A Heartfelt Reflection on The Conditions of Will
As I opened the pages of The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings, I approached it with the unshakeable excitement that comes with picking up one of her novels. Her previous works had left such a profound impact on me that I felt almost a gravitational pull to Georgia Carter’s story. Little did I know, I was diving not just into a tale of grief and family drama but also into a narrative that would resonate so deeply I’d feel its echoes long after the last word was read.
The novel centers around Georgia Carter, who finds herself grappling with the sudden death of her father. Returning to her estranged family, her journey reveals layers of toxic dynamics and unresolved grief. Alongside her brother Oliver—equally estranged from the family and burdened by his own demons—Georgia navigates heartbreak and convoluted relationships, all while discovering unexpected love with his AA sponsor, Sam Penny. What struck me most was how Hastings masterfully depicted family ties filled with both affection and destruction, evoking a visceral reaction to the dynamics at play.
Georgia’s character instantly charmed me. She is a Cambridge student specializing in behavioral science and clinical psychology, making her incredibly insightful—capable of seeing through the facade of those around her. Her self-awareness, juxtaposed with her struggles to enact change in her life, was hauntingly relatable. I found myself nodding along as her thoughts articulated feelings I often face myself. In reading her journey, I felt my own complexities reflected on the page, and it made the emotional weight of the story all the more impactful.
The portrayal of the Carter family added an exhilarating but painful layer to the narrative. Each family member presents a form of toxicity that feels all too real. The hurt I felt for Georgia, especially concerning her mother and Maryanne, was palpable. Their actions were almost unforgivable, making me want to shield Georgia from their grasp. As for Oliver, who should have been her steadfast ally, my heart wavered between empathy for his struggles and frustration at his immaturity and lack of accountability.
In contrast, Sam Penny emerged as the shining beacon in Georgia’s chaotic world. He is everything Georgia needs—self-aware, supportive, and unyielding in his affection for her. I found myself swooning over quotes like, “He looks up, and the way his whole face lifts when he sees me makes me want to cry on the spot.” His evolution was a breath of fresh air in a landscape littered with familial complications.
Hastings’ writing style remains one of my favorite aspects of her storytelling. The lyrical prose felt seamless and immersive, making every moment rich and evocative. Lines such as “But avoiding grief is a kind of grief” lingered in my mind, encapsulating the book’s core themes. The narrative was well-paced, and while the early chapters left me enchanted, I noticed a slight dip in satisfaction towards the final two chapters. They felt rushed, leaving a whisper of unresolved emotions behind when I longed for a more satisfying conclusion.
In the end, I wholeheartedly recommend The Conditions of Will to anyone who enjoys a gripping exploration of familial bonds and emotional resilience. It’s a book that invites reflection on how we process grief, the complexities of love, and the journey of healing after trauma. If you’re in search of a read that marries heartache with hope, look no further.
I found myself thoroughly absorbed in Georgia’s journey—a connection that will stay with me long after the book is closed. Jessa Hastings has once again proved herself a master of crafting complex characters and stories that resonate deeply, and I can’t wait to see what she conjures next. 🌟