Reviewed by Kelly on
This book almost destroyed me.
I hadn't heard of Looking For JJ previously, but boy, this isn't one I'm likely to forget. The Notebook Sisters reviewed this one a few weeks ago, and the incredibly cryptic review had me excited to start reading, it's not often you come across so many vague reviews, but once you've discovered Jennifer Jones, you'll understand why. This book left me an emotional mess, it was distressing to say the least. Looking through Jennifer's memories of her childhood was traumatic, she may not have been physically abused, but what Jennifer had to endure was equally, if not more heartbreaking.
Anne Cassidy created a storyline that blurred the lines of what was reported as a criminal case, but provides Jennifer's story of how a child can commit what is seen as such a heinous crime. With the subject matter being so delicate, it was told in an innocent and childlike manner which you can't help but feel for Jennifer's character. I believe that her crime was a result of her environment, but still can't be excused. I don't think I've struggled with a review as much as I have with this book, it left me tired, emotional, conflicted and with a new perspective on how children are a product of their environment.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 2 April, 2014: Finished reading
- 2 April, 2014: Reviewed