Finding Grace, written by Alyssa Brugman, is an engrossing read that combines both casual and easily understandable language, with a light hearted, first person style of writing. From start to finish it is an entertaining read that gives you both an original plot as well as providing the reader with a new and exciting story line. The novel is centred on the protagonist Rachel, and is written from her point of view. At first I thought this would be one of those boring, first person style of writing, stories. But after the first page, Finding Grace somehow magically captivates you, drawing you in like a whirlwind.



Rachel is an energetic and hardworking 18 year old that has just graduated from high school. Whilst working in a coffee house she encounters the friendly and, in a way, mysterious, Mr Preston, whom she met previously at her high school graduation. After reminding Mr Preston of who she is, he leaves, however, shortly after this encounter he leaves an envelope for Rachel at the shop counter. It is because of this envelope that the novel is made possible. Soon after we learn that the envelope contains and ad for a live-in carer for a disabled woman. From this point onwards, our brains are sent reeling as the book is taken up to the next level of excitement. It is because of this envelope that the story is eventually revolved around Grace, and is one of the most original plots I have ever read. As the reader would most likely conclude, Rachel takes the job, firstly going for the

interview which is hosted by none other than the mysterious Mr Preston. She

passes the interview, and from there we are launched into the life of Grace, the

mysterious disabled women for which Rachel must care for.



Alyssa Brugman astutely weaves her words together, taking extreme care to provide the reader with only the best of her skill. Brugman’s superb writing skills are complimented by only her characterisation skills. She is able to provide both details on the characters without boring the story, and they are as original as the plot. At first Brugman leads us to believe that Rachel is just your ordinary ‘think they know everything’ teenager, but as the novel progresses so does the characters. Even Grace, a once beaming secretary with her life ahead of her, is at first portrayed as a lifeless, inhuman being. However, once again, Alyssa Brugman has led us down the path of deception, as we later find out. Rachel is constructed as a shy girl with whom the reader can relate to, as we all know what it’s like to be in embarrassing situations. As mentioned earlier, as the story progresses, she is left to care for the disabled woman, Grace. Rachel believes that Grace is just a lifeless body at first, but with each passing day her views change, and she realizes that there’s more to a person than what the eye meets.

All the while Grace is portrayed as a woman with good taste, however, prefers to be discrete about her affairs and life. Woven in to Grace’s character is her past involving Mr Preston. As the tale of Grace’s origin unravels, we are able to gain insight into the unknown and blurry relationship that exists between her and Mr Preston. The addition of Grace’s ‘spooky box’ adds in a new notion that is rarely produced in modern day fiction, which Rachel happens to discover one day whilst browsing through Grace’s bookshelf in the study room. The ‘spooky box’, according Rachel’s friend, Kate, contains old records of Grace’s life, in the form of letters and notes. Whilst all this is happening, Rachel is left pondering that maybe her original feelings may have misled her, and she’s left flabbergasted as she discovers that Grace really did have much more of a life than she at first thought. In the end she realises that all this time her judgement of her patient has been clouded by her own biased opinions.



This is where Alyssa Brugman’s real skill comes into play. She composes the story perfectly, and in selected parts in which dramatization is required, she is able to keep her emotions under a tight control, and thus prevent herself from becoming carried away. The careful planning and thinking that Brugman has built up for the novel is easily noticeable, for the clues inside the spooky box compliment each other, easily clicking together to form an ideal backbone for Grace’s character. When Alyssa Brugman puts mind to paper, the end result is a masterpiece of English literature, which tells both a great story, as well as a compassionate and yet hilarious read about the realistic world.



Even in multiples scenes such as when Mr Preston loses his temper, she astutely keeps her emotions under a tight rein, preventing the prose from becoming over dramatized. Her style of writing coupled with her fantastic characterisation skills, make for a winning combo, however, Alyssa proceeds on to prove that she has even more immeasurable qualities that make her one of the rising stars of realistic fiction writing.



This is Alyssa’s first novel; however, it surpasses all expectations of a first time writer. It appeals to the audience because of its casual approach, rather then long, and descriptive narratives that can be found in certain books. The audience appreciates Finding Grace because it is a very serious story about the realistic world, however, at the same time it’s a compassionate and funny read. Thrown in to the already successful story is Rachel’s love interest, which doesn’t fail to spice up the story. Brugman entrances the readers with this highly likeable character, Hiro, forcing us to stay up late into the night just to get a glimpse of their newly found relationship. Although at first Rachel can hardly look Hiro in the eye before blushing, but as time passes and the novel progresses, so does Rachel’s relationship with Hiro. The fact that Rachel is such a kind hearted, and hard working person, yet contains so many flaws as any other

being, draws the reader close to her.



The characters from Finding Grace are made realistic because of Alyssa’s broad imagination, and the unique way that she brings them to life. Alyssa Brugman has constructed a wonderful novel, which not only waits up for the reader, but will leave them yearning for more. The casual and simplistic approach used in her style of writing makes the reader feel right at home, and she brings the character right to our doorstep, writing them into life in an instant. By the end of the story the audience understands what has happened, as opposed to some novel which leaves crucial pieces of information out. When the book finally comes to a grinding halt, the characters have been reserved a special place in our hearts, as Alyssa Brugman has achieved a rarity in fiction writing. She has brought likeable characters to life that the audience can feel comfortable with, and that seem absolutely realistic. Finding Grace is a superb read that will leave you in suspense for hours, and will be forever lodged in your mind and heart forever. Alyssa Brugman has broken the boundaries of fiction writing forever, a huge accomplishment for a first time novelist. I wouldn’t be surprised if Finding Grace had a predecessor, but for now it deserves nothing but a 10/10.

The Style of Writing and warm feeling that you get from reading the book.

Read even more; why couldn't it be longer!

Very warm inside, not because it was touching, but because of the casual, jolly way the story is written that strikes a chord in your heart, read it and you'll understand what I mean!

First time published? Hhahaha, I didn't believe that after reading this book! Like I said about the book, she has a way with words!

This book was one of the 6 Children's literature council award winners, or something like that, not surprised that it was a winner!

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Created Aug 02, 2003 at 9:44pm • Submit your own review...