Book Review of "Revolution" by Jennifer Donnelly

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Title: Revolution

Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Classification: YA Fiction, Historical Fiction, Contemporary
Source: Bought!

Overall Grade: 

A+ 

Would I read it again? 

Yes!

Would I recommend it? 

Yes. Already have.

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Summary (from Goodreads):

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.

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My Thoughts:

You need to read this book. Even if you've already read it, read it again. If you first read a copy from the library, like I did, spend $10 to order it from Amazon, like I did.

I want you to believe me when I say that I literally have nothing bad to say about this book. 

I felt an immediate, intense connection to Andi. We are thrown into her hard life as she struggles to succeed in school, compensate for her mother's mental illness, and battle the demons of her brother's death two years ago. Andi takes an anti-anxiety, anti-depression medication called Qwell, which she manipulates depending on her mood. If you know anyone that suffers from depression, or personally suffer from it yourself, Andi's life will certainly ring true.

Music and history reign supreme in Revolution. In the novel, you are only in Andi's head until one-third of the way into the book. That's where we meet Alexandrine, AKA Alex, living in Revolutionary France, acting as companion to the doomed Prince Louis-Charles. Alex's story was extremely riveting and her voice true. I found Alex's journal entries as compelling as Andi's voice in modern-day Paris and New York. Donnelly weaves these two narratives together with seriously impressive skill.

The music aspect comes into the novel right off the bat. Andi plays guitar, sings and writes her own songs. I loved reading about the way that music helped Andi along in the most difficult times of her life. Also, it was interesting to read about the subject of her school project, which is why she was forced to Paris with her father in the first place, Amade Malherbeau.

Just when you think you understand the type of book you've gotten yourself into, Donnelly completely throws a curve-ball and merges Andi and Alex's worlds into one in an amazing, unforgettable way.

I know that this review is all over the place, but that's only because Revolution has so much to offer: Music, history, loss, grief, triumph, mystery and yes, romance. Don't even get me started on the romance in this book. It's definitely one of my favorite love stories in all the young adult fiction that I have ever read. Truly.

Please read this book. You will never, ever forget it!

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Overall Grade: 

A+ 

Would I read it again? 

Yes!

Would I recommend it? 

Yes. Already have.

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