Adrienne Young is quite the prolific author, predominantly writing young adult fantasy but branching out lately to release more adult material. I’ve been under a rock, apparently, because this beautiful novel is the first of hers I’ve had the pleasure of reading. The Unmaking of June Farrow follows, you guessed it, June Farrow. She’s the last in a long line of Farrow women, women who are cursed to suffer the slow descent into mental decline. June is determined to be the last of this cursed line. She will remain alone, never to bring a daughter into the world to suffer the same fate. Now in her thirties, the hallucinations begin and June prepares herself for the end. However, as the hallucinations become ever more powerful, June begins to suspect there’s more to the story of the Farrow women than she’s previously been told. They aren’t just different. They are special in a way the rest of the world could never understand. The more she uncovers, the more June realizes she may not just have to let the curse die with her. She could stop it from plaguing future generations of her family once and for all.

I literally just finished the audiobook version of this novel. I positively loved it. I really can’t say a lot about the plot, unfortunately, because there are so many twists in this journey and the reading experience is totally rooted in the discovery. Granted, there were a few details that weren’t at all surprising to me. There is a murder, for instance, but I thought it was pretty clear from the start who committed the murder. It’s not a murder mystery, after all. It’s much more complex than that.

Time travel plays a major role in this novel. Years ago I settled on the idea that no matter how hard I may try, I will never be able to fully wrap my mind around the concept of time travel. Answers will always lead to more questions and then I’ll eventually either confuse myself into mental oblivion or come to the conclusion it’s just not freaking possible and nothing makes any sense. Trying to fully comprehend the sheer scope of this particular time travel thread made me feel like I was a member of the Farrow family, slowly losing my mind. Trust me when I say you just need to let go and let it be. Screw the logic. The human story is worth it in the end. The story is a lovely escape, and it’s ultimately about the power of love and the strength of the family bond.

This book is excellent in audio, and I really enjoyed the soothing Carolina drawl that the narrator, Brittany Pressley, enacted for its telling. The characters are strong, each well thought out and believable. It’s well paced and peppered with excitement, including some steamy love scenes if that’s your jam. The setting, as well, is quite rich and vibrant. Overall, I’d say this is one of my favorite books of the year if I’m judging by sheer enjoyment factor.

Published Oct 17, 2023 by Random House Audio. ISBN 9780593598672. Runtime 10 hrs, 7 mins. Narrated by Brittany Pressley.