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

emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Caroline O’Donoghue has perfected the formula for a meandering novel about the messiness of one’s early twenties. From the very start of The Rachel Incident, I felt a sort of melancholy nostalgia for those years of my life - when everything felt exciting and terrifying all wrapped up in one. 

By telling those story through adult Rachel’s lens, we’re able to see how these years unfolded while also getting a note of reflection. I mostly enjoyed this, although at times the time jump from past to present felt a little jarring.

The friendship between Rachel and James was really captivating. While toxic in some ways, their love for each other really makes this novel stand out. Again, O’Donoghue is masterful in the way she shows the bittersweet moments of friendship as one grows up. I truly felt for the two of them as they navigated the depressing reality of the recession, while also living through some extremely messy and complex relationships. 

This is a beautiful story about messy people trying to make their way. There are a few things that didn’t work perfectly for me, but overall I loved this book and will absolutely seek out this author’s work in the future.