A review by inesm_92
Essential Maps for the Lost by Deb Caletti

emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I generally enjoyed reading this book which offers a lot to think about in terms of how differently people may process grief and trauma. I did find the pace a bit slow at times.

I wasn't quite sold on the speed at which they become attached to each other and fall in love. I felt it made their relationship strongly based on co-dependency and borderline toxic. Almost made me root for them to never speak to each other again after he finds out about the truth. The last 3 chapters were my favourite ones as I thought the author explored really well that realisation that actually there are choices to be made in the way someone moves on or not from a traumatic experience in their lives. I liked seeing the characters move on from that mentality of 'I am what happened to me, and will be broken forever' to a more hopeful vision of their future.