A review by svftsapphic
Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth

emotional funny lighthearted 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

“just because you loved someone it didn’t mean you had to give them another chance.”

I truly ADORE this book. Like i truly cannot say enough praise for it. This book was adorable even when it hit way closer to home than I expected. If you’re a fan of amazing lesbian representation, found family/found friendship dynamics, no queer angst and unexpected love then you will also adore this book. 

I didn’t come into this expecting to relate to these characters for anything else other than also being a lesbian however I was so incredibly wrong. Many aspects of these characters I could relate to but Aideen’s story specifically. Her whole thing of solving other peoples problems for them because she doesn’t think it’s possible to solve her own just….wow. Also the italics to show Aideen’s inner voice and all of her anxieties was done so well, it really helped just to show how she processes things and why she does the things she does. It’s genuinely scary how much I relate to her especially with everything to do with her family and stuff. 

Meabh truly just has the biggest spot in my heart. It made me sad to think about how this is the first time she’s ever had people who genuinely enjoy being around her because before then everyone just found her annoying. I really love that they didn’t try to “fix” her. That she was an overachiever and high maintenance and that was okay, they didn’t try to make her “normal” but instead gave her ways to manage her stress and anxieties. I truly think Meabh has the potential to solve the world, Meabh for president. 

Kavi’s general presence may have been my favourite part about this book. He’s just such a gem and he sounds so fun to be around. He’s so incredibly selfless and caring and I want bathing more than to be hugged by him because I feel like that would cure all my anxieties. 

I love that it was a queer book by having a main character who was a lesbian but without all the usual queer trauma we always see by ways of lesbophobia and coming out scenes. I also appreciate that being a lesbian wasnt Aideen or Meabh’s entire personality, they were so much more than that and I feel like I rarely see that. The queerness in this book is explored in such a natural and casual way without making it all about that, it’s just an incredibly fun and heartwarming book.
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