The Map of Us by Jules Preston

In my humble opinion this is sat in and has been published under the wrong genre. It is not chick-lit, and that is not meant in a derogatory way in regards to that particular genre, but this isn't just your normal romcom, romancey and happy-go-lucky read.

Perhaps the publisher struggled to define it and put it into a definitive category. Credit should be given where credit is due though, because this is an extraordinary read.

What is Map of Us about? In a way it is the story of the roots of a family told in the form of short, really short - often only a paragraph, chapters by each character. It's as if the narrator is making a diary entry about each one of them.

The seedling of the family tree is Violet, and her roots and family, both blood and non-blood, begin with a man without a name and a dog named Dog.

It's quirky, memorable and in a way a small work of art. Hopefully one day more people will recognise that. I would not only put it in the bracket of women's fiction, I would also put it in literary fiction.

For me personally the best moment and quote from the story, aside from the Compatibility Index of course, is 'nice toast' courtesy of Abby. So much more than just a throwaway comment, it's a point of connection and affirmation of feeling comfort and possibly even trust for the very first time.

What I take away from this story is that sometimes blood doesn't bond and bind us and it's ok to walk away from toxicity. Family isn't necessarily who we are related to, it's the people we connect with and become part of our inner circle. Simultaneously some moments in time family can be the protective cocoon we yearn for and need.

It's a remarkable read and there will probably be real requests for the fictional Compatibility Index. It will definitely be going on my exceptional reads of the year list.

Buy The Map of Us at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.
Follow @jules_preston_ @HarperImpulse
Publisher: HarperImpulse Pub date. 4 May 2018