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allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
As a Sense & Sensibility megafan, I can speak more clearly on this story as an adaptation than any of the other Austen spins in the series. The Dashwood sisters are the heart of the story, and their characterization and conflict here felt true to the spirit of the original. China, the Marianne of this story, takes on new dimensions as a Black lesbian, so her overpowering feelings for a famous closeted K-drama actress are more complex but no less fierce than in the original. India's Elinor energy is also going strong, and she manages the feelings and well-being of everyone around her with competence and empathy as she crumbles on the inside. An adjustment that I thought worked well is a shift with their mother. India is acting as caregiver due to a new diagnosis in her mother's life, not general incompetence. She is a fully-fledged person more than comedic ineptitude. Yash's white knight mode was not my favorite even though I would love a politician like him to represent me. The way his family and supporters fawned over his every move may have contributed to my reaction.
The romance was less dazzling for me than the characters. I enjoyed Yash's story of fake dating gone wrong. Instead of following the trajectory romance books teach us to expect, a pact between best friends goes sour when one wants out of the bargain, tired of the lies. His true love story with India is second chance and all angst. Paired with instalove, it was an unideal pairing in terms of what tropes I favor. The angst comes from both internal and external pressures keeping them apart, starting with Yash's past traumas and ending with the current ones including an assassination attempt and the PR demands as his gubernatorial election fast approaches. Except for pining, the love story feels like it takes a backseat to the campaign and family and other relationships. Second chance doesn't help matters because the bedrock of their infatuation is one day spent together ten years ago when they both fell head over heels. Now, Yash's fake relationship stands in their way.
As an adaptation, I think this is a strong work. Be aware that heavy topics are on the table here, including gun violence and resulting panic attacks, rape and blackmail, car accident injuries and a hepatitis diagnosis. While I particularly liked the Dashwoods, I wasn't sold on the central romance. And since it's a bleak outlook for them during most of the story, it became a bit torturous for me as a lukewarm supporter in the best of times. If you like your romance with many dimensions and not only a romantic plot, plenty of pining, and a second chance story with a lot of obstacles, this might be up your alley.
The romance was less dazzling for me than the characters. I enjoyed Yash's story of fake dating gone wrong. Instead of following the trajectory romance books teach us to expect, a pact between best friends goes sour when one wants out of the bargain, tired of the lies. His true love story with India is second chance and all angst. Paired with instalove, it was an unideal pairing in terms of what tropes I favor. The angst comes from both internal and external pressures keeping them apart, starting with Yash's past traumas and ending with the current ones including an assassination attempt and the PR demands as his gubernatorial election fast approaches. Except for pining, the love story feels like it takes a backseat to the campaign and family and other relationships. Second chance doesn't help matters because the bedrock of their infatuation is one day spent together ten years ago when they both fell head over heels. Now, Yash's fake relationship stands in their way.
As an adaptation, I think this is a strong work. Be aware that heavy topics are on the table here, including gun violence and resulting panic attacks, rape and blackmail, car accident injuries and a hepatitis diagnosis. While I particularly liked the Dashwoods, I wasn't sold on the central romance. And since it's a bleak outlook for them during most of the story, it became a bit torturous for me as a lukewarm supporter in the best of times. If you like your romance with many dimensions and not only a romantic plot, plenty of pining, and a second chance story with a lot of obstacles, this might be up your alley.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Rape, Car accident, Lesbophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Gun violence
Minor: Islamophobia, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, and Domestic abuse
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