A review by yourbookishbff
Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young

emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Well this was adorable. This is a one-night-stand-becomes-more romance that uses accidental pregnancy as the entire premise for the story (rather than as a third act conflict, where it typically finds itself). I loved this set-up, because it's clear as we get to know our two main characters, Win (Winifred) and Bo (Robert), that only an act of the universe this cataclysmic would have enabled them to choose each other at the start, when both of them are coming out of deeply traumatic life experiences and/or relationships. Their meet-cute is one of my all-time favorites, and their cozy lovers-to-roommates-to-lovers arc is so focused on the everyday moments of growing close to another person and learning how to partner with someone. This is really low-conflict (no third act breakup!) and normally that would be tough for me, but it felt really *right* for these two characters, who have so much off-page/backstory trauma that I just wanted them to be happily-ever-after from page 50. 

I read the newly released trade paperback, and I am so grateful it included the author's detailed note and content warnings at the start, particularly for a few of the heavier backstories involving suicide and cancer. Both main characters are disabled (Win was born with a limb difference and Bo had an amputation as part of his cancer treatment), and their interactions with each other provide so much affirmation and accessibility and intimacy and care. This book handled darkness with tenderness for both character and reader, and it ultimately felt safe all the way through. 
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