The Rachel Incident is the latest novel by Irish author Caroline O’Donoghue. It was published in 2023 and was nominated for a TikTok Book Award.
I’d previously read one of Caroline O’Donoghue’s other novels, Scenes of a Graphic Nature, and really enjoyed it. I was therefore excited to read The Rachel Incident, especially as it came so highly recommended by some of my favourite authors.
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Plot
Rachel, a student working at a bookstore, meets charismatic James and it’s love at first sight. They become roommates and close friends, running riot through Cork while facing the looming financial crash.
Rachel falls for her married professor, Dr. Fred Byrne, and with James’s help, plans to seduce him at a bookstore reading. However, Fred has his own agenda, leading to a web of secrets and compromises involving James, Rachel, Fred, and his glamorous wife.
The Rachel Incident Book Review
I loved this book! Caroline O’Donoghue’s writing is sharp, funny and full of heart and I was hooked from the first page.
The story felt so real and messy and I loved how the author didn’t shy away from the awkward, uncomfortable moments that define our twenties. From disastrous love affairs to career mishaps, Rachel’s journey is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the more absurd situations and cringing in sympathy during the more painful ones.
The friendship between Rachel and James and their undeniable bond is the heartbeat of the novel, filled with shared dreams and inside jokes. Their relationship evolves from an almost obsessive closeness to a more mature friendship. Their dynamic is both hilarious and heart-wrenching, especially as they navigate their individual romantic entanglements.
Rachel’s voice is fresh and engaging and I found myself genuinely rooting for her as she tried to find herself and her place in the world.
If you’re looking for a book that captures the chaotic beauty of young adulthood with humour and honesty, The Rachel Incident is a must-read. It’s a story about friendship and love and finding your place in the world.
Caroline O’Donoghue has crafted a story that is as touching as it is entertaining, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what she writes next.
What should I read after The Rachel Incident?
If you enjoyed The Rachel Incident you may want to read another Caroline O’Donoghue novel such as Scenes of a Graphic Nature or Promising Young Women.
I would also recommend reading Snowflake by Louise Nealon and Normal People by Sally Rooney.