Monday, October 28, 2013

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

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Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

4 stars

Taylor Markham was abandoned by her mother on the Jellicoe Road when she was eleven. Taylor struggles with depression and is haunted by questions of her mother. Hannah was the person who found her and she’s the closest person she has to family. Then she goes missing and to top it all off, Jonah Griggs is back in town and he’s the last person she wants to see. I started this book in June and finished it at the beginning on July. It almost took me a month to read Jellicoe Road. I’m trying to be honest here, but it’s hard because I’m not a hundred percent sure how I feel about this book. I loved the writing, but I didn’t always love the story. I always felt confused and suffocated with questions, a lot like Taylor. If that was the feeling Marchetta was going for she nailed it, but I don’t particularly like feeling like I’m drowning so it made parts of this book unbearable and frustrating. I know that so many people praise this book, but I’m disappointed by it. I finished this book months ago and I’m just now reviewing. I still don’t know what to say or how to say it, but I’m tired of it staring at me every time I look at my to-review shelf.


The main female character is Taylor. I never really liked Taylor all that much. She was tough for me to like for a good portion of the novel. I did eventually like her, but looking back I still don’t think she was a remarkable character. She does have a few redeeming qualities and she is easier to like towards the middle of the novel, but I personally thought she was too selfish for a good part of the novel. Her selfishness can be justified, but I can’t be bothered to care.


Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 7
The main male character is Jonah. I liked Jonah quite a bit. I didn’t swoon completely over him, but there were moments when Jonah had me feeling like I was on character cloud-nine. He was what made the story enjoyable when it hit snags.




Swoon Worthy Scale: 8.5

The Villain-

This cat did it. He’s evil. 


Villain Scale: 0
I did enjoy all the supporting characters. They were all funny and all had qualities that made me like reading about them. Not one character in this story was unnecessary. Santangelo and Raffy were my favorites.


Character Scale: 9

This novel can be frustrating. There’s a mystery and questions upon questions about the past and present. While this story had flaws, I did enjoy it. I just wish I would’ve enjoyed it more. The last 45% (around page 180) is where the story picks up and once you get to that point the book becomes much better and it is hard to put it down.




Cover Thoughts: I love the cover. It’s so pretty and different from most covers I usually pick up. It’s way better in person.

10 comments:

  1. I think this is one of the best books out there. Period. I love it to pieces and am so glad you enjoyed it! Wonderful, detailed, and thorough review! :)

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    1. I read your review for, Keertana and it was lovely. Thank you! :D

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  2. Oh sorry you were disappointed by this, Sarah. It did take some getting into and it was a bit confusing to figure this out. Hope you can find another Melina Marchetta you like. :)

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    1. I have read The Piper's Son and I thought it was marvelous. Thanks for stopping by.:)

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  3. Hah hah, the KITTEN.

    Four stars is pretty generous for a book you struggled with--but you know, I ended up doing the same thing. I felt like I had to give it points for technique, although for me, it also came at the expense of a more emotional connection to the stories and characters, too.

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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    1. That was how I felt, Wendy. This book lacked, but that doesn't mean it wasn't well written. I just didn't enjoy it.

      P.S. I love the cat.:3

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  4. I really loved this book -- it had a narrative structure that was really different and definitely took some time to adjust to, but I ended up liking it a lot!
    Thanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed it, too! It was hard to get into. :)

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  5. Oh well I am glad you enjoyed it a little. And yes Jonah. THE CAT!!! XD I actutally really enjoyed this one, though not a personal favorite but a really good one. I can see how you can not like it so I definitely respect your opinons all the way. Every book isn't for every one.

    I guess cause there were so many little things that made me connect to the main character and story. Like it was a beautiful story. And the little mysterious made it so interesting! I can get why some would be fustrated...I just think it's pure brilliant. ^^

    Wonderful review, Sarah! Hopefully you doing good?

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Delaney! This book just didn't blow me away like I thought it would. I'm glad you really loved it though! I'm doing alright! Could be better, but it could also be worse.

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