This one is a bit different, and I’m not entirely sure how to categorize it. 

 

Told from the perspective of the neurodivergent heroine, the reader gets to experience the day-to-day life of Lenny Marks as her carefully constructed routines become disrupted by memories from the past. A letter from the parole board forms a crack in the armor Lenny began constructing the day her mother and stepfather disappeared, and things are set in motion that end up impacting how Lenny interacts with the world. 

 

It’s full of quirky moments with some heavier themes. 

 

I especially liked Ned and how he responds to Lenny, Kirra’s persistence in building a friendship with her, Lenny’s connection with her neighbor, Maureen, and the bond Lenny forms with Malcolm, the dog. 

 

I liked how the book opens the reader up to the perspective of a person who sees the world differently, includes discussions of mental health, and depicts some ways the human mind copes with trauma. 

 

I listened to an advance copy of the audiobook (so please excuse me if some of the character names are incorrect in this review). I liked how Annie Maynard’s narration captures Lenny’s world view and enjoyed her voices for the supporting characters as well. Please note that this book takes place in Australia, so the audiobook is told with Australian accents. 

 

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.