Review Summaries

• Readers value the way the novel slowly pieces together memory and the tension between its characters. The emotional layers deepen as it goes, leaving a lasting afterimage.

Reviews

• This is one of those books that demand to be read over and over again. It’s a touching story that follows Taylor Markham, whose trying to find the mystery of her mother. Honestly, this book is so darn good that it hurts to read sometimes because it’s so full of wisdom. I love Taylor and being in her head. Although, I wish there was a little more to her grief, I absolutely recommend this book. With the second time reading, everything makes so much more sense. The first time I read it, it was very confusing. Every review you will read about this book will confirm this. Since it’s confusing, some DNF this book, but honestly, I think you should just finish it. It’s such a beautiful journey of Taylor coming to terms with her past and the mystery of Jellicoe Road. I loved all the friendships in here especially the ones between Santangelo and Jonah, although they butt heads most of the time. Their friendship is one of those where they hate each other, but in the end, they both care about the same people. But seriously, the friendship is everything in this novel. Everything about this book felt so deep, alive and rich. And of course, JONAH. He is the best thing in this novel. SERIOUSLY. I own both the ebook and the physical copy and you wouldn’t believe how much I highlighted Jonah’s dialogue. He is perfect. One of the best male interests ever. Honestly, I wouldn’t hesitate to marry this guy. He comes off a cold, stand-offish kind of guy, but he’s really sweet and caring towards Taylor. And uggghhh, he’s the definition of bae. I absolutely loved reading this time around. And will definitely be re-reading this again in 2018.

• I’ve had a really good run of luck with my reading in 2015 so far. Most of the books I’ve read have been great. I’ve been handing out 5 stars left, right and centre on Amazon and Goodreads and giving many recommendations to my friends and family on what to read next. It’s been unusual, because I am actually quite a fussy reader, but I’m not complaining because obviously we all love a great book. However, now I’ve read On The Jellicoe Road. Suddenly all those 5 star books have become 4 stars. Possibly even 3.5. I feel I’ve been far too generous. Because if ever a book truly deserved 5 stars then this book is it. In fact I think Amazon and Goodreads should have an option that once a year you could give one book a 6 star rating, because then you would hang onto that 6 star rating, saving it until something really surpassed all those other really good books read. This book would have got my 6 star rating. I’m going to try not to rave too much, I’ll try and keep this review as brief as possible whilst at the same time do justice to how amazing it is. Like some of the other reviewers on here have said, the first section of the book is a little confusing. I’m glad I read those reviews before reading the book as it was thanks to them that I knew to persevere and all would make sense in a short while. And whilst it was a little confusing to begin with, that did not put me off as the style of writing was brilliant and there was enough going on to make me curious to know more. And the reviewers were right, it wasn’t long before everything started to make sense. By the time that point came I couldn’t put this book down. I’m not going to give away too much of the storyline, I agree with a lot of the other reviews that this book should be read without too much knowledge about it. I will mention that when I started reading it I had the impression that it was a dystopian novel. I don’t know why I thought that, perhaps because I’d been reading so much of that genre recently. Or perhaps to do with the description which talked about territory wars and factions. Anyway it is not a dystopian novel, it is set in modern day Australia. I wanted to clarify that in case anyone else is under the same impression as to begin with it added a little to my confusion. I will also say that it is about love, heartbreak, friendship, loneliness, hope and despair. The writing is amazing, I can’t describe it in a way that does it justice other than to say that by the time I closed this book I felt like I was closing a door on a place I’d like to call home and people I’d like to call friends. And I was going to miss it. (And I do). It has pushed every one of my emotional buttons. I laughed (out loud and often). <i>“What's with what you're wearing?" Griggs asks while we stand outside waiting for the others. "It's pretty hideous, isn't it?" I say. "Don't force me to look at it," he says. "It's see-through." That kills conversation for a couple of seconds.</i> And I cried. I would like to point out that I rarely properly cry when reading a book. I might feel a little choked or emotional, but this book brought about actual real tears. <i>My father took one hundred and thirty-two minutes to die. I counted. It happened on the Jellicoe Road. The prettiest road I’d ever seen, where trees made breezy canopies like a tunnel to Shangri-La. We were going to the ocean, hundreds of miles away, because I wanted to see the ocean and my father said that it was about time the four of us made that journey. I remember asking, 'What’s the difference between a trip and a journey?' and my father said, 'Narnie, my love, when we get there, you’ll understand.' And that was the last thing he ever said.” </i> Even now just thinking about some of the events or lines in the book evoke a strong reaction and I can find myself smiling or welling up. They say asking a reader to name their favourite book is like asking a mother to name their favourite child, nearly impossible. I am not saying that this book is my favourite, but it certainly up there amongst them. This is a book that would pop into my head should I ever be asked that question. You won’t regret reading it. And the best bit, it’s even better the second time around!

