Review: What If? What If ? - Suzanne B. Miller

Review: What If? What If? - Suzanne B. Miller - May 2025

Every now and then, a book comes along that feels like it was written just for you. When I was approached to read What If? What If? by Suzanne B. Miller and saw it was set in New Zealand—specifically Hamilton—I knew I had to say yes. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this story would resonate with me, not just as a reader, but as someone who’s lived through many of the same moments.

The story follows Jasmine, a council archivist whose life is shaped by her OCD—nicknamed “Medusa.” Her condition is portrayed with such honesty and compassion, and I found myself relating to her work life more than I expected. Before I was made redundant from Tauranga City Council, I held a similar role, scanning and profiling old council documents. Reading about Jasmine’s day-to-day felt like revisiting a chapter of my own life.

The setting was another highlight. Having visited Hamilton, I could vividly picture the Garden Square by the Library and Hamilton City Council—places I’ve wandered myself. It added a layer of warmth and familiarity that made the story feel even more personal.

But this book isn’t just about one woman’s journey. It spans decades, weaving in historical threads from 1930s to 1960s Hamilton through a series of discovered diaries. Jasmine and her friends embark on a mission to trace the lives behind those pages, and in doing so, uncover stories that echo across generations.

Set between 2018 and 2020, the novel also touches on real events like the Christchurch Mosque Shooting and the COVID pandemic. As someone who lived through those times here in New Zealand, those moments hit hard. And when Paige, one of the characters, learns of a student murdered by a parent, it stirred memories of a tragedy close to my own family—friends of my sister who were taken far too soon. That part of the book brought tears to my eyes.

What If? What If? is more than just women’s fiction—it’s a tapestry of Kiwi life, stitched with grief, friendship, resilience, and hope. If you’re looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings and reflect the real, raw beauty of New Zealand living, this one’s a must-read.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mD72bY