A review by fairynanook
Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale

emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I enjoyed this book. The time travel element was an interesting way to explore neurodiversity.  Sometimes, I think people who have different brainwiring (hello!) wish they could practice social situations a couple times before having to live them for real.  Our main character gets to do that in a way that is really interesting.  At times, it is really painful though, seeing how difficult it is for her to figure things out and get to a place of self control. I found myself anxious while reading this book, in a way I'm not typically anxious with a story as low stakes as this.  That said, I think if you are not neurodivergent, it could be an interesting way for you to read a story and get an idea of what it is like living with a brain that is.  

There is definitely some Harriet Manners (Geek Girl main character) in Cassandra, which makes me assume that those elements are actually Smalle.  Some of them can be a bit tedious to read, in both books/series.  I have to admit that I didn't find Cassandra very likable over all.  Some of that was things I see in myself that I don't like. Some of it was things I felt like she should have learned to mask/control by this point in her life.  Perhaps that isn't fair, but it is the truth.  Still, I'm glad I read it.  

Also, I'm not sure how no one
includig Cassandra, knew that she was autistic until the end of the book. I know lots of girls have gone undiagnosed, but Cassandra takes things pretty well to the extreme to where it seems like it would be obvious to everyone.
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