A review by the_escape_artist_
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

2.0

Spoiler

This book was a massive disappointment. First off, I have issues with the writing style. This book is the best example of tell not show. So often there would be some lovely imagery followed by a line that explicitly explained the imagery to the reader. Give us some credit, let us have our own thoughts as readers. Additionally, there were factual errors in the pregnancy and fertility treatment stuff and that took me right out of the story.

There was also too much going on. Having Maggie and Evelyn both have these tragic twisty stories was confusing and unnecessary. It honestly felt like the writer had two story lines in mind, couldn’t decide which one was better, so included them both. She really needed a stronger editor.

Furthermore, every abortion story was dramatic, this was a mistake. If you want to tell a story about how abortion is necessary, show the women who are in very normal scenarios. The women that could be any of us.

I would have given this book a 3.5 or 4 except for that ending! The story had merits, and despite my issues it was still and interesting story. But the ending!! Wtf. The stabbing, the identity change, the obit. Why?!? No one was ever looking for her! Also, no, it is not in fact that easy to assume an identity, particularly not if you’re going to have a job that requires a professional license. Maybe if you never wanted a passport or to attend university okay, but not in the case of someone like Evelyn/Maggie. This twist was lazy, unnecessary, and honestly ruined the book.

This book needed a better editor, it read like a self published novel, which was a disappointment since the story was interesting and the topic is important.