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rachhendricks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
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
4.75
sullivc5's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
blairlovesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Sophie Kinsella has not only perfected, but rather elevated, the genre of "chick-lit" as we know it. In this essay I will...
But seriously, as I've grown older and understood more about plot timing, characterization, I have come to see Sophie Kinsella's work in increasingly more positive ways. Some of a similar oeuvre as Kinsella, like Lauren Weisberger, have not adapted their tone or values in storytelling, and it shows in the way their recent works have been as well received as heartburn. As Kinsella's technical prowess has grown, she's maintained her sparkling writers voice, and avoided the same tired jokes, making each new book as fun to read as the last.
First, the pacing of every aspect of this story was absolutely pitch-perfect. Not a single word or scene was wasted, nothing ever felt rushed or shoehorned in awkwardly, and despite a distinct lack of dramatic cliffhangers I always wanted to know what was happening.
Second, the characters were absolutely delightful. Kinsella did a phenomenal job of shaping our perspective of the characters along with the protagonist, and made us fall in love with every single person we came across, however poor their first impression.
Finally, in most romance, secondary plots are so far down the list in relation to the romance that they might as well be centenary. Kinsella's additional plots were neat and thorough. They all wrapped up nicely, and they all got an appropriate amount of their due. Though the romance comprised the largest part of the plot, I wouldn't even necessarily characterize it in the genre. The book is as much, or more, about Sasha learning to fall back in love with her life.
On a personal note, there are certain things I wish she had leaned into more, but if I'm being honest, they mostly align with my current interests and wouldn't have necessary served this book well. Given the recent news of her terminal cancer diagnosis, it's bittersweet to enjoy Kinsella's latest (and possibly last) book so much. But, in her shoes, I would want to be assured that I had put some good out into the world. Sophie, if you read this, you have done that and much, much more.
But seriously, as I've grown older and understood more about plot timing, characterization, I have come to see Sophie Kinsella's work in increasingly more positive ways. Some of a similar oeuvre as Kinsella, like Lauren Weisberger, have not adapted their tone or values in storytelling, and it shows in the way their recent works have been as well received as heartburn. As Kinsella's technical prowess has grown, she's maintained her sparkling writers voice, and avoided the same tired jokes, making each new book as fun to read as the last.
First, the pacing of every aspect of this story was absolutely pitch-perfect. Not a single word or scene was wasted, nothing ever felt rushed or shoehorned in awkwardly, and despite a distinct lack of dramatic cliffhangers I always wanted to know what was happening.
Second, the characters were absolutely delightful. Kinsella did a phenomenal job of shaping our perspective of the characters along with the protagonist, and made us fall in love with every single person we came across, however poor their first impression.
Finally, in most romance, secondary plots are so far down the list in relation to the romance that they might as well be centenary. Kinsella's additional plots were neat and thorough. They all wrapped up nicely, and they all got an appropriate amount of their due. Though the romance comprised the largest part of the plot, I wouldn't even necessarily characterize it in the genre. The book is as much, or more, about Sasha learning to fall back in love with her life.
On a personal note, there are certain things I wish she had leaned into more, but if I'm being honest, they mostly align with my current interests and wouldn't have necessary served this book well. Given the recent news of her terminal cancer diagnosis, it's bittersweet to enjoy Kinsella's latest (and possibly last) book so much. But, in her shoes, I would want to be assured that I had put some good out into the world. Sophie, if you read this, you have done that and much, much more.
robingibson's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
lyssak's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
megan_moyle's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
krobus's review against another edition
2.0
i keep going over this book in my head, trying to convince myself to bump it up to three stars, but i simply cannot.
this sure was a book! it sure had characters and a setting! the actual plot tho? other than the obvious, sasha is a burnout and goes on vacation, there's nothing there. 416 pages of... nothing.
the writing isn't bad, but jfc it's lacking substance. what's the point of this book? why am i supposed to care about sasha?
we aren't given any real backstory on her, there's no character development at all (again besides the obvious). let's not even mention the unrealistic side characters, or extreme lack of chemistry between her and finn :/
overall very forgettable read, but still willing to check out other books by kinsella!
this sure was a book! it sure had characters and a setting! the actual plot tho? other than the obvious, sasha is a burnout and goes on vacation, there's nothing there. 416 pages of... nothing.
the writing isn't bad, but jfc it's lacking substance. what's the point of this book? why am i supposed to care about sasha?
we aren't given any real backstory on her, there's no character development at all (again besides the obvious). let's not even mention the unrealistic side characters, or extreme lack of chemistry between her and finn :/
overall very forgettable read, but still willing to check out other books by kinsella!
jess_vegasgirlreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0