Book Review: "An Unlikely Visitor" by Joanna Cannon

Joanna Cannon’s new book is both a cozy mystery of sorts and a reflection on grief, with some magical realism thrown in as well. It’s a bit different than I was expecting but it was tremendously moving and thought-provoking.

Margaret’s husband Derek recently died, and she’s not sure how to carry on. Their young daughter Jeanie went missing years ago, and they never got resolution on her disappearance. Derek’s death compounds the grief she’s already carrying.

“But the only thing I think we really need to accept is this: when you love someone, truly love someone, they never really leave. No one is ever lost to you, they’re just in a different place.”

Margaret finds herself barely able to go through the motions of everyday life. She tries, but she’s just so tired all the time, and doesn’t feel like doing much of anything. But then one day, she hears a voice coming from the living room. This unlikely visitor is there to help her try and find answers to what happened to Jeanie all those years ago, as well as learn how to move forward with her life.

“The trouble with memories, though, is they’re not as useful if you don’t have anyone to share them with.”

The narrative alternates between the present and the time surrounding Jeanie’s disappearance. Margaret hopes to finally find closure, but it’ll come in the most unusual of ways. I was really moved by this book—and if you read it, I’d love to chat!