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A review by bridget986
The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
2021 Challenge: 35/24
I cannot believe Emily Henry betrayed me like this! Everything I've read from her has been practically perfect and spurred on my reading. Unfortunately, this book has put me in a weeks-long reading slump and triggered some of my mental health issues. I had problems with the pacing, the insta-love, and the plot, but I had two main issues. The first being that this story relies so heavily on Native American culture and storytelling, and Emily Henry is not a Native American woman. I wouldn't have as much of an issue with a white woman writing a POC character if their culture wasn't a driving force of the novel. My second main issue was the message of the book. I really don't love how Natalie gave up her LIFE for a boy in a parallel world to hers, and we get to see how he and her family move on just fine without her. I find that triggering and a bizarre message for a YA book.
Additionally, the last chapter makes it even worse because it's so open-ended and vague. If Natalie is going to basically unalive, then I expect a more concrete ending. I expect for her to make this up to me in her upcoming romance novel "Book Lovers."
I cannot believe Emily Henry betrayed me like this! Everything I've read from her has been practically perfect and spurred on my reading. Unfortunately, this book has put me in a weeks-long reading slump and triggered some of my mental health issues. I had problems with the pacing, the insta-love, and the plot, but I had two main issues. The first being that this story relies so heavily on Native American culture and storytelling, and Emily Henry is not a Native American woman. I wouldn't have as much of an issue with a white woman writing a POC character if their culture wasn't a driving force of the novel. My second main issue was the message of the book. I really don't love how Natalie gave up her LIFE for a boy in a parallel world to hers, and we get to see how he and her family move on just fine without her. I find that triggering and a bizarre message for a YA book.
Additionally, the last chapter makes it even worse because it's so open-ended and vague. If Natalie is going to basically unalive, then I expect a more concrete ending. I expect for her to make this up to me in her upcoming romance novel "Book Lovers."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Car accident
Minor: Sexual assault and Alcoholism