CHARACTERS: 4/5
WRITING STYLE: 3.5/5
CLIMAX: 3.5/5
ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 3.5/5
“Windfall” is a novel by the U.S. based young adult writer Jennifer E. Smith who is most famously known for her works “The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight”, “This is What Happy Looks Like” and “The Geography of You and Me”.
The story of Alice and Teddy
“Windfall” is the story of young Alice and Teddy and their friendship and love. Leo, Teddy, and Alice make for an inseparable trio. They have been friends forever.
Leo is Alice’s cousin who introduced her to Teddy when she had to move from California to Chicago after the death of her parents.
Now, they have been together for nine years and the equations have changed a bit.
Alice is secretly in love with Teddy but Teddy has eyes for every girl except her. Alice’s only relief lies in her friendship with Teddy.
[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“It’s not easy, you know? To get the thing you want most in the world in the worst way possible.”[/perfectpullquote]But all that is about to change when Teddy unexpectedly wins the jackpot. On his eighteenth birthday, Alice buys Teddy a lottery ticket and quite surprisingly, he wins.
As reality sinks in, they soon learn that everything is going to change and not all of it will be for good.
Will Alice come to terms with the new Teddy? How will things change between the two?
To know this and much more about this complex tale of love and hope, read “Windfall” today!
What is the plotline?
The storyline of the book is quite simple.
Though the concept and the premise of the story are refreshingly different, the plot is rather plain. There isn’t much happening in the story and the pace too is rather slow.
There are no subplots to talk about and that means the focus is totally on Alice and Teddy.
I liked the way the story explores deeper aspects of a lottery win and the dark consequences of winning. In that way at least, the book holds a certain charm.
Relatable characters
The characters of the book are what makes it a delightful read.
I loved Alice and Teddy, I also enjoyed Leo, his parents, and Katherine, not to forget Charlie and Max. All characters are charming and adorable.
Alice’s struggles and her constant battle between love and friendship resonates with the readers.
Overall, there isn’t a single character in the book whom the reader will abhor.
How does the story read?
The writing style of the author is simple and engaging. She brings to life Alice’s struggles and Teddy’s dilemma.
The strong visuals painted by her compelling words lend character and essence to the story. She connects with her readers in a way which is essential for any young adult author and that is what makes “Windfall” a decent book.
Though, I would have personally loved it if the story had a little more pace and action. There were a lot of times when it seemed dull and insipid, the 400+ pages becoming a little hard to endure.
Is the end good enough?
The climax of “Windfall” is predictable and nothing extraordinary but it does give the feeling of satisfaction.
To have the book end any other way would have been kind of disappointing. So I think it’s safe to say that the climax gave a befitting end to the story.
Final Verdict
Overall, “Windfall” seemed like a decent read. Despite the slow pace, I was able to finish it in one day.
The concept and consequences of winning a lottery are explored really well and if not for anything else. This is why I would recommend this book to young adult fiction lovers.
I end this review by rating the book 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy from the link below!
