The Review

Before I jump into my review, let me start off by saying that I am doing my best to not give away any spoilers. I strongly believe this is a novel you need to jump into without any expectations, or information on what is about to unravel (except maybe a few trigger warnings). So continue reading at your own discretion.

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue is a coming-of-age novel that follows the life of Rachel Murray as she navigates graduating college during the Great Recession. Rachel seeks the comfort of her co-worker, James Delvin, and together they rent an apartment on Shandon Street. This sets off a series of complicated events that will impact each of their lives, especially when Rachel’s professor, Dr. Byrne, and his wife, Deenie, get roped in. The story is told from an older, more mature Rachel reflecting back on these Shandon Street years after hearing Dr. Byrne is in a coma.

The novel is easily digestible and touches on heavy topics such as the political climate of 2010s Ireland, which includes illegal gay marriage and abortion, as the second largest economic crisis is unraveling. While it is not the main plot of the story, it provides a full picture background to why the characters are the way they are. O’Donoghue does a great job reflecting on this time period for being the main catalyst for the events that are about to unravel.

One standout element of the novel is Rachel’s point of view. She is not an unreliable narrator but makes the point to specify that the story is being told from her perspective and how she remembers things. Older Rachel’s self-awareness of her past helps shape who she has become as a person. The emotions present in older Rachel’s story are shame, jealousy, fear, and frustration. She describes herself as a “pretty cheerful person by nature,” making this point of view even more interesting.

The writing style of “The Rachel Incident” is engaging and humorous. O’Donoghue effortlessly balances wit and poignancy, resulting in a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The relationships depicted in the novel, particularly Rachel’s friendship with James, are vivid and dynamic. The characters’ flaws and their attempts to find their way as adults in a challenging economy make them relatable and endearing.

Overall, “The Rachel Incident” is a beautifully written and impactful novel. Caroline O’Donoghue has crafted a story that captures the messiness and complexity of young adulthood while addressing important social issues. With its engaging narrative and relatable characters, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt and thought-provoking coming-of-age story.

5 out of 5 Stars!

---

TLDR: Short Review

“The Rachel Incident” by Caroline O’Donoghue is a captivating coming-of-age novel set during the Great Recession. The story follows Rachel Murray as she navigates the challenges of graduating college and forms a bond with her co-worker James Delvin, leading them to share an apartment on Shandon Street. Their lives become entangled with Rachel’s professor, Dr. Byrne, and his wife, Deenie, resulting in a series of complex events. The novel delves into heavy topics such as the political climate in Ireland during the 2010s (including gay marriage and abortion) which provides a clear backdrop for the characters’ experiences. The standout element is Rachel’s point of view as an older, more mature version of herself, reflecting on her past and how it shaped her present self. The writing style is engaging and humorous, blending wit and poignancy effectively. The relationships portrayed in the book, especially Rachel’s friendship with James, are vivid and dynamic, making the characters relatable and endearing. “The Rachel Incident” is a beautifully written and impactful novel that explores the messiness and complexities of young adulthood while addressing important social issues.