A review by kari_f
The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I was preparing for a lot of aching sadness going into this book, knowing from the description that the protagonist’s mother has recently passed away. Don’t get me wrong, the sadness was there, but what I didn’t expect was how tender and heartwarming it would be as said protagonist works through her grief and tries to connect with the father she feels worlds apart from. I love a good family drama, and I could relate to many aspects of this book. I absolutely loved watching Greta and her dad work to try and see each other through the eyes of the woman they’re both grieving. Their entire relationship feels complicated, honest, raw, and authentic, and I couldn’t get enough of it!

While there is a romantic aspect of the book, I don’t feel that it overshadowed the title character’s search to rediscover her passion and to connect with her father. This book has so many plot events that could have become mushy and saccharine, making it more rom com than anything else, but I think the author kept the perfect amount of tension and focus to  prevent that from happening! Instead we get to witness three very different people at their own crossroads, each one struggling with which direction to go as they figure out what moving forward will look like in their own lives.

All of this takes place in an absolutely  stunning backdrop, with vibrant and atmospheric descriptions that allow the reader to feel as if they are actually witnessing the majesty of Alaska. 

Sentimental and sweet, raw and emotional, this was a beautiful debut into the world of adult contemporary literature for this author who typically writes for younger audiences. 

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House for this advanced readers copy!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings