A review by natashaleighton_
Throwback by Maurene Goo

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Maurene Goo’s coming of age YA beautifully explores the complex ties of inter-generational family relationships and the immigrant experience in this heartfelt and humour-filled, Back To The Future-esque romp. 

Full of cliquey high school drama and tons of 90s nostalgia, I thoroughly enjoyed this and was completely blown away by the level of depth and emotion we see in  Sam’s journey. Both in the intricacies of the mother- daughter relationship between Sam, her mum Priscilla and grandmother but, also in how their very different lived experiences (as first, second and third generation immigrants in the US) has shaped and defined them. 

Sam as a character did come off as a little spoiled at first, with a confrontational approach to communication that kind of annoyed me at first. However, the journey she embarks on after finding herself stuck in 1995 really endeared her to me, and I ended up really loving her and the emotional development we see unfold as she begins to understand the challenges her mum (Priscilla) faces that aren’t too dissimilar from her own. 

One of the turning points for me was when Sam realises the racist and misogynistic micro aggressions her classmates direct at her and the other non-white students won’t be called out—the defeat she’s ultimately left with in that moment was utterly heartbreaking.

There were, however, some lighter moments too and I really had fun watching how Gen-Z Sam coped in a world without Google, Social Media or 24-hr access to the internet. Her social faux pas, made from not fully grasping the nuances of 90s culture made for some really entertaining interactions, especially with Priscilla who finds Sam just a bit weird.

There is some romance which I felt was well written but do be aware the plot does mostly focus on Sam’s relationships with Priscilla and Priscilla’s relationship with her own mother. I can’t really say anything else without spoiling the ‘big reveals’  but I was pleasantly surprised by how things wrapped up. 

If you love time travel plots, family based YA and general teenage shenanigans then I highly recommend picking this up—it was soo much fun! 

Also, a huge thank you to Team BKMRK for the finished copy.






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