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coffeekitaab 's review for:
You Are Here
by David Nicholls
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Having read One Day during the lockdown, I was taken by the opportunity to read You Are Here - the protagonists are later 30s/early 40s and both, due to circumstances, with little/no social life, living a monotonous life with the same routine, are brought together in this plot. Michael finds peace and a challenge in his hiking trips across England - they are his escape from the family home that reminds him of his memories and broken marriage with his estranged wife. On this trip, Cleo, a common friend/the principal of the school where Michael works, invites Marnie - a copy editor/divorcee, who has found joy in cancelling plans last minute...only this time, she does take up Cleo's offer, a chance at a new adventure, where's the harm?
I struggled and winced when trying to describe the characters above - trying to avoid painting them as a particular demographic/stereotype, however, this is the premise of the life that Marnie and Michael lead - the promise of the journey that awaits them whilst on this hike becomes the foundation of their story. The exploration of their personalities and the bond they form due to the conversations and experiences they share whilst on this trek, they find some areas of commonality, banter that reveals a hidden side that has not shown itself for a long time due to the mundane of everyday life and what life has/had become for them...the result is pleasing, joyful and fun.
Though David Nicholls is, perhaps arguably, writing this story for a particular target audience, it is a credit to his conviction to develop the plot and take it to its conclusion because there is a natural trajectory that shapes in both the character and within the story. There is some truth in a story which suggests that it is/can become harder to make new friends, especially when your love/married life does not go to plan, that for many people, things can become isolating. In that, I do laud David Nicholls attempt to broaden the horizons, both literally and figuratively to articulate a fresh, new story.
Although charming, this read was not particularly moving or entertaining for me and it did miss a certain spark that I have witnessed in other writing by Nicholls. The characters were not very memorable. That said, it is still a lovely, simple, gentle (often in parts slow) read, I did still enjoy it and I know many readers will truly love the writing and story itself.
I am looking forward to reading more from David Nicholls. Thank you Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Sceptre for the advanced copy in exchange for an unedited, honest review.
I struggled and winced when trying to describe the characters above - trying to avoid painting them as a particular demographic/stereotype, however, this is the premise of the life that Marnie and Michael lead - the promise of the journey that awaits them whilst on this hike becomes the foundation of their story. The exploration of their personalities and the bond they form due to the conversations and experiences they share whilst on this trek, they find some areas of commonality, banter that reveals a hidden side that has not shown itself for a long time due to the mundane of everyday life and what life has/had become for them...the result is pleasing, joyful and fun.
Though David Nicholls is, perhaps arguably, writing this story for a particular target audience, it is a credit to his conviction to develop the plot and take it to its conclusion because there is a natural trajectory that shapes in both the character and within the story. There is some truth in a story which suggests that it is/can become harder to make new friends, especially when your love/married life does not go to plan, that for many people, things can become isolating. In that, I do laud David Nicholls attempt to broaden the horizons, both literally and figuratively to articulate a fresh, new story.
Although charming, this read was not particularly moving or entertaining for me and it did miss a certain spark that I have witnessed in other writing by Nicholls. The characters were not very memorable. That said, it is still a lovely, simple, gentle (often in parts slow) read, I did still enjoy it and I know many readers will truly love the writing and story itself.
I am looking forward to reading more from David Nicholls. Thank you Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Sceptre for the advanced copy in exchange for an unedited, honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail