This is because the parallel stories take place during different times. In addition to this change in atmosphere, Joyce also had to slightly change her style of writing. On the other hand, while this is unfolding, the parallel story of Jim 40 years later has a more hopeful feel to it, despite his painful OCD and reclusive manner. Here, however, from the onset of this story, the childhood innocence of the actions of Byron and James is leading towards something dark and sinister. What makes this book different from her first novel, is that although Harold Fry’s cross-country trek includes one of self discovery while he goes to a woman he knows is going to die, there is throughout the book a feeling of a positive journey. In this fascinating story, told in chapters that alternate between 1972 and 40 years later, Rachel Joyce (author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry) once again takes us on a uniquely personal journey in her second novel Perfect. Now Jim has to figure out how to live in the real world, and how to protect it from any harm he might cause.

40 years later, the mental institution that Jim has been in and out of since he was 16 is closing its doors. Together, these boys attempt to put things right during that spring and summer of 1972. But then Byron notices his watch moving backwards at the exact time the accident happened, and nothing will ever be the same. When they hear about adding an extra two seconds, the idea astounds them both. Byron Hemmings is a clever boy with an equally clever best friend James Lowe.

Perfect by rachel joyce reviews