Jellicoe Road

by Melina Marchetta

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This is one of those books that I’m sure I will never be able to do it justice. It is SO good that I’m not sure why it took me so long to read it either. On the Jellicoe Road is such an amazing read.

“My father took one hundred and thirty-two minutes to die.

I counted.

It happened on the Jellicoe Road. The prettiest road I’d ever seen, where trees made breezy canopies like a tunnel to Shangri-La. We were going to the ocean, hundreds of miles away, because I wanted to see the ocean and my father said that it was about time the four of us made that journey. I remember asking, ‘What’s the difference between a trip and a journey?’ and my father said, ‘Narnie, my love, when we get there, you’ll understand,’ and that was the last thing he ever said.”

On the Jellicoe Road is a combination of two parallel stories. On one hand we follow Taylor’s story, a story of heartbreak, friendships and lost love. Taylor’s story is told by her, in the first person. On the other hand, we have Narnie’s story, a story with a tragic ending that Taylor slowly uncovers by reading Hannah’s manuscript. Both stories intercept and intertwine in unexpected ways. I loved the mystery, the revealing of these truths. Underlying everything is the war for territory between cadets, townies, and students that takes place once a year, when the cadets come to camp near the Jellicoe School.

Taylor is such a complex character. She tries really hard to not care about anything or anyone because she was abandoned by her mother. She tries, but of course, the heart cannot be controlled, on the contrary, her emotions seem to be always raw and in turmoil. She’s a combination of strong and fragile, brave, fearless, and afraid at the same time. As I said, complex, loyal, and trying to find the truth about herself.

Now we come to Johan Griggs *sigh* He’s the leader of the cadets and had a short past encounter with Taylor. She was his redemption at a moment when he needed it more, but she doesn’t know it. It’s so nice to see how he tries to protect Taylor at every turn, and at the same time trying to understand her and to support her, even if her decisions are not always sound. He’s such a sweetie at heart and he loves Taylor so much. Did I mentioned he’s swoony too?

Their relationship grows slowly due to misunderstandings, pride and even prejudice (*pun intended*). But, it is a true pleasure to watch. These two characters are straightforward, honest to the point to rudeness, and perfect for each other.

“When I turn around, he cups my face in his hands and he kisses me so deeply that I don’t know who is breathing for who, but his mouth and tongue taste like warm honey. I don’t know how long it lasts, but when I let go of him, I miss it already.”

There are so many amazing characters in this book. Besides Taylor and Jonah, we get to know Santangelo, the leader of the townies who turns into a true friend for all of them. Raffy, who sticks to Taylor, no matter what, and who seems to have a story with Santangelo. Jessa, who admires and understands Taylor like few others can. Ben, who also sticks to Taylor, because he believes in her. Even Hannah, Webb and the rest of the five seem to come alive in the pages of the book. These characters are flawed, some heartbroken, some happy, some sick, some depressed, some in love, some looking for love. I great cast of characters!

The writing is so beautiful. I hope that the miracle of Marchetta’s storytelling continues throughout her work, I already purchased Saving Francesca so I can continue to experience her lyrical, insightful style. The plot of the story is confusing at times, but I think that’s my fault since I started the book in audio and it wasn’t always clear to me when the stories of Narnie and Taylor. I then switch to the eBook and it went much better. I promise that it all makes sense at the end.

“This isn’t romance. This isn’t a declaration of love or affirmation of friendship. This is something more.”

Overall, On the Jellico Road is an outstanding story of loss, redemption, and the power of love. A most read.

About the cover: To be honest, the cover doesn’t do anything for me.