A review by daaz28
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

challenging emotional reflective sad tense slow-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

4.0

My choice to read this story again was because it was just so memorable to me. I could write an essay about this story honestly. Yet, it's important to understand that this book, while excellent, is profoundly sad. It really delves deep into various aspects of Anna's life, from her autism diagnosis to childhood trauma, caregiver burnout, abusive family dynamics, and even moments of suicidal ideation. It's a challenging and emotionally heavy read, but it's a testament to Helen Hoang’s courage in sharing her personal experiences, as evident in her touching author's note 💙

“The only good thing this broken heart of mine can feel is love for you”

Anna and Quan's love story is, without a doubt, a standout in the series. Their connection was so refreshingly unexpected, and the gradual build-up of tension between them was so good 😍. But what resonated with me most was the vulnerability between. It's evident that Helen deliberately incorporated imperfections into the narrative around the beginning stages of their story, allowing Anna to shed her usual mask and reveal her genuine, authentic self to Quan as they were getting to know each other and it was done beautifully. Their connection is very sincere and real.

Characters 
Anna is an unforgettable character to me. She was so painfully relatable, down to her love for the violin. She taught me a few things whilst reading. These are just a few.

  • Anna's story brought to light the dissonance she faced, feeling safe at home while battling intense loneliness within its confines. It felt strangely familiar. Especially when we see very quickly that this sense of 'safety' is deceptive, because all it does is stunt personal growth, ruin social skills, and perpetuate feelings of isolation.

  • Most of us want to have people in our lives that truly know us to our core. Yet, Anna's journey taught me that distancing yourself from anything slightly outside of your comfort zone stops this connection from being formed. Anna's chronic people-pleasing, did not help in this area either. It’s an insidious habit that results in having to constantly change your behaviour to appease others, leading to a loss of self-identity.

  • It's impossible to fault Anna for her circumstances. However, throughout my reading, I found myself wondering why she continued to endure such a difficult situation. Growing up in an environment of abuse and manipulation leaves lasting wounds that make you feel like your life is not your own. But the beautiful truth about life is that it's yours to shape, irrespective of your past or familial ties. You have the freedom to make choices, especially when you're financially independent and no longer reliant on your parents for survival.

"I took a beautiful, innocent thing, and I murdered it. Because I couldn't bring myself to say no."

While my connection with Anna's character was undeniable, her story seriously made me feel drained. Her struggles often led to irrational thoughts that took a toll on her as an individual and her relationship with Quan. Yet, despite these challenges, Helen's portrayal of Anna's pain is masterful, allowing readers to step into her shoes and experience the full depth of her emotions.

As for Quan, a perfect man me thinks 🤭. No really, he is honestly so genuinely sweet and kind. His role as a patient partner, most likely influenced by his experience having a younger brother with autism, adds so much depth to the story. It was heartwarming to see his patience and understanding in his relationship with Anna.

However, there are a few reasons why I can’t give this book a 5-star and it’s due to some aspects of Quan's character. Quan, who has battled testicular cancer, now approaches sex with a sense of seriousness and vulnerability. He needed someone to reassure him that he hadn't lost his touch and was still a capable lover in a way.

I would’ve liked to see more scenes where Quan gradually worked through his fear of intimacy with Anna. Often, it felt like he was the one doing the comforting and reassuring, so it would have been nice to witness a more balanced exchange of support between them. Because, unquestionably, Quan deserves that. This concern was more prevalent in the beginning of the story though, and I was happy to see them work through it as the story progressed.

Additionally, it seemed like Quan and their romance as a whole was sidelined, as Anna took on caregiver duties. While Anna's character understandably takes center stage, more insight into Quan's post-surgery life and experiences would have made the story more interesting to me.
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