The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

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I loved The Cartographers. Absolutely, 100%, could-not-put-it-down loved it! It’s a wonderful combination of magical realism, locked room mystery, and family drama. Our main character Nell Young had a falling out with her father nearly a decade ago. Both are cartographers who worked together at the New York Public Library and had been incredibly close until one day, Nell found an old gas station map at the Library and after showing her father, was immediately fired. Fired, by her own father. Now, Nell has received the devastating phone call that her father has died in his office and that seemingly worthless map that ruined Nell’s life is hidden in his desk. Determined to find out why this particular map is important, Nell sets off on a dangerous and unbelievable journey that uncovers long held family secrets and just may lead her to a second chance at happiness.

This is one of those tricky books that I feel describing the best parts ruins the wonderful surprises found within. If you really want to stay spoiler free, just walk away now and read this book. It truly is fabulous. If you don’t mind some very minor spoilers, pull up a chair.

The map that ruined Nell’s life is highly sought after by a mysterious group known as The Cartographers. The maps go for unbelievably high prices online and those that claim to have copies are warned off from trying to sell them. It is through this map that Nell discovers more about her parents’ college days and the events that led to her mother’s death. While trying to discover the significance of the map, Nell adds it to an online database and very quickly, she discovers the devastating consequences of her seemingly benign actions. As Nell tries to continue researching her map, she finds herself calling in one last favor to her ex, Felix, who worked with her alongside her father, before the map incident. What I really liked about these interactions is that Felix and Nell both still have feelings for each other, but it’s far from a smooth transition back into a relationship. They both hold old wounds from their first time together and neither one wants to be hurt again. It all felt very real how they were drawn together and fall apart again throughout the novel.

I struggle with books where flashbacks are heavily used because I find myself getting pulled out of the story. I never felt this with The Cartographers. The story flowed so easily between the two timelines and it never felt unnecessary or clunky. The way the plot is slowly revealed is really well done and I was enthralled from the very beginning.

I absolutely loved this one, highly recommend it, please read so we can talk about all the things!

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