REVIEW: The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young: Following on from her Grandmothers’ death, a woman who raised June after she was abandoned by her mother Suzanna at birth, June begins to experience the fraying that has tormented the Farrow women for generations. Like a curse, the ticking timebomb comes in sounds, images, smells and as time progresses, June believes her inevitable madness to be coming on quite quickly, and yet with messages that may reveal the mysteries of the curse itself.

Birdie, her life-long neighbour and other mother reveals a clue, telling June to remember and when June finds a letter from her Grandmother that says trust herself, she knows in her core being what she needs to do. Thus, when the red door continues to appear, June is given little option but to step on through to unravel the mystery of her mother’s disappearance, the truth to her identity and the profound magic within her own heart.

In a mishmash of genres; drama, romance, mystery, surrealism, June find herself through the red door into 1951 wherein her small town of Jasper is still reeling from the suspicious death of their minister. And in doing so, discovers that the 5 years she lived there in the past previously, she had set up more than just an identity – she had fallen in big perfect love with Eamon and had, to her own bewilderment a daughter who she randomly abandons one night. And as a slow burn perfect romance, it is evident Eamon and June were more than just our casual couple – the depth of feeling between them evident despite not having all her memories of this time before.

In doing so, Young manages to keep the time paradox at bay through careful consideration of characterisation, time and place and weaves a believable story wherein June’s critical thinking and tenacity highlight a steely determination which made her all the more likeable. Similarly, Eamon’s capacity to protect and show tenderness whilst remaining hopeful yet focused were beautiful qualities that his every action maintained. With strong family themes of love and loyalty, this extra-ordinary tale developed a perfect climax and whilst the happily ever after was bittersweet, it was the perfect pil to swallow. Highly recommend!

Book Info:

Publication: 17th October 2023 | Delacorte Press |

In the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow is waiting for fate to find her. The Farrow women are known for their thriving flower farm—and the mysterious curse that has plagued their family line. The whole town remembers the madness that led to Susanna Farrow’s disappearance, leaving June to be raised by her grandmother and haunted by rumors.

It’s been a year since June started seeing and hearing things that weren’t there. Faint wind chimes, a voice calling her name, and a mysterious door appearing out of nowhere—the signs of what June always knew was coming. But June is determined to end the curse once and for all, even if she must sacrifice finding love and having a family of her own.

After her grandmother’s death, June discovers a series of cryptic clues regarding her mother’sdecades-old disappearance, except they only lead to more questions. But could the door she once assumed was a hallucination be the answer she’s been searching for? The next time it appears, June realizes she can touch it and walk past the threshold. And when she does, she embarks on a journey that will not only change both the past and the future, but also uncover the lingering mysteries of her small town and entangle her heart in an epic star-crossed love.