The Leaving Room

Publication Date: October 2025 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Lyrically presented in verse, this novel provides a short but sweet story about the power of connection.

3.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Gospel is a Keeper of The Leaving Room, providing a place and help for those who pass on. Whether it’s playing a game, talking or cooking food, Gospel helps the children that come to her room to move on. When she meets another Keeper named Melody, things begin to change. Everything that has been routine suddenly is interrupted and the connection between Melody and Gospel becomes entangled.

My Analysis: The concept of The Leaving Room being this place where someone can pause for a moment if they need before they move on is a powerful one. I thought this was beautifully written in a verse format that suited the story. If you are not a fan of novels in verse, this one may not be for you. It does incorporate more of a poetic style than some verse writing does. I do wish there was more to this though. This is just a little snippet of a much larger idea, and if you’re accepting of that then it was well done. I however always want more background information than not, and that was not the way this book was presented. Touching on the impact of connection, I appreciated how things wrapped up at the end. Overall it is a quick and worthwhile read if you’re looking for a powerful yet fantastical story.