Book Review: The Window by Amelia Brunskill
Media Type: Print Book (ARC)
Title: The Window
Author: Amelia Brunskill
Publisher: Delacorte
Pages: Hardcover; 352
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Source: Publisher
—————————————–
Content Screening: Nothing of note.
HDB Rating: 4 Keys to My Heart
Recommended to: Readers who enjoy mysteries with a slow burn, and a big finish.
Add it on: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Anna is everything her identical twin is not. Outgoing and athletic, she is the opposite of quiet introvert Jess. The same on the outside, yet so completely different inside–it’s hard to believe the girls are sisters, let alone twins. But they are. And they tell each other everything.
Or so Jess thought.
After Anna falls to her death while sneaking out her bedroom window, Jess’s life begins to unravel. Everyone says it was an accident, but to Jess, that doesn’t add up. Where was Anna going? Who was she meeting? And how long had Anna been lying to her?
Jess is compelled to learn everything she can about the sister she thought she knew. At first it’s a way to stay busy and find closure . . . but Jess soon discovers that her twin kept a lot of secrets. And as she digs deeper, she learns that the answers she’s looking for may be truths that no one wants her to uncover.
Because Anna wasn’t the only one with secrets.
Well now, this was a pleasant surprise! I don’t think I’ve read too many YA mystery novels, or if I have I don’t quite remember them, so this was a nice place to settle in. My first thought is that Amelia Brunskill has quite a talent for pacing, which I’ll expand on in a bit. The Window drew me in, and I ran through it so quickly that it actually surprised me. I love effortless reads, and this book definitely fits that bill.
Jess and Anna. Anna and Jess. The twin angle was a beautiful addition to this story, because of the even sharper contrast between their two personalities. The same on the outside, but so very different in all other aspects. I loved how Brunskill slowly unveiled Anna’s thoughts and feelings, as Jess slowly dove further and further into her sister’s life. I think it’s such a truth that we never really know someone, even an identical sibling, as much as we think we did. For Jess, Anna’s life is this enigma. It takes her death to change to that at all.
I usually hesitate to the use the phrase “compulsively readable”, because it’s one of those phrases that’s tossed casually around the book world and shows up endlessly on covers. However, I can honestly say that this phrase applies to this book. Reading The Window is effortless. Maybe not content wise, since Jess’ hurt is palpable and tough to read at times. Plot wise though, this book pulls you along in its wake. I found myself having to forcefully put this book down at bedtime, because I just kept wanting to know what would happen next. Brunskill has this beautiful slow burn going through this story. It gives you just enough to tempt you to the next chapter, and then does it all over again. I didn’t mind one bit.
My only complaint, and the reason I gave this book 4 stars rather than 5, is the fact that it felt a bit anti-climactic to me. Now, again, I’m used to reading this genre in the more adult section of things. So I had to step back and remind myself that this book is written for a younger set of readers, and features a much younger protagonist. I had to point out to myself that many of the scenarios in other books I’ve read wouldn’t play out in the life of a high school student. So, just take this as my personal preference more than anything. I enjoyed this book immensely. I powered through it like a madwoman. It just didn’t hit that unforgettable mark that I look for in a 5 star book, and that’s totally okay.
Long story short, read this. It’s excellent.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.
