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A review by kchisholm02
Rules of Arrangement by Maren Mackenzie
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! From start to finish, this novel was face paced and engaging; I couldn't put it down. The plot had just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, but not so many I would get lost along the way and lose focus.
Maren Mackenzie poses a typical college student, Adelaide, faced with something we can all understand and provide sympathy for: looming debt and the fear of where that next paycheck comes from. Adelaide resorts to her own personal strengths--writing--and finds herself at the center of a semi-illegal business. Throughout the rest of the novel we get to experience Adelaide's resourcefulness play through while she tries to balance a new double life.
When Declan, an old friend with a shared history, resurfaces on Adelaide's domain, Adelaide shifts her financial gains focus to more pressing matters. She agrees to aid in Declan's scheme of seducing a well-off, highbrow art enthusiast. Adelaide's only goal: retrieve the lost paintings and help her friend find his spark for creating art again. The only problem? Jack Nolan, preconceived art snob, may not be as cold and appalling as Declan has made him out to be. Becoming increasingly intertwined in a web of lies created by both her and Declan, we bear witness to Adelaide push back against each force waiting and wanting her to fail.
In this novel, Mackenzie has created many complex characters who we get to befriend, empathize, and learn with. Adelaide's character teaches us how intricate and messy family life can be. Declan shows us it's okay to reach out and ask for help when you are struggling because there are always people around you who want to help. Jack exemplifies the epitome of not judging a book by its cover; there is always more to be discovered when you take the chance to get to know someone.
This book deals with mental health, independence, and estrangement. Maren Mackenzie does an commendable job taking each for what they are and showing readers to embrace who they are, and to go out and claim what they want.
Maren Mackenzie poses a typical college student, Adelaide, faced with something we can all understand and provide sympathy for: looming debt and the fear of where that next paycheck comes from. Adelaide resorts to her own personal strengths--writing--and finds herself at the center of a semi-illegal business. Throughout the rest of the novel we get to experience Adelaide's resourcefulness play through while she tries to balance a new double life.
When Declan, an old friend with a shared history, resurfaces on Adelaide's domain, Adelaide shifts her financial gains focus to more pressing matters. She agrees to aid in Declan's scheme of seducing a well-off, highbrow art enthusiast. Adelaide's only goal: retrieve the lost paintings and help her friend find his spark for creating art again. The only problem? Jack Nolan, preconceived art snob, may not be as cold and appalling as Declan has made him out to be. Becoming increasingly intertwined in a web of lies created by both her and Declan, we bear witness to Adelaide push back against each force waiting and wanting her to fail.
In this novel, Mackenzie has created many complex characters who we get to befriend, empathize, and learn with. Adelaide's character teaches us how intricate and messy family life can be. Declan shows us it's okay to reach out and ask for help when you are struggling because there are always people around you who want to help. Jack exemplifies the epitome of not judging a book by its cover; there is always more to be discovered when you take the chance to get to know someone.
This book deals with mental health, independence, and estrangement. Maren Mackenzie does an commendable job taking each for what they are and showing readers to embrace who they are, and to go out and claim what they want.