The Phoebe Variations, Jane Hamilton (Review by Kristin Kurek)

The Phoebe Variations by Jane Hamilton is a character-driven coming-of-age novel that takes place during the 1970’s. Before high school graduation, 17-year-old Phoebe is encouraged by her adopted mother to connect with her biological family. Meeting with her biological mother and half-sisters causes her to completely spin out. With the help of her best friend, Luna, Phoebe leaves home and hides out with in her friend Patrick’s basement. As she matures, she catches the romantic attention of Patrick’s brothers. Phoebe tells her story in retrospect 50 years later. So, she is able to add some adult context to the events.

I will admit that I struggled to get through this novel at points. I found Phoebe to be a difficult character to root for. Her decisions and thought processes were immature which was frustrating for me. However, I am a middle-aged woman judging the actions of a teenager from an adult perspective. Phoebe’s immature decisions were true to the character and were well-written. The book is certainly character-driven, not action-driven. And, the relationship between Phoebe and Luna is where the book really shines. I wish that I had such a committed friend in my teenage years. Heck! I wish I had a friend like that now. Another area in which the writing really shines is in the examination of motherhood. Phoebe analyzes the experiences of the mothers that she knows: her adopted mother, her biological mother, Patrick’s mother, etc. I think there is a great deal to be said about how the adult women surrounding a woman in her formative years impact her perception of the world.

Overall, the book was really well-written and would be an excellent selection for book clubs who would like to discuss the female experience.