Book of the Week: Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Eighteen years ago a brutal accident on Jellicoe Road brought five kids together changing the course of their lives forever.
Years later, at the age of eleven, Taylor Markham is abandoned by her mother on the same road. By seventeen she is reluctantly appointed the student leader of Jellicoe Boarding School as the territory wars with the Cadets and Townies loom ahead. When Hannah, the closest thing Taylor has to family disappears, she is left with a host of unanswered questions. Desperate for answers but clouded by misunderstanding Taylor must find a connection between her mothers whereabouts, Hannah's departure, a hermit who once whispered something in her ear, the boy in her dreams, the events of eighteen years ago and even the reappearance of the enigmatic Jonah Griggs if she is to piece together the puzzle of her past. For in doing so, she may be able to change the direction of her future.
Cast of Characters:
One of the strongest elements of Jellicoe Road is the abundance of characters who practically breathe through the pages. Marchetta masterfully describes multiple aspects of each person's personality through just a few lines of dialogue. At once intimidating and vulnerable Taylor Markham is a force to be reckoned with as far as literary characters go. She's fierce, headstrong, courageous, loyal and deep down longs for lasting relationships despite all the walls she builds around herself. Luckily she has a friend in the sensitive, determined Raffy, a great foil for Taylor's tough exterior. Rounding out the trio is goofy Ben who sort of dances to the beat of his own drum (or to his own violin music). Jonah Griggs, the leader of the Cadets at first appears to be a stoic, tough guy character but as he becomes more integral to Taylor's life a softer, sympathetic side is revealed; the chemistry between the two characters sizzles as well! The story goes back and forth between present day characters and lives of the kids who lived on Jellicoe Road eighteen years ago. Narnie, Webb, Fitz, Jude and Tate have an amazing bond. I loved each and every one of them; my heart broke at their tragedies, I smiled at their adventures and longed for their happiness. Even characters with smaller roles to play were wonderful. There is Jessa, a younger student at Jellicoe School who is bright and loving; Santengelo, the charming leader of the Townies and Santengelo's parents who are hilarious and nurturing. By the end of the story, I wished I could transport myself into the book and becomes friends with every single person.
Novel Seller or Storyteller?:
Deceptively simple, Marchetta's writing eased its way into my soul, creating a world and characters that left an indelible mark. From the very first page I was captivated by the gut-wrenching beauty emanating in each line of dialogue and description:
I remember asking "What's the difference between a trip and a journey?" and my father said, "Narnie, my love, when we get there, you'll understand," and that was the last thing he ever said."
"Taylor Markham," she said, "I'm going to say a prayer for you." And although I wanted to mock her and explain I didn't believe in anything or anyone, I realised that no one had ever prayed for me before. So I let her."
For reasons he couldn't understand a sadness came over him and it was then he saw the girl standing on the other side of the dirt road, her eyes pools of absolute sorrow, her light brown hair glowing in the splinters of sunlight that forced their way through the trees.
And I told him everything. About my first memory, sitting on the shoulders of a giant who I know can only be my father. Of touching the sky. Of lying between two people who read me stories of wild things and journeys with dragons, the soft hum of their voices speaking of love and serenity. See, I remember love. That's what people don't understand.
There are also moments of humor wonderfully dispersed throughout the novel.
On the other side of the cell Jonah Griggs and Santengelo are too busy sizing each other up like two demented pit bulls who have to prove who's got the biggest....attitude.
The Mullet Brothers are offended beyond words, staring at Santangelo as if he has betrayed them, and without even having to consult each other they turn and walk away towards the stage in a huff.
"What she actually means, girls, is what was it like out there? Kind of describe it to us," Jessa says, beaming at them and then at me. Trini beams at her and there's a lot of beaming happening.
Theme Song:
Songs and musicians are intertwined throughout the story ranging from Guns'N'Roses to Kenny Rogers. Perhaps the most vital to the story is the song Flame Trees by Cold Chisel. However, I think the cover by Sarah Blasko would suit a film version as opposed to the original which may sound too dated for a modern film. I also think the change in arrangement catches the wistfulness so many of the characters feel.
The Verdict:
Jellicoe Road is a magnetic, entertaining and at times, devastating story. I found myself suctioned to each page, entrapped in the lives of its characters. While there was some confusion at the beginning, everything came together beautifully. Rarely do I read books I want to revisit but this one was just as amazing the second time around. I was confronted with the side of myself that longs to belong, to be apart of a community of family and friends, to feel loved unconditionally and to find home. This may be one of the best books I have ever happened upon in my life, and it will not be soon forgotten.
Tasty Eats of the Week:
Peanut Butter Surprise Cupcakes
My friend P. from London sent me this recipe a few weeks ago. I had written off using coconut flour exclusively in my recipes after making coconut cookies the first week I was on the SCD diet. They turned out tasty but EXTREMELY dry. To my surprise and delight these cupcakes were light and buttery. You can get the recipe for these here. I cut the recipe for the peanut butter surprise part in half which turned out really well. You can also substitute with almond butter.
Garlic and Lentil Hummus with Carrots and Dried Apricot
I used to really enjoy eating hummus before I went on my diet. Most store-bought hummus contains garbanzo beans and lots of additives both of which are illegal on the SCD diet. This turned out a bit blander than I had hoped but it goes really well with vegetables and dried apricots (weird, I know!). Next time I am going to add more spices and even more garlic. I used pressed garlic from a bottle I bought at Trader Joe's instead of roasting the garlic and crushing it up myself. That could have influenced the taste as well. The directions call for soaking the lentils up to 6 hours, however you only need to do this if you are on the SCD diet. If not, you can skip that step! The recipe for the hummus is here.
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