Book Review: The Cassandra Complex by Holly Smale

Rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had never been a big fan of the Geek Girl series by Holly Smale as I was growing up, so finding out that she was set to release her first adult novel, The Cassandra Complex, I was somewhat skeptical about what lay ahead. But, yet again this is another book that surprised me this year! I think what is so refreshing about this book is the way it takes a step forward into how autistic characters are represented. Smale's depiction of Cassandra's inner emotional life comes across so nuanced and deep that it is clear this is a factor that she did not want to simply brush over. Whilst some readers may fall in love with the book's protagonist, others may grow to dislike her, but nonetheless she is undeniably Cassandra. She likes to follow rules, everything she owns has it's own place and she absolutely hates the unexpected - she is a relatable character for all! With this, combined with the element of time travel and the continuous reference to Greek mythology, Smale has created a book that is clever, witty and exceptionally different.

About The Book:

Cassandra Dankworth is both unlucky in love and in her career, but most importantly she is a creature of habit. So, when she becomes dumped by her boyfriend, fired from her job and finds out her favourite cafe have run out of their banana muffins all on the same day...something has seriously gone wrong! That is until she discovers that she can go back in time and change the past. Now, all that is left for Cassie is to fix the life she once obliterated. With endless chances to make it right, what's the worst that could happen?