This book took a bit of getting into, but once I was a few chapters in, I was totally hooked. I love deadpan and dry-wit humour, and Once More, With Feeling delivered that. Despite not much actually happening throughout the book, I felt a compulsion to read on, and I just couldn't put it down once I got into it.

The prose is vividly descriptive, conversational, and down to earth. The bluntness of the writing reminded me a little of Ottessa Moshfegh and Naoise Dolan. I loved Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation and Dolan's Exciting Times, and this book has some similarities to those.

The protagonist Jane was relatable in many ways, and I really enjoyed getting to know her, taking her everywhere with me as I read the book. I felt deeply sorry for her as she seemed to struggle to find her place in the world, with a verbally abusive boyfriend and not too many friends. Jane’s loneliness is relatable for anyone living in a big city like Toronto. Her anxiety, depression, crippling paranoia, and constant need for validation made her more of a complex character, which overall made this a more interesting and engaging read.

It was a fantastic debut from Canadian author Sophie McCreesh. And that cover image? Designed by Jennifer Griffiths. I freaking love it!