Book Review: “Almost There” by Farrah Rochon
“Almost There” by Farrah Rochon (2022)
Genre: Fantasy, Retelling, YA
Page Length: 464 pages (hardcover edition)
Synopsis:
Sometimes, life in the Big Easy is tough. No one knows that better than Tiana, though she also believes that hard work can go a long way. But when the notorious Dr. Facilier backs her into a corner, she has no other choice but to accept an offer that will alter the course of her life in an instant.
Soon Tiana finds herself in a new reality where all her deepest desires are realized―she finally gets her restaurant, her friends are safe and sound, and, perhaps most miraculous of all, her beloved father is still alive. She’s got everything she’s ever wanted…
But after a while, her hometown grows increasingly eerie, with new threats cropping up from unlikely places. Navigating through this strange new New Orleans, Tiana must work alongside Naveen and Charlotte to set things right―or risk losing everything she holds dear.
Review:
Like in 2024, one of my goals for 2025 is read more of the books that I own. Searching through my shelves, I found the Twisted Tales series which had been gifted to me by friend. As a long-time Disney fan I have been wanting to read these novels for so long and finally decided to dive into the series with Almost There.
Almost There is a retelling of a retelling in a sense. It follows the Disney adaptation of The Princess and The Frog tale, but flips the switch as the main character, Tiana, decides to reluctantly make a deal with the Shadow Man (Dr. Facilier) in order to achieve her dreams and bring back a loved one. The novel is enchanting, fun, and suspenseful as Rochon weaves together a tale about dangerous wishes the consequences they bring. I love how she further fleshed out Tiana’s characters as well as others who are featured in the film, but don’t get as much time on screen. Her ideas brought a fresh new lens to Tiana’s story that keeps the reader thoroughly engaged in the story.
On top of the fantasy aspects, the story at its core is about overcoming grief and a bit of self-discovery as well. Tiana has worked so hard to gain her restaurant that she loses sight of other things that are just important in life. She is reminded by loved ones in her life that it’s okay to lean on others for help and how to let go from the past. It has such beautiful message overall and the novel showcases Tiana’s strength and determination (which is why she is one of my top favorite Disney characters.
The novel is immersive with a detailed atmosphere of 1920s New Orleans which will transport readers back in time. There is Tiana’s delicious recipes that fill the pages, the sounds of big band Jazz, and the vibrant landscape of the city. This was such a fantastic book and I can’t wait to check out more of what the Twisted Tales series has to offer.
Final Verdict:
