June Farrow just buried the grandmother who raised her after her mother abandoned her as an infant. Her best explanation is the same one afflicting all Farrow women—they are cursed with a madness that causes, for lack of a better word, hallucinations. Now, June is experiencing the curse, too. But after discovering a strange photograph and other unexplainable pieces of history, June finds herself on a journey through past, present, and future that will help her unravel the mystery behind her and her family’s life. 

 

I had heard good things about this book, but I was truly surprised to discover how much I loved this story! It’s part mystery, part literary, part magic—all wrapped up in discussions about family, love, motherhood, and what we owe to ourselves. There’s romance, familial trauma and resolutions, murder, and much more. 

 

I wouldn’t classify this as a “fantasy” so much as magical realism. There are definitely fantastical elements involved. They’re not wholly explained, and they’re very central to the book’s plot. However, I think they mostly serve as the method by which June grows as a character. As she unravels her family’s past, she comes to terms with what she wants and whether she can allow herself to have it. I found her to be strong, complex, and loveable, along with all the other characters throughout the book. 

 

At risk of spoiling the journey, I won’t detail all the parts that made my heart sing, but know that there were plenty. I found the story heartbreaking, heartwarming, and many other heart-things. 

 

However, if you’re looking for a book that spells out all the answers or adheres to strict rules of “nature/time/etc.,” this might not be for you. It’s very vibes-heavy, so if you can just jump in and go along for the ride, you’ll have a much better time.