16 Aug Navigating Waves of Loss: A Dive into The Thing About Jellyfish
The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin: A Heartfelt Exploration of Grief and Friendship
I stumbled upon The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin while searching for a middle-grade novel that could provide both depth and insight into complex emotions. The cover, adorned with the delicate tendrils of a jellyfish, piqued my interest, but it was the book’s premise—a story about grief, friendship, and the search for answers—that truly drew me in. I was curious to see how the author would weave such profound themes through the innocent lens of a seventh grader.
At the heart of the story is Suzy Swanson, a young girl grappling with the sudden death of her best friend, Franny Jackson, who drowns in an accident. Suzy doesn’t just accept the tragedy—she dives into the depths of science to prove her theory that Franny’s death was caused by a rare jellyfish sting. This quest manifests as a silent rebellion against the unexplainable nature of loss. It’s a captivating premise; after all, when faced with the inexplicable, don’t we often look for something or someone to blame?
Suzy’s character is a poignant tribute to anyone who has felt different or out of place. Her journey is laced with moments of vulnerability that resonate profoundly. As someone who distinctly remembers the trials of middle school, I found myself empathizing with her struggles—not just to fit in, but to articulate feelings that seemed too vast for words. Benjamin’s prose reflects this beautifully, alternating between simplicity and bursts of poetic imagery that make moments memorable. One passage that struck me was, “Sometimes when we feel most alone, the world decides to open up in magical ways.” It serves as a reminder of the unexpected wonders that can puncture through the pain.
The narrative is well-paced, effectively balancing moments of despair and glimmers of hope. As Suzy grapples with her grief and navigates the complexities of friendship, the emotional heft of her experiences is palpable. Benjamin does excellent work in portraying how Suzy’s autism spectrum disorder influences her perception of the world and her interactions with peers, creating authenticity without reducing her to a label.
What makes The Thing About Jellyfish transcendent is its ability to address the intricacies of relationships—how friendships can grow apart and yet still leave an indelible impact. As Suzy moves from silence to finding her voice again, it feels like an invitation to all of us to confront our own unprocessed emotions. One powerful sentiment shared by other readers resonated with me: “The best kind of heart-breaking story is the one that heals.”
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend The Thing About Jellyfish to young readers, parents, and educators alike. It’s a poignant exploration of loss, friendship, and self-discovery that transcends age. While it is tailored for middle-grade audiences, its themes echo universally, making it a worthwhile read for anyone navigating the turbulent waters of grief or change. Personally, this novel left an imprint on my heart—a gentle reminder that, like jellyfish pulsing through silent waters, we too can find light in the depths of darkness.
You can find The Thing About Jellyfish (National Book Award Finalist) here >>
