The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue – Book review

Oh how I love The Rachel Incident! I absolutely click with the way Caroline O’Donoghue writes – I find her tone so relatable, insightful and funny. I laughed so many times and was hit with waves of nostalgia for that life moment lots of us went through when we have unsuitable crushes, intense friendships and are trying to figure out what to do, in general.

Opening sentence: I only ever really talk about Dr Byrne with James Devlin, and so I always assumed that, were he to ever come back into my life, it would be through him.

Rachel and James

Set in Cork, Ireland, in the 2010s, Caroline has said this book takes inspiration from her life and friendships. This is probably why all the characters feel so real and rounded.

Rachel meets James when they both work in a book shop. They soon move in together and form an intense friendship. Rachel also goes to Cork University where she falls for her lecturer, Dr Fred Byrne. He is older and married but that doesn’t stop her feelings. Turns out, she’s not the only one with feelings and the situation develops… James is gay but not out, initially, so there is a really interesting dynamic to the plot.

This is a story of the moments that feel so huge – at those certain times in life – when it comes to love and friendship. With lots of added pop culture references, so many witty lines and secrets that bubble to the surface, this is such an addictive read.

We were both quietly suspicious that each of us had ruined the other’s life.

Sentimental Garbage

It’s only recently that I’ve discovered Caroline O’Donoghue has an amazing podcast called Sentimental Garbage. It’s all about celebrating pockets of culture that are maybe a little more niche. From books to TV shows, she has guests on that discuss and dissect their topics in such an entertaining way – it’s my new favourite podcast!

Caroline talks about The Rachel Incident with her friend and fellow author, Dolly Alderton in an episode and it’s such a joyous listen. She describes the origins of the book, how she abandoned another book that then became The Rachel Incident and its inspiration. Basically, all the things you would want to know about a book you love.

So yes, you must add The Rachel Incident to your TBR list, it’s the perfect blend of emotion, awkwardness and laughter. Like great friendship, really.

• Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC;
• Get your copy of The Rachel Incident here;
• Published by Virago 22nd June 2023;
• 320 pages;
• My rating: