Holly Jackson’s “Five Survive” is a phenomenal book that shows her skills for suspense and surprising endings, a thing she has never shied away from. The book’s main character, Redford (Red) Kenny, is the character whose point of view tells the story. She and five other characters originally set off on a cross-country journey to attend their spring break trip. But after a few wrong turns are made, they end up stranded with no service and a sniper watching their every move.
At the beginning of the book, Red seems not to be fully aware of everything around her. The opening page begins, “Here and not. Red and Black. One moment there, another gone,” giving a taste of how the story will be seen through Red’s eyes. Jackson chose an unreliable narrator to tell a thriller, providing the unsettling feeling that something is always about to happen, never allowing readers to relax. Jackson could have provided the point of view from Maddy Lavoy, Red’s organized best friend since childhood, or the sniper, building up to what the goal is and why. But instead, she chose the traumatized girl who is desperately grasping at reality.
Throughout the book, Jackson’s characters give the plot layers upon layers of disaster and secrets. Maddy has everything life could offer, including too much knowledge about a case her mom is working on. Oliver Lavoy, Maddy’s older brother, seems to have the plans and enough money to put them into place, but isn’t as in control as everyone thinks. Rena Flores-Serrano, Oliver’s girlfriend, is half of the perfect cookie-cutter relationship, but no relationship is that sturdy. Simon Yoo, the girls’ friend from school, is a fun guy as long as he stays sober. Arthur Moore, Simon’s friend from basketball, is always kind to everyone, but everything has a cost, even kindness.
Some readers may find this book too graphic because of multiple mentions of death and shootings, even though it is a young adult book that would be found in multiple libraries across the country. The book is nearly 400 pages, so prepare for the long haul with this one.
Holly Jackson grabs everyone’s attention by adding scandalous secrets and shots in the dark that readers will wish were true. Jackson created this book to linger in a reader’s mind after they have finished it. It was a beautiful book that showcased different talents that she shows in the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” trilogy.
Book Rating: 7/10
