin to these characters on the 'Jellicoe Road', or just waiting for life to come knocking at your door, we all need each other to move on, to change, to belong and long to be.

What makes this story so profound is that reading it is experiencing it - it wasn't just a trip. It was a true journey; life goes on, like a never-ending Jellicoe Road: painful, unpredictable, wonderful. And it's up to us to make the most of the journey.

I have plenty more I could spew about this compelling novel, but I can't collect my thoughts properly yet as it is the first book in a long time that has made me cry. However, I do realise that I have mentioned little of the actual plot after all this gushing, and that is because I believe that this should be read without knowing much of anything - apart from that it is a wonderful novel.

Nevertheless, it is definitely one that should be jumping to the top of everyone's reading lists, and one that will permanently be on mine to relish over and over.

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Originally posted on Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/697840567