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Jessica Cantwell has crafted another extraordinary narrative that defies easy categorization.
On the surface, Finding Preston is a traditional love story, but it’s so much more. It’s a fearless portrayal of personal trauma and healing. Largely autobiographical, the author uses Jennifer Lee Black's character as a lens to examine her own path to self-discovery.
When we are first introduced to Preston Ledger, the character behind the title, he comes off as an overly self-confident, abrasive personality leaving me to wonder how he could ever truly connect with Jennifer. However, he evolves in ways that feel both authentic and unexpected.
Though the narrative follows the pair’s budding relationship, it is 17-year-old Jennifer's character development that remains the story's true heart. Her resilience shines through moments of frustration and triumph, particularly in her relationship with her great-grandmother—a character who brings a delightful warmth and wisdom to the story. Watching Jennifer gradually learn to assert herself against toxic family dynamics and professional obstacles is at once heartbreaking and inspiring.
I recommend this story to readers comfortable with themes of psychological abuse, sexual trauma, and family violence. Cantwell approaches these emotionally challenging subjects with a delicate balance of honesty and hope, creating a narrative that's impossible to put down.
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