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elliep63's review against another edition
4.0
Overall quite insightful. I didn't like the writing style though, it was really hard for me to get into at first.
daniella_am's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book read like how LOVEHAPPY by The Carters sounds.
jo_siah's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was an engrossing tale that followed the life of a fairly uninteresting man who meets a woman and makes a life with her. Almost voyeuristic, the author does a wonderful job of revealing the inner workings of the characters’ minds while also describing the mundane aspects of corporate, familial and romantic relationships. Despite it being very heteronormative, it was easy to follow along and relate to, with a lot of the book providing analysis on areas such as attachment and communication styles, expectations and societal norms and painted a very honest (grim) picture of what I imagine is the reality of so many love stories.
meghanceverena's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
esshgee's review against another edition
4.0
I was completely surprised by this book. Not being much of a reader of romance, the love heart sticker on my library book club copy filled me with dread. However this doesn't read like a romance novel; in fact it comes across less as a novel and more as a guide to understanding love and relationships.
I would never usually seek this sort of book out; but I found myself captivated by the philosophies and insights provided by the writer, using the fictional couple as a kind of case study.
By reading this, did I learn something about relationships? Yes. Did I recognise elements of myself within these pages? Again, yes. Would I read more of this author? Most definitely.
I would never usually seek this sort of book out; but I found myself captivated by the philosophies and insights provided by the writer, using the fictional couple as a kind of case study.
By reading this, did I learn something about relationships? Yes. Did I recognise elements of myself within these pages? Again, yes. Would I read more of this author? Most definitely.
macyh3's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ginabyeg's review against another edition
4.0
"Love is a skill rather than an enthusiasm." Just one of many truths that Alain de Boton unfolds in the love story of his main characters. He is very astute on the nature of relationships, particularly marriage. Readers will enjoy his wisdom whether they are single, newly married, or have been on the journey for many, many years.
eyreguide's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this book. It was a refreshing, fast-paced and thought-provoking read, that delved into the nature of love - not just the first infatuation and romance, but long lasting relationships and marriage. It was just fascinating for me, and interesting to see how the actions of the two protagonists were broken down by the author.
The structure of this novel is non-traditional, in that the author often inserts philosophical or thoughtful commentary on each stage of the romance, and the actual story lacks a real novel structure because it's more of an overview of how Rabih and Kirsten met, fell in love, and their progression with marriage and children. I'm not yet at the stage where I have a lot of experience with this, so it was wonderful to get an impartial look at the emotions that run through these experiences and what it means for the person and for the significant other. Even though the story is mostly from Rabih's point of view, the novel looks at the relationship in such an equitable way, that I felt like I could easily relate to both Rabih and Kristen, and all of their trials and successes. It's a little bittersweet to read the progression of their relationship, with all the ups and downs, in such a truncated way, but revelatory to get such a unique overview of these two peoples' lives.
This is a book that I think will stick with me for a long time, because the experiences discussed in this book are so meaningful and timeless. The thoughts and emotions are applicable to almost everyone, and the search or maintenance of a long lasting romantic relationship is certainly a major part of most people's lives. This is a beautiful and fascinating book.
The structure of this novel is non-traditional, in that the author often inserts philosophical or thoughtful commentary on each stage of the romance, and the actual story lacks a real novel structure because it's more of an overview of how Rabih and Kirsten met, fell in love, and their progression with marriage and children. I'm not yet at the stage where I have a lot of experience with this, so it was wonderful to get an impartial look at the emotions that run through these experiences and what it means for the person and for the significant other. Even though the story is mostly from Rabih's point of view, the novel looks at the relationship in such an equitable way, that I felt like I could easily relate to both Rabih and Kristen, and all of their trials and successes. It's a little bittersweet to read the progression of their relationship, with all the ups and downs, in such a truncated way, but revelatory to get such a unique overview of these two peoples' lives.
This is a book that I think will stick with me for a long time, because the experiences discussed in this book are so meaningful and timeless. The thoughts and emotions are applicable to almost everyone, and the search or maintenance of a long lasting romantic relationship is certainly a major part of most people's lives. This is a beautiful and fascinating book.
jinglebellyee's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I am conflicted!!! I really liked how the author explored the non-romantic side of love, like what goes beyond the typical “how did you guys meet?” and how choosing to stay in love is really a huge commitment especially when work and kids come into the picture.. The blend between fiction (the story of Rabih and Kirsten) and non-fiction (author’s commentary) was very interesting. And inside I think it was the author’s commentary that made me kind of want to finish the book? Because the fictional story was quite plain – I acknowledge that not every love story needs to be super dramatic and in fact I love how mundane and normal they love story was but I think it was the lack of character building that made me feel a bit distant from the both of them.
I hated how the author justified Rabih’s infidelity. It should never ever be justified, not in any circumstances. And the author chose to have Rabih cover up for the sake of their “marriage”. At one point he even suspected Kirsten being disloyal to him?? That was really the epitome of male gaze and misogyny
I hated how the author justified Rabih’s infidelity. It should never ever be justified, not in any circumstances. And the author chose to have Rabih cover up for the sake of their “marriage”. At one point he even suspected Kirsten being disloyal to him?? That was really the epitome of male gaze and misogyny
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
emktaylor's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0