Book Review: What’s Left of Me by Kat Zhang

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . . 

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

I’m not going to lie; I thought I might get a little confused about the whole two souls in one body deal. I have the tendency to get confused if there are too many characters in one book, much less having one body with two souls. Kat Zhang did a marvelous job creating these characters and insuring both Eva and Addie have distinct voices and personalities. The main thing that helped me was that the book was narrated by Eva. That never wavered. If Addie had started narrating I would have been totally lost. 

I thought the concept of this book was fascinating. Zhang’s imagination must be out of control. She created this unique concept and she explores the depth of emotions that one might go through in this universe. What is not clear is why humans have two souls, have they always had them or is it some sort of evolutionary thing that has occurred or is this more like The Host 50 years in the future? Anyway I’m sure that will be explored in later books. 

Eva and Addie’s relationship is complicated and a little bit heartbreaking. Addie is the dominate soul, meaning she has full control of their bodies. Eva is just essentially floating in Addie’s mind. No one knows she is there, or can hear her. She has no control over their body, if she doesn’t want to read or watch TV she has no choice. Eva doesn’t really complain about this but you can tell sometimes it bothers her, and Addie who has the better end of the deal rarely feels guilt. The whole dynamic changes when they meet Hally who knows how to bring Eva out, and when they learn that there are still people living with both souls in their bodies. This revelation brings up new possibilities for the future for Eva at least. She may have the opportunity to have a life out of Addie’s head. But that means Addie has to be ok with not being present some of the time. Could this mean romance is in the future for both girls? How in the world is that going to work? 

The book also explores what happens to people who are deemed to be “not right” or “insane”. The girls and others are forced to submit to test and medications to cure them of the other soul in their body and to live in an institution. This part was well written and slightly heartbreaking for the reader. I felt so bad for all of them; I wanted to rescue them myself. The climax was exciting and nerve-racking and ensured that you finished that book no matter the time of night! 

I liked this book. It was a good read and I will enjoy reading more from this series along with more from this author. 

4 Bards.

This review was submitted to A Midsummer Night’s Read by Missy