Book Review: This Is Not Forgiveness By Celia Rees

Name: This Is Not Forgiveness
Author: Celia Rees
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: 2nd Feb

Summary: Everyone says that Caro is bad… but Jamie can’t help himself. He thinks of her night and day and can't believe that she wants to be his girlfriend. Gorgeous, impulsive and unconventional, she is totally different to all the other girls he knows. His sister, Martha, hates her. Jamie doesn't know why, but there's no way he's going to take any notice of her warnings to stay away from Caro.

But as Jamie falls deeper and deeper under her spell, he realises there is more to Caro – much more. There are the times when she disappears and doesn't get in touch, the small scars on her wrists, her talk about revolutions and taking action, not to mention the rumours he hears about the other men in her life.
And then always in the background there is Rob, Jamie's older brother, back from Afghanistan and traumatised after having his leg smashed to bits there. Jamie wants to help him, but Rob seems to be living in a world of his own and is increasingly difficult to reach.
With Caro, the summer should have been perfect… but that isn't how things work out in real life, and Jamie is going to find out the hard way.
This taut psychological drama is the brilliant new novel from acclaimed Celia Rees.

Review:  Until now, I had never read a novel by Celia Rees.

This Is Not Forgiveness isn't the sort of book I would usually read.
When I first picked up this novel, I'd said I wouldn't read it but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Never ever judge a book by it's cover or you'll miss out on some gems.
What I liked was that Celia used different fonts to identify different characters entry and obviously each of them had their own distinct voice.
The explanation and detail was so vivid, if you closed your eyes for a second you can imagine their voices.
It made the story stand out and it helped to identify each individual.
Throughout the novel I felt for the characters such as Jamie, all he's ever wanted is to fit in and to date the gorgeous Caro, but is she really the girl he wants her to be?
Jamie is a naïve character and I think that's what made me as a reader feel for him.
Jamie by far was my favourite voice, you were constantly hoping he'd be thrown a life-changing chance.
It was an intriguing read, it was kind of like reading a series of diary entries, so in a way it made you feel a little naughty like you were overlooking someone on the train/bus as they were writing their private thoughts and feelings.
I've never read a novel quite like this. I was truly amazed by Celia's writing and I found myself losing track of time whilst reading.
Most characters in this novel are strange, compelling and such an addiction.
I really wasn't expecting the ending, I gathered something would happen from the summary.
Celia has built the suspense for this novel so amazingly, I was left cursing and pulling strange facial expressions.
Resulting in me nearly screaming on my bus to work because of it.
If you're looking for a read with a difference definitely pick up a copy of This Is Not Forgiveness, It is also quite a short read.