The Form of Things Unknown by Robin Bridges
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: August 30, 2016
In The Form of Things Unknown, Natalie has just returned home after being in a mental health facility due to a psychotic reaction after her now ex-boyfriend, Caleb, gave her ecstasy. But it’s not really her home that she’s returned to, but the home of her Grandmother who is having schizophrenic episodes after the death of her husband. It’s like walking on eggshells for Natalie and her parents and she almost happily accepts being coerced by her brother, David, into trying out for a part in a summer theater’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
On the day of auditions, she sees Lucas, a boy she recognizes from the mental health facility. He doesn’t seem happy to see her and she doesn’t even know if he recognizes her.
She makes friends with some of the girls, gets a role in the play, but then things begin to unravel when she thinks that the theater might be haunted, or her episodes are returning.
The Form of Things Unknown is a gripping novel delving into relationships and mental health issues. Natalie’s situation is intensified by the fact that her Grandmother is on a mental roller coaster and it makes Natalie wonder if this is how she’ll one day be. The plot is handled with great sensitivity by Robin Bridges who is also a nurse as well as a writer.
The character of Natalie is quite well-done. You can feel her fear and her confusion. She doesn’t always know the right thing to do, but then she’s a teenager. She’s likeable.
This is a novel that you pick up and want to read in one sitting. It’s tremendously absorbing.
I both loved bits and hated bits (hate is probably too strong of a word; we’ll say: didn’t feel satified with) of the ending quarter of the novel and that’s why I’ve dropped a half of a star in this review. It’s nevertheless very much worth reading.
The Form of Things Unknown is on sale today!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
From Amazon: The Form of Things Unknown
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