Kelis Rowe, Finding Jupiter, Walker Books Australia, May 2022, 352 pp., RRP $18.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781529500639
Ray has returned to her hometown in Memphis for summer break with strictly no time for boys. All she wants to do this holiday is continue her poetic project. When Orion comes along with his heart on his sleeve, the countdown to the end of summer break begins. Told through a dual point of view, both Ray and Orion will find themselves entwined within the complexities of life – in a novel about coming of age, love, guilt, redemption and trust.
–Ray’s birthday is the death anniversary of her dad. Her mum constantly avoids the topic, so Ray constantly struggles with finding herself having missed a key figure growing up. Through seeing her mum’s experiences in love, loss, and grief, she has steered away altogether from any form of romantic relationship.
–Orion also lost someone growing up – his little sister. Growing up, he had his parent’s full attention, perhaps too much attention, especially from his father. Seeing the pain and guilt his father lives through every day, Orion constantly pushes himself pass his limits to make his father proud, but as we all know, no one gets far living someone else’s dream.
As the planets align and fate brings these two together, the two polar opposites will learn to complement each other as a poetic love story unfolds.
Finding Jupiter is Kelis Rowe’s debut YA novel, and I have nothing but praise for this tale. Rowe has written with passion, delivering an amazing novel which highlighted key themes of teenage fever, first love, fate, redemption, and the importance of maintaining healthy relationships. She will take readers down memory lane and let you experience your first love [again]. I truly loved how well paced the story was and the thematical use of space references.
Although the beginning of the novel is a little obscure, page by page, everything gradually becomes clearer. It was through such a well-paced writing style, that Rowe harnesses the true complexities of relationships and life by interlinking each character adding dimension and meaning to the novel.
The attention to detail and creativity used by Rowe reflects the individuality of her characters. For instance, she expresses Ray’s passions through integrated words and phrases from the The Great Gatsby mirroring the love story that unfolds. Similarly, to contrast the classic literature, she incorporates RnB songs by Drake (e.g. Find Your Love) to set the tone and mood of Orion’s character. These poetic devices add depth to character development making this stand-alone story heartfelt and authentic.
I recommend this novel to older readers, or anyone who enjoys a good romance and some teenage drama.
Reviewed by Anna Tran
