A review by zabeishumanish
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

I think this book exists in the wrong genre. If this was marketed as women's fiction it would make much more sense. I think the story does technically meet the definition of a romance, but the story places much more priority on Anna and her struggles than anything about her relationship with Quan. Also, while this is technically dual POV, it feels like significantly more than half the story is Anna's POV. Everything about this story is well done, it was a deep meaningful read, it just feels like less of a romance than I was promised.

"I don't mask anymore if I can help it." (Anna's POV, 330)

"A slow me is much better than a sick me." (Anna's POV, 331)

This book is a rough read. It is hard and emotional, and at times downright painful. The book is also satisfying in a deep and lasting way, that would not exist if the pain was merely written as shock value.  I have never had to endure the harder experiences in Anna's life, but this book healed a part of me I didn't know was in pain, even without having shared in Anna's life experiences. 
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