The Review

“Cassandra in Reverse” is a captivating and heartwarming tale of self-discovery and acceptance where time travel serves as a unique backdrop to explore the complexities of Cassandra Penelope Dankworth. From the moment the book introduces us to Cassandra, it is evident that she falls on the neurodivergent spectrum. Cassandra knows what she likes and what she does not, and her black-and-white thinking often causes her difficulty fitting in and finding acceptance in the world. Then, after a terrible day filled with setbacks – being dumped, fired, and finding no banana muffins – Cassandra discovers she can go back and change the past. With each time rewind, she attempts to fix the mistakes in her life, ultimately hoping to repair her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Will.

I was not expecting to enjoy this novel nearly as much as I thought I would. When I first saw it on Aardvark, I completely disregarded it as “just another romance” novel. However, once I saw that Reese’s Book Club also selected it in June 2023, I headed straight to Libby and placed a hold. This novel is so much more than “just another romance” novel. While the story begins this way, similar in fashion to Groundhog Day, it slowly divulgates into something spectacular once we reach the halfway point.

What makes the book truly captivating is its main character, Cassandra. I personally related a lot to Cassandra, and it was a treat to see a character who would react the same way I would to situations such as sleeping in someone else’s bed, a coworker using my coffee mug, or being out of banana muffins. Smale has done an excellent job in portraying Cassandra in a way that we, as the readers, react to her similar to how the other characters in the novel do. Cassandra originally comes off as unlikable, whiny, and hard to root for. However, as the story unfolds, her struggles with social cues, her literal interpretations of language, and her unique way of perceiving the world no longer appear as negative as they once seemed only a few chapters earlier. As readers learn to empathize with Cassandra, her character becomes quirky and provides a unique and refreshing lens through which the story unfolds.

Smale also handles the time-travel element masterfully. The mechanics of the time travel are never explained in depth, though Cassandra does try to determine the parameters of her newfound power. However, the technical aspect of time travel isn’t essential. Instead, time travel serves as a means to delve into Cassandra’s personal growth, providing an opportunity for her to reflect on her past actions and make different choices, rather than a complex sci-fi plot.

In addition to time travel, the incorporation of Greek mythology adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Cassandra’s special interest is a fitting choice as her journey is comparable to Odysseus, or as she points out, Sisyphus. Her odyssey becomes superfluous, reliving the same moment over and over, never getting closer to her goal, until we learn the true reason for her power (which is only minimally due to her ex-boyfriend). The rich tapestry of Greek mythology references is seamlessly woven into Cassandra’s journey of unraveling her past and understanding herself better.

Overall, “Cassandra In Reverse” is an exceptional and heartwarming read. It offers a fresh perspective on time travel and a touching exploration of a neurodivergent protagonist’s journey to self-discovery and acceptance. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates well-written contemporary fiction with unique characters and a touch of mythology. Prepare to be immersed in Cassie’s world and experience a rollercoaster of emotions as she navigates the complexities of time and relationships.

Cassandra in Reverse deserves 4.5 out of 5 Stars, choosing to round up to 5 starts on GoodReads!

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“Cassandra in Reverse” is a captivating and heartwarming tale of self-discovery and acceptance with time travel as a unique backdrop. The novel follows Cassandra Penelope Dankworth, a neurodivergent protagonist who faces challenges in fitting in and finding acceptance. After a series of setbacks, Cassandra discovers her ability to go back in time and tries to fix her mistakes, particularly in her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Will.

The book is a pleasant surprise, exceeding expectations beyond its initial appearance as a mere romance novel. As the story progresses, Cassandra’s character evolves from initially unlikable to endearing, as readers empathize with her struggles with social cues and literal interpretations. The skillful handling of time travel mechanics allows the focus to be on Cassandra’s personal growth rather than complex sci-fi elements. Moreover, the incorporation of Greek mythology adds depth to the narrative, as Cassandra’s journey parallels the odyssey of Odysseus or Sisyphus. “Cassandra In Reverse” offers a fresh perspective on time travel and a touching exploration of self-discovery, making it a recommended read for those who appreciate well-written contemporary fiction with unique characters and a touch of mythology.