A review by winchesterm89
August Lane by Regina Black

emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

August Lane is not your typical romance novel. It definitely has the tropes we often discuss in bookish spaces like “second chances” and “he falls first.” However, this story is so much more than formulaic elements. August Lane is a story of survival and redemption. It’s a story about identity, particularly who gets to determine who belongs. However, the story I gravitated most to was the story of motherhood. Regina Black took great care into exploring the consequences of young girls and women being forced into roles they either did not ask for (i.e. JoJo) or were not prepared for (i.e. Ava). When so much focus is put on the birth of a child but not making sure the child and mother have the tools, resources, and support they need to ensure their wellbeing, it allows for the cycles of pain and generational trauma to persists. Luke and August were forced to grow up quickly due to the choices made by the adults around them. But the same could also be said for JoJo and Ava. While JoJo and Ava may have failed their children in certain ways (Ava more so than JoJo), it’s difficult to write them off completely. I can’t help but feel deeply for these flawed characters who feel so human. 

Regina Black definitely avoided the sophomore slump. This novel is exceptional! I can’t wait to read more from her.