Scan barcode
A review by hanarama
Loveless by Alice Oseman
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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
3.5
Book at a Glance:
• LGBT Coming-of-age
• University-setting
• Building friendships
18-year-old Georgia Warr is about to start university with her best friends, Pip and Jason. There's just one problem, all through high school, Georgia has, despite loving romances, never had a single crush, never had a boyfriend or girlfriend, or even been kissed. After a disastrous post-prom party, she's left worrying that there's something seriously wrong with her.
When Georgia starts classes at Durham, she makes a plan to chase a college romance worthy of a romcom. With the help of her exceedingly popular and flirty roommate, Rooney, Georgia begins her search for someone to fall in love with. Instead, both girls are set on a path of self discovery and acceptance.
Loveless is a very sweet story, providing much needed aromantic-asexual representation. As a coming-out/coming-of-age story, much of the story centers on Georgia's self-acceptance and exploration. It's clear that this is a very personal story for Oseman, and Georgia's anxieties hit in a very genuine way.
Oseman does only offer one facet of the asexual experience though. Despite three characters identifying as ace, there is not much diversity shown between their experiences. I think it is worth noting that of the three, Sunil's identity is given the least exploration, outside of stating it during teaching moments to Georgia. Sunil is also one of only a couple characters of color. I don't think this was done maliciously, but it is worth noting. (Additionally, Sunil is said to use he/them pronouns, but the book seems to exclusively refer to them with male pronouns. I don't know if this was on Oseman or an editor though).
Beyond Georgia's self-discovery, the main focus of Loveless is on the friendships built between the main characters. Oseman provides lots of brief insights into the characters and how they spend their time together. I feel like this really fleshes out their friendships and makes them feel more like an actual group of friends.
Rooney is a standout. Aside from Georgia, she undergoes the most growth. As the flighty, flirty girl that seems to have hundreds of friends, her growth mirrors Georgia's. It is easy to read Loveless as a coming of age story for both girls.
I think that Loveless will provide a lot of comfort for teenagers and new adults.
• LGBT Coming-of-age
• University-setting
• Building friendships
18-year-old Georgia Warr is about to start university with her best friends, Pip and Jason. There's just one problem, all through high school, Georgia has, despite loving romances, never had a single crush, never had a boyfriend or girlfriend, or even been kissed. After a disastrous post-prom party, she's left worrying that there's something seriously wrong with her.
When Georgia starts classes at Durham, she makes a plan to chase a college romance worthy of a romcom. With the help of her exceedingly popular and flirty roommate, Rooney, Georgia begins her search for someone to fall in love with. Instead, both girls are set on a path of self discovery and acceptance.
Loveless is a very sweet story, providing much needed aromantic-asexual representation. As a coming-out/coming-of-age story, much of the story centers on Georgia's self-acceptance and exploration. It's clear that this is a very personal story for Oseman, and Georgia's anxieties hit in a very genuine way.
Oseman does only offer one facet of the asexual experience though. Despite three characters identifying as ace, there is not much diversity shown between their experiences. I think it is worth noting that of the three, Sunil's identity is given the least exploration, outside of stating it during teaching moments to Georgia. Sunil is also one of only a couple characters of color. I don't think this was done maliciously, but it is worth noting. (Additionally, Sunil is said to use he/them pronouns, but the book seems to exclusively refer to them with male pronouns. I don't know if this was on Oseman or an editor though).
Beyond Georgia's self-discovery, the main focus of Loveless is on the friendships built between the main characters. Oseman provides lots of brief insights into the characters and how they spend their time together. I feel like this really fleshes out their friendships and makes them feel more like an actual group of friends.
Rooney is a standout. Aside from Georgia, she undergoes the most growth. As the flighty, flirty girl that seems to have hundreds of friends, her growth mirrors Georgia's. It is easy to read Loveless as a coming of age story for both girls.
I think that Loveless will provide a lot of comfort for teenagers and new adults.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Toxic relationship and Alcoholism