Release Date: October 9, 2012
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Edelweiss
IBSN: 9780385738361
Blurb:
Caro Mitchell considers herself an only child—and she likes it that way. After all, her much older sister, Hannah, left home eight years ago, and Caro barely remembers her. So when Caro’s parents drop the bombshell news that Hannah is returning to live with them, Caro feels as if an interloper is crashing her family. To her, Hannah’s a total stranger, someone who haunts their home with her meek and withdrawn presence, and who refuses to talk about her life and why she went away. Caro can’t understand why her parents cut her sister so much slack, and why they’re not pushing for answers.
Unable to understand Hannah, Caro resorts to telling lies about her mysterious reappearance. But when those lies alienate Caro’s new boyfriend and put her on the outs with her friends and her parents, she seeks solace from an unexpected source. And when she unearths a clue about Hannah’s past—one that could save Hannah from the dark secret that possesses her—Caro begins to see her sister in a whole new light.
I’ve been very anxious for a new book from Anna Jarzab ever since I closed All Unquiet Things. I really loved that book and I haven’t read a mystery that captivated me as much since then. The Opposite of Hallelujah is very different than Anna Jarzab’s first book. Honestly, I was just a tiny bit worried that it might end up being a Religious Book, but I’m happy to say that it did not.
I’ve had super low patience with unlikable characters lately. I’ve read an abundance of snobby, entitled girls this year and I’m tired of them. Caro is a brat. She’s spoiled and she thinks the world revolves around her, but I liked her! One thing that made her different, and more likable, was that she was usually sorry for being a brat. She was self aware, I guess you would say. She knew she was acting inappropriately but she just couldn’t help herself. She messes up a lot and tells lies when the truth would be easier, but she was believable.
The Opposite of Hallelujah is also filled with wonderfully realistic relationships. Caro’s parents are very involved in her life, much to her dismay. Caro also has two very close friends and I really liked seeing their interactions. There is a bit of romance in the story. Pawel was pretty adorable! I really wanted to shake some sense into Caro when it came to him.
The most important relationship in the book is between Caro and her sister Hannah. There’s a large age difference between them. Caro has never known Hannah very well and she’s often felt like an only child. The Opposite of Hallelujah really focuses on Caro coming to terms with the fact that Hannah is there and is very much a part of her life. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding why Hannah left and her reasons for coming back. That more than anything else kept me glued to the page.
If you like books about sisters and unique, but realistic relationships, you should definitely pick up The Opposite of Hallelujah.
I was never fully intrigued by this book and the tittle put me off to be honest.. I truly do not like too much religion in a book, so I am happy to hear this is not the case here. I haven’t read Anna Jarzab’s first book but heard amazing things about it. I truly like the mystery as aspect here!
DannyBookworm recently posted..The Assassin’s Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke – Review
I really loved All Unquiet Things. It’s very unique and it was actaully a mystery that I couldn’t figure out!
Wonderful review, Lori and thanks for introducing me to this book and author – I’ve never heard of it before.
I am so intrigued now and Caro sounds really complex, I’m glad she wasn’t just another brat, that she was aware and was sorry for it. Can’t wait to read this!
VeganYANerds recently posted..Love Notes from Vinegar House by Karen Tayleur
I loved how complex Caro was. It’s usually so easy for me to dislike a bratty character, but there was just something about her that kept her likable.
I’ve been looking forward to this one! I HATE snobby characters, but I’m glad to hear you still liked her ;P
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Wow, cool cover. : ) Hadn’t heard of this book, or author for that matter, before. But I may have to check this one out. Sister relationships can be so complicated and this sounds pretty intense and equally intriguing.
Great review.
Jessie Marie recently posted..Waiting on WWW Wednesday | 19 September 2012
I adore the cover! The colors and the font! It’s so striking. I love a good sister book.
I saw this one and didn’t even think twice about it. It sounds like a really great book though. I am glad that even though she was bratty, she was still a great character. The character interactions and relationships sound great. Thanks for the fantastic review!!
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Review: Pretty When She Dies by Rhiannon Frater
Lovely review, Lori. I’ve never heard of the author, but she sounds worth really good. Will have to give her a whirl.
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You definitely should! All Unquiet Things is a book that’s stuck with me over the years.
That LOVED IT has me convinced. I really, really need to read Jarzab’s books, both this and All Unquiet Things.
I also am sold on the sisters bit. I love books about sisters.
April Books & Wine recently posted..The Diviners Libba Bray Book Review
You should! I would love to hear what you think of them. <3 Sister books.
Oh yes, this is most definitely on my TBR list. There’s something that seems a bit creepy & mysterious about this one. (just as you mentioned — and that’s what originally drew me to it) I love that you enjoyed the relationships – that’s always a big fat + for me. Great review, Lori! I can’t wait to read this one.
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The relationships were so well done. I can’t wait to see what you think of it!
Wow, the title alone had me (but I’m glad you made it clear that it’s not a Religious Book- not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I like to know in advance). Adding to Goodreads this very moment!
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I hope you enjoy it!!
Great review. I did think that the religion was a big part but it never felt pushy to me.
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
brandileigh2003 recently posted..Blog Tour Giveaway: Married at Fourteen by Lucille Lang Day
I agree, it’s definitely never pushy.
Hmm…and that makes all the difference, ay? When a character is believable (in that they have depth to them–in this case, self-awareness), it doesn’t matter if they’re annoying, stuck-up, bitchy or anything that makes you NOT LIKE THEM, at least that means they were written well. It’s when they’re any of those qualities but it all feels contrived that you’re in trouble. It’s then that I just can’t click with that particular book.
I still have to read Anna Jarzab’s debut novel which I’ve owned for a while now… Great review!
Cass (Words on Paper) recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday (43) – I’ll give you five…
Aw, this was a really nice post. Finding the time and actual
effort to create a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never seem
to get anything done.
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