On the Jellicoe Road

From this distance everything is so bloody perfect.

This is the view from the top of the treehouse a group of '80s kids built. The prettiest road Narnie's ever seen. And one of the most poignant, affecting novels I have ever read.

On the Jellicoe Road is about two tales intertwined crafted by Australian writer Melina Marchetta. 17-year-old Taylor Markham struggles as the new leader of her house and the sudden disappearance of her guardian, Hannah. Immersing herself on Hannah's manuscript and the territorial wars, not only does she learn her probable whereabouts but also unravels something significant and gaining much more along the way.

Although confusing at first, this beautiful story slowly unfolds as the chapters run. Some revelations are quite foreseen; however, Marchetta's writing is as lovely as the plot she created. I like how she describes, enough to set the tone but also leaves some to the imagination. The lines are filled with emotion, something to reflect on. It is frustrating though when she often ends a scene hanging, leaving one wanting for more. 

"It's funny how you can forget everything except people loving you. Maybe that's why humans find it so hard getting over love affairs. It's not the pain they're getting over. It's the love."

I fell in love with the characters from the past and present (very much so with Jonah Griggs), their happiness and hurt, and the Jellicoe Road itself. I've dreamt of going there and befriending the boarders, townies, and cadets. Everything is so engrossing it felt real even up to the last page. There is always some sadness involved in closing a book. But the memory and impact of a great story is priceless.

-Martha