A review by jareadforfilth
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue

emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book so much, the writing just sucks you in and Rachel is such a magnetic character, through all of her flaws and insecurities there is such a heart there. This story is mostly a retrospective which I think is perfect because of the amount of strain and stress that comes through, letting us know that in the end Rachel is more or less ok from the beginning. I also love what an amazing ally she was to her roommate and think the queerness in this story is beautifully represented, visceral, and authentic. I could see bits of myself in James throughout and the sentiments he experienced in his identity. The great drama at the crux of this story is so ruthless, and the perseverance displayed is aspirational. Through so much hardship, beauty emerged and it just makes me sooooo hopeful and inspired. This book is exceptional!!
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