I couldn’t resist picking up the new Clare Ashton novel, Finding Jessica Lambert, after enjoying past works such as The Goodmans, Pennance, and After Mrs. Hamilton. There’s something about Ashton’s writing that really draws you in. For a novel that’s over 400 pages, it takes real talent to keep a reader hooked the entire time, and that was how I felt. Whenever I needed a break and wanted to put the book down, a few minutes later I would relent, and pick it right back up again, needing to see what happened next. I think I devoured it in less than two days.
Here’s the plot –
Despite the obvious benefits of fame – financial security and adoration from millions of people – the pressure and demand is quite unbearable and a sure track to burn out, especially for those more introverted. This is a little of what Jessica Lambert (Jess) is feeling when she stumbles into a subway cart, anxious and panicking, looking for help. Anna notices the younger woman and offers a protective arm, but Jess is shaking and feels like she is being followed. Anna can sympathize with that fear a little too well and brings Jess back to her flat where it’s safe. Away from the world, Jess and Anna quickly become acquainted and find security in each other’s company. Unfortunately, time can’t stand still and neither can movie stars. Jess returns to the world, but not without the desire to continue seeing Anna. However, Anna is a recluse, too afraid to leave her safety zone on some days, let alone equipped in dealing with the attention of dating a famous celebrity. Can these two kindred spirits find a way to happiness together?
Jess and Anna are both so very human; they twitch and blush and can’t think properly, and have trouble dealing with everyday stuff. I don’t usually love the “celebrity romance” trope because celebrities themselves seem to be on an entirely different plane (one which involves all the luxuries money can buy), which makes them unrelatable and unlikeable. There were times, however, when I forgot that Jessica Lambert was even a movie star. I can see how she enjoyed the craft and what she did, but it wasn’t her identity, and in turn she was far from superficial. I loved her, and I can see why Anna fell for her. It was obvious they were a perfect pair. Not because of common interests, mind you they have some years between them, but because of how they were willing to care for one another. The gentle thoughtfulness, always with the utmost consideration, was truly a beautiful portrait.
I thought the pacing was really effective. Timing wise, the story starts off pretty slow. I think the first quarter of the book covers only two or three days of our two protagonists meeting and as the novel progresses, months go by. This allowed for the reader to really connect with Jess and Anna in the beginning and laid a strong foundation for their relationship. Then with all the time gone by the pacing really helped the relationship stabilize. As a romantic skeptic (I know, the worst kind of person), I have a hard time buying the storylines in which two people meet and fall head over heels in love, and then get married all within a month. I really appreciated how there were real obstacles between Jess and Anna that required time and patience to sort out. Even after the initial set back we get to see them date and grow and be together before the ending. The story was very generous in those regards.
I know this review is getting long, but for how simple the plot is, there’s actually a lot to discuss. If the summary seems too simplistic, it’s because Ashton holds a microscope to the subtler emotions and thoughts that can influence a person on a wider a scale. Instead of swimming in a large shallow pool, this books drops you in a puddle a mile deep. Needless to say, Jess and Anna each grow in turn and have strong character arcs.
If you’re looking for a lengthy, character-driven love story with all that British charm then Finding Jessica Lambert is for you