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Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite
Somewhat Before: A Bookland Prequel by Kate Lexie is a charming novella that smoothly fuses comedy and thriller elements with emotional depth. This story is set during the pandemic. Charlotte is an energetic girl with a huge imagination that sparkles in her confined world. Overprotected by her mother, Charlotte concocts fantasy scenarios like watching the neighbors like some kind of spy novel character and having heart-to-hearts with her stuffed quokka, Rutherford. That is as far as it goes until her mother falls ill, leaving her to navigate an unfamiliar and increasingly eerie world alone. With whispers and events not of this world starting to occur, the ultimate test of courage is thrust upon Charlotte, yet she continues to display her characteristic wit and optimism. This prequel sets a solid foundation for the series, blending heart, humor, and suspense.
In Somewhat Before, Kate Lexie effortlessly captures a child's voice and imagination, layering it with real-world challenges. Charlotte is authentic; her mixture of curiosity, humor, and resilience shines through every page. Her imaginative antics, from stuffed animals that can talk to envisioning elaborate scenarios with her neighbors, truly made me smile. I could see myself in her when I was her age. The pacing was spot-on, building effortlessly from Charlotte's playful innocence into the suspense of her mother's illness and the mystery outside their door. The author masterfully weaves themes of family, courage, and light in darkness with ease into this story. I especially loved how much the humor and whimsy balanced the serious undertones, making it accessible to readers of all ages. Lexie's writing is warm, engaging, and sprinkled with clever observations that kept me hooked until the last page.
