A review by novel_nicola
Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The stunning sequel to one of my favourite books brought back all the emotions I’d felt during the first book and more. Ari and Dante discover life’s joys and challenges as they navigate their budding relationship and figure out their place in a world that doesn’t seem ready for people like them. Sáenz succeeds wonderfully at bringing his characters to life and inviting readers to empathise with their struggles and triumphs. 
Though the pace may be too slow for some, and a good 100 pages could’ve easily been cut, this is a book to savour, not rush through. There wasn’t a single page I did not enjoy reading. 
Sáenz has crafted a wonderful coming-of-age duology and this book is a worthy successor to its award-winning predecessor. Aristotle and Dante will certainly go down as one of my most loved fictional couples. 
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