JUST EMILIA by Jennifer Oko presents an interesting and unique concept—three versions of the same person, each at different stages of life, trapped together in a malfunctioning D.C. metro elevator. The story follows teenage Em, middle-aged Emilia, and silver-haired Millie as they face one another, their past mistakes, present struggles, and future uncertainties. The idea of encountering yourself at different ages is fascinating, and Oko plays with the concept of time and identity in a way that feels fresh and engaging.

While the premise was captivating, I found that the emotional depth of the story didn’t quite match my expectations. At times, the interactions between the characters felt somewhat rushed, and I had trouble connecting with them on a deeper level. The themes of self-reflection, redemption, and forgiveness are definitely present, but they didn’t fully resonate with me.

Despite this, JUST EMILIA is still an enjoyable read. The plot moves at a steady pace, and the twists and revelations keep the pages turning. I appreciated the exploration of personal growth and the complexities of identity that come with age. The idea of meeting yourself at different stages of life and having to reconcile those versions of yourself is thought-provoking and left me pondering what I might say to my future and past selves.

In the end, I found the book to be decent, though not as emotionally gripping as I’d hoped. It’s a solid read for those who enjoy stories about self-discovery and the passage of time, but it didn’t leave a lasting impact on me. I'm giving this book 3 ⭐.

This is a gripping time-traveling tale where the past, present and future collide inside a DC Metro elevator. When Emilia Fletcher finds herself trapped getting out is the least of her problems. Sharing the confined space with her are Em, a troubled teenager plagued by suicidal thoughts, and Millie, an elderly woman yearning to mend ties with her estranged daughter. As the hours drag on, hunger, exhaustion, and panic set in, revealing an almost incomprehension they are the same person. Locked in an uncompromising match of memories, the three women excavate and attempt to reckon with the shared shame and suffering stemming from an unresolved trauma that has cast a profound shadow over their lives. Brimming with biting humor, compassion, and quick-witted insight, Just Emilia, is a remarkable journey of self-discovery.