• Ten Likes/Dislikes 1. (+) Taylor Markham, the protagonist - Oh, Taylor. I really wanted to hug this girl. She can be so abrasive and she has trouble admitting that she needs people and she tends to run or avoid things that could hurt her. In short, she's so vulnerable... and yet also so strong, determined, and smart. To endure what she has and to thrive in a school for clever people, to lead her fellow House mates and to look for truths despite the pain they will cause - she is a remarkable heroine who undergoes such growth (seriously, jaw-dropping growth: I am in awe of this author's talent to bring together various plot threads on Taylor & making her that much more complex). 2. (+) World-building - I will admit to having felt some confusion with the story taking place in an Australian boarding school, but even if the terms were different, I understood the gist of what was being said (though I did wish I understood the school dynamics a bit more). Once the novel started, I appreciated all the details about Jellicoe Road and School - the House dynamics, the territory war between the Cadets, Townies, and Houses (and all the rules involved! the strategics!), the initiation phase for leaders, past and present accounts of the three groups and how the war started, the teachers and rivers and the Praying Tree and the history of the place. It was really refreshing to have such a unique twist on the typical high school narrative in contemporary YA. One thing, however, that I really wished for: a map of the Jellicoe School. It would have made it easier for me to picture the demarcations between Cadet, Townie, and House land. 3. (+) Romance - Jonah Griggs. Jonah Griggs. Jonah Griggs. Maybe if I write his name enough, you will understand how awesome this character is. He's not just there as a support, or a crutch on Taylor. He has his own growth to undergo, his own past to face. His characterization, secrets, and the truth of his moody stares--!!! So very intense and satisfying. Few couples actually make me feel something, but the history behind Taylor and Jonah and the way it interacts with their present was done remarkably well. Best of all, it felt real because there were arguments and tension-filled moments, yet they were both balanced by the sweet moments. 4. (+) Plotting - Even though I guessed the major twists less than halfway through, I still wanted to keep reading, at least to confirm my suspicions and for the emotional resonance of the story (definite pay-off there!)... and yet, there were some twists I didn't see coming, and at the end, I could only admire the intricate plotting and thought that went into creating this beautifully crafted novel. 5. (+) Characterization - There are a lot of characters in this novel. A lot. And yet each one had distinct motives and personality traits and there are so many lovable ones who are defined by just a few scenes, scenes that give you insight into who they truly are and how their connections to Taylor strengthen her character development. Narnie, Webb, Fitz, Tate, Jude, Sam, Griggs, Jessa, Chaz, Raffy, Ben, Santangelo's father, etc. 6. (+/-) The Beginning - I will say this: it was a bit hard for me to get into the story, because it's quite confusing at first. You're not really eased into the story, you're just expected to go along with it, though you won't get many answers for some while.... but the pay-off is definitely worthwhile. 7. (+) Themes/History - Love, grief, connections, history. One of the better parts of this novel, I think, is the way history ties into the world-building, the characterization and character connections/friendships (and not just between Taylor and everyone else but among the side cast), and the growth Taylor undergoes. The obvious impact and intermingling of past, present, and future went really with the lyricism of the writing. 8. (+) Writing - This is so beautifully written. It may be hard to get into at first, but there is a sort of dreaminess about the narrative (sometimes I was like: this is contemporary, right? Not magical realism?). It's the sort of lyricism and truth that reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater and Gayle Forman--what their styles would be like meshed together. Every time, I was taken anew not only by the beautiful descriptions but also by the way in which Ms. Marchetta wove plot threads and details together into this gut-wrenching story. 9. (+) Pacing - I already admitted to sometimes being frustrated that the secrets weren't all being revealed at once, but I could appreciate the careful grace in which everything came to light. The story has constant momentum for each of its (sub-)plots. 10. (+) The Cover - I'm assuming that's a poppy, and if so, it's beautifully appropriate, and I personally am a huge fan of the red paint and green scenery and title font. I understand why this book won a Pulitzer. I understand why so many YA book bloggers champion Melina Marchetta. I understand, and I am going to read her fantasy series soon. Jellicoe Road is an intricately crafted masterpiece on the intertwining of love and grief, and what (or who) holds you together. Fans of John Green and Rainbow Rowell, for one, would enjoy this addition to YA contemporary lit, but I would recommend this novel to everyone.

• Super! J'ai adoré! Je le conseille à tous, je suis certaine que vous aimerez aussi. Belle histoire très bien construite.

• El libro vino un poquito descascarillado por los bordes y creo que cada vez se descascarilla más, hay que tener mucho cuidado. La calidad es bastante mala, creo que mejor sería comprarlo en tapa dura. El inglés asequible, solo tengo un b1 y lo entiendo bastante bien, tengo que buscar una o dos palabras por página en el diccionario.

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