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A review by blueberry31
Beach Read by Emily Henry
2.0
I’m not sure I understand the hype around this book, if I’m honest. It wasn’t really for me.
At first I was excited to read something in the romance genre that felt like it wouldn’t solely be about the relationship development, and would touch on other themes like the grieving process, the characters growing as writers, the research and work that goes into writing, etc. while still remaining somewhat lighthearted and uplifting. However I felt that despite the book attempting to do just that, it didn’t succeed for me.
My main issue was authenticity, I don’t feel like the characters had believable interactions and reactions, it all felt fabricated and heavily sugar-coated. Paradoxically, the more the author tried to infuse drama, darkness and uncertainty, the more cliché it felt.
When it comes to the other plot elements like Gus and January’s writing, their research, their work in progress novels, I found I couldn’t bring myself to care. January’s circus book seemed grotesque and try-hard, Gus’ cult book could have been intriguing (I’m a big fan of the whole cults & dystopias topic) but the topic wasn’t explored as deeply as it needed to be to make it relevant or interesting. I also doubt you can really simplify the issue as much as “People stay in situations of abuse. This is like in cults. Hence cults will bring me answers about my abusive family past”... bit of a leap there.
Lastly, all side characters felt exactly like that: very much to the side, only there to fuel the main characters’ story and serve as backdrop, dark past, reasons for trauma... I personally really don’t like it when more « secondary » characters have no real purpose or subtstance as standalones, when they just feel like props.
I guess this is exactly what the title suggests, a good beach read, great if you want to read something light and clear your mind, or if you want the comforting feel of a predictable storyline and ending!
At first I was excited to read something in the romance genre that felt like it wouldn’t solely be about the relationship development, and would touch on other themes like the grieving process, the characters growing as writers, the research and work that goes into writing, etc. while still remaining somewhat lighthearted and uplifting. However I felt that despite the book attempting to do just that, it didn’t succeed for me.
My main issue was authenticity, I don’t feel like the characters had believable interactions and reactions, it all felt fabricated and heavily sugar-coated. Paradoxically, the more the author tried to infuse drama, darkness and uncertainty, the more cliché it felt.
When it comes to the other plot elements like Gus and January’s writing, their research, their work in progress novels, I found I couldn’t bring myself to care. January’s circus book seemed grotesque and try-hard, Gus’ cult book could have been intriguing (I’m a big fan of the whole cults & dystopias topic) but the topic wasn’t explored as deeply as it needed to be to make it relevant or interesting. I also doubt you can really simplify the issue as much as “People stay in situations of abuse. This is like in cults. Hence cults will bring me answers about my abusive family past”... bit of a leap there.
Lastly, all side characters felt exactly like that: very much to the side, only there to fuel the main characters’ story and serve as backdrop, dark past, reasons for trauma... I personally really don’t like it when more « secondary » characters have no real purpose or subtstance as standalones, when they just feel like props.
I guess this is exactly what the title suggests, a good beach read, great if you want to read something light and clear your mind, or if you want the comforting feel of a predictable storyline and ending!