A review by ndmngz
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

challenging emotional sad medium-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? Yes

5.0

I absolutely adored this book.

Quan and Anna were an amazing match of characters as love interests. The love that grew between them was a bit fast, but it didn't feel like unrealistic insta-love, it more so felt like two people who understood each other and fit right together finding each other at the right time. I wish I got more development of Quan's backstory, but it was certainly a plot focused on Anna's struggles. Quan wasn't a flat character by any means though (I just loved him and wanted more), he stood firm and fought for his relationship with Anna and understood his place as a new partner in her family struggles, but still advocated for himself when things were pushed too far.

I will say, this is not the rom-com it appears to be. Though the other books in the series tackle serious and emotional topics in parallel with the romance, this book is even more of a heavy hitter. Huang tackles a lot of topics that are reflective of her own experiences, more so than any other of the books she's written (according to her Author's Note), and because of this the writing is even more poignant, intentional, and impactful. It was more of a contemporary fiction with a subplot of romance, and though it wasn't what I expected, I truly loved it and was moved to tears at the end. Huang beautifully articulates the painful struggle of being poorly treated and regarded by family, while still loving them and feeling the need to adhere to family obligations. As well as a very rough and real portrayal of mental health, grappling with diagnoses and adjusting your world view as an adult, and how family fits into that picture.

Please note some trigger warnings include emotional abuse from family members, familial illness and death, caregiver burnout, and suicidal ideation.
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