"Call Me Evie"

"Call Me Evie"
Written by J.P. Pomare
Reviewed by Diana Iozzia


A manipulative and complex thriller written by J.P. Pomare, "Call Me Evie" has a unique and fascinating plot, with many intriguing characters and eerie elements.

Pomare has created a super intense plot, following a girl named Kate, who is being called Evie by her protector, Jim. Evie is unsure of why they must move to many different locations, quietly isolate themselves in small towns, and be suspicious of everyone around them. Jim is caring yet dramatic. He has a violent streak. However, Evie is not entirely sure if he is helping her or protecting her?

The entire plot hinges on the fact that Evie cannot remember the reason she has fled. Unfortunately, the answers we receive for all of the questions in this story are not entirely helpful. Allow me to point out some of my favorite aspects of this story and things I did not enjoy about the plot.

Enjoyed:
1. I appreciated the 'before' and 'after' timeline.
2. I liked that nearly all of the story was told through Evie's mind.
3. The characters were interesting.
4. Pomare has a great writing style, full of interesting detail, plot, and dialogue.
5. The texting and technological communication felt very realistic, which is not always possible in thrillers and most stories.
6. The fear of escaping is just as real as Evie's fear of being caught, which feels manipulative and horrible but realistic.
7. There is a great and well-placed red herring of who Jim's identity may be.

Disliked:
1. Who Jim is really, in relation to Evie. There is no realistic way that she could not remember who this vitally important person is, and that she wouldn't have accidentally referred to this character in the true nature.
2. The crime that was the true catalyst for Evie and Jim's secret location and changed names.
3. Her memory loss in general. Evie has forgotten major events, such as her crime and the recent relocation. Why can't she remember not to trust him? We never receive an answer for why she cannot remember these major details.
4. The true identify of Jim will not be spoiled in this review. However, certain actions he performs, such as taking pictures of Evie in her underwear, do not make sense for this character reveal.
5. There are some strange idioms and phrases that Evie, a seventeen year old, would not know. For example, how many seventeen year old girls measure whiskey in fingers?

In conclusion, I was very engrossed by this read. This book feels similar to "Before I Go to Sleep", in the sense where the memory loss feels confusing and convenient. Although the ending and many aspects that went into the ending were misrepresented, I felt that I enjoyed this book. I would absolutely read more by this author.

I received an advance proof in exchange for reading and reviewing purposes. Thank you to Putnam Books.