I tried to start Jellicoe Road once before, and stopped about 50 pages in, because I couldn't get into it, and I didn't really understand anything that was going on. But I read a few different reviews, and most of them said not to get discouraged even if things didn't make sense for the first 100 pages or so. So, I picked it up again, determined to get all the way through. 
 And I'm so glad I did. 
 The writing is powerful and tender; the emotions are so raw and real. I loved each and every character. Their stories and backgrounds come together throughout the story, entwined in complex ways. I loved reading Taylor's POV, because I thought she was intelligent, strong and thoughtful - everything a good heroine should be. 
 A beautiful, heart-wrenching novel that deserves a thousand awards. 
 5 stars.