The Book of Living Secrets by Madeleine Roux

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Book of Living Secrets by Madeleine Roux April Spisak Roux , Madeleine The Book of Living Secrets . Quill Tree/HarperCollins , 2022 [ 400 p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780062941428 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780062941435 $12.99 Reviewed from digital galleys Ad Gr. 8-12 Adelle and Connie are best friends, bonded over their mutual love of a book, even though each is smitten with different protagonists (Connie has not yet admitted to Adelle that the heroine is much more her style than the dashing male character Adelle adores). When Adelle finds a way into the book, set in the 1885 version of their Boston home, Connie goes after her, reluctant and far less swept into the romance of it all but unwilling to let her bestie be alone. While they are looking for one another, it becomes clear almost immediately that their presence is changing the content of the book itself, and it is entirely uncertain whether they will ever be able to leave. The bond between Adelle and Connie is authentic and vibrant, [End Page 199] and their standout friendship is a shining example of pals who have each other's backs unfailingly. Unfortunately, the plot is convoluted and twisty to the point of obfuscation, and the focus never solidifies, making it unclear if this is a witchy book, a Lovecraftian nod, a star-crossed romance, or a best friends quest. The shock ending feels a bit cruel after readers will likely have invested emotional energy into both protagonists, but perhaps a sequel (the conclusion certainly suggests one) will offer some justice or remedy. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois