Book Review: The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings
From the moment I cracked open The Conditions of Will, I knew I was diving into something extraordinary. Jessa Hastings has a knack for pulling me in from the first page—her writing captivates in a way that feels intimately familiar. This time was no different, and I found myself utterly enraptured by Georgia Carter’s journey, which forced me to confront family dynamics, grief, and the complexity of love.
At its core, this novel gracefully explores the aftermath of loss. Georgia, a Cambridge student studying behavioral science and clinical psychology, returns to her hometown after the sudden death of her father. Accompanied by her brother Oliver, who is as estranged from the family as she is, the two face the ghost of their shared past. Their interactions are complicated by Oliver’s AA sponsor, the utterly charming Sam Penny, who becomes a grounding force for Georgia. This ensemble captures both heartbreak and hope, making for an undeniably rich narrative.
Georgia resonates deeply; I felt as if Hastings had peered into my soul and cast my thoughts into her prose. Her astute observations and self-awareness, particularly in moments where she grapples with her own choices, were relatable and painfully real. I found myself whispering “yes!” at various points in her internal dialogue. Witnessing her struggle with the weight of her toxic family was both haunting and cathartic. The family dynamics Hastings skillfully outlines are intense, providing a landscape of love twisted into something unhealthy. The venomous relationships between Georgia and her family, especially her mother and her sister Maryanne, were infuriating to bear witness to—proof of Hastings’ talent for crafting visceral connections.
Then there’s Oliver. Oh, Oliver. My patience wore thin with his self-centeredness, especially as his lack of accountability left Georgia to shoulder the emotional burden alone. I wanted to shake him into realizing that trauma does not absolve one from responsibility. His petulance cut even deeper because he had once been a significant part of Georgia’s life, making his betrayal feel all the more personal. It was almost a relief to witness some redemption in Tennyson, Georgia’s brother, who evolved throughout the narrative; his growth felt satisfying and earned.
And then there’s Sam Penny—a literal dreamboat. His charm and self-awareness made him a breath of fresh air in Georgia’s chaotic life. The beautiful way Hastings captured their connection made my heart swell. As Georgia navigated her relationship with Sam, I couldn’t help but swoon over lines like, “He looks up, and the way his whole face lifts when he sees me makes me want to cry on the spot.” Their love burgeons into a sanctuary, a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding her.
Hastings’ writing is nothing short of poetic. She paints scenes with vivid emotions, making them resonate long after you turn the last page. However, I must admit, the final two chapters left me feeling a tad unsettled; something about the resolution seemed to lack closure, leaving me yearning for just a bit more.
In conclusion, The Conditions of Will is a heartfelt exploration of grief, familial bonds, and self-discovery that feels deeply relatable. If you’re a fan of character-driven narratives that delve into the complexities of human emotions—particularly those who appreciate flawed but authentic characters—this book is for you. Having shared Georgia’s journey, I felt an echo of clarity and warmth that has lingered with me. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone ready to explore the beautifully messy terrain of life and love.