Jellicoe Road

Author: Melina Marchetta
Ages: 15+
Rating: 3.5/5

About: When she was eleven, Taylor's mother abandoned her at a 7/11. Since that time she's grown up at the Jellicoe boarding school, and she doesn't let anyone get close enough to her to abandon her. Or so she thought until her closest teacher mysteriously disappears.

Thoughts: I was recommended this novel by a fellow librarian who said it was "one of those novels that doesn't go out as often as it should." Now, after reading it, I think I can see why.

I felt confused when I started reading. The prologue occurs 20-some years before the start of the novel, and then there are italicized paragraphs interspersed throughout the story and I wasn't sure how it was all supposed to fit together. We shortly learn that the italicized sections are part of a manuscript the missing teacher has written, and which the heroine Taylor is reading. As I continued reading, the manuscript sections quickly became some of my favorite parts of the story -it is a beautiful and tragic story.

I also didn't like Taylor for most of the novel. She is mean and surly, an apparent shield that helps prevent her from getting too close to anyone who may abandon her again. Taylor has experienced more hurt than most of the kids at her boarding school, and the tragedy in her life seemed too unbelievable as I was reading it. Then we see Taylor starting to trust people and take responsibility for how she chooses to deal with everything, and all of a sudden I'm rooting for her -just like everyone else.

As the story progresses the pieces come together, the story gets more intriguing and partway through the book, the confusing start begins to take shape and have greater meaning. And I then I was hooked. Overall, a good story about a girl growing up and understanding her identity and her place in the world.

This is a book I would recommend for mature teen readers who would have the patience to continue reading through the slow start, or for adults who enjoy teen books.