A Journey Through Legacy and Discovery: Review of What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown
Sometimes, a book comes along that captures your attention not just through its plot, but through its themes—its emotional resonance. Janelle Brown’s forthcoming novel What Kind of Paradise is one such book. It’s a riveting blend of mystery, family dynamics, and a deep dive into the digital revolution, all woven together with a thread of self-discovery and the struggle against inherited legacies. I found myself drawn not just to Jane’s journey, but to the profound questions she grapples with throughout the story—questions that resonate deeply with our current world.
At the heart of the narrative is Jane, a girl who has spent her entire life in a 700-square-foot cabin in Bozeman, Montana, alongside her father, Saul. Homeschooled in isolation, her life revolves around poetry and a looming fear of authority—an existential set-up that forms the backdrop for her exploration of identity and freedom. As the daughter of a man deeply suspicious of technology’s encroachment on humanity, Jane is both nurtured and stunted by her upbringing. Saul paradoxically inspires Jane with the wisdom of thinkers like Thoreau while also confining her within the limits of his fears.
One of the novel’s most fascinating threads is its exploration of the mid-90s as the digital age dawns. Those of us who lived through that tumultuous era may feel a pang of nostalgia or perhaps a chill of recognition as Jane navigates the web’s early days. Brown captures the excitement and trepidation of this time vividly, making San Francisco—both a bustling and chaotic landscape—a character in its own right. The way she paints the city reminds me of my own experiences there, and I found myself smiling at the familiarity of locales like SOMA and Kepler’s Books.
As Jane starts to break free from her father’s influence, her journey becomes a thrilling one. Working at a digital publishing company called Signal and pursuing her estranged mother, she grapples with simple tasks that many of us take for granted. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her naïveté; it highlighted both her wisdom and her necessity to leave behind the only world she has ever known.
Brown’s writing is nothing short of gripping. It flows effortlessly, melding fast-paced action with thoughtful introspection. There are moments that linger, line after line, that beg for reflection. For instance, Jane’s realization about how technology has seduced her away from genuine experiences is a poignant reminder of our often-strained relationship with screens. “I hadn’t gone on a walk in the woods, or sketched the deer in the meadow”—these lines resonate with anyone who has felt the pull of digital distraction pulling them away from the beauty of the natural world.
What may be the most provocative aspect of What Kind of Paradise is its exploration of legacy—how it shapes us, traps us, and sometimes frees us. By the end, readers will be left pondering the nuances of Saul’s character: is he a visionary, a manipulative force, or simply a protective father caught in his own fears? It’s a question that lingers long after you close the book.
This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy deep character studies and narratives that question societal norms. Those fascinated by the intersection of technology and humanity will find abundant material to ponder. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone searching for a gripping read that will push them to reflect on their own legacies.
In all honesty, reading What Kind of Paradise has challenged me, engaged me, and left me excited to share it with others. So, mark your calendars for June 2025, because this is one journey you’ll want to take!