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A review by quiteliterary
Where Have All the Scoundrels Gone by Louisa Darling
4.75
“I love you too much to ever be satisfied with less than all of you.”
This book was an emotional gut punch in the best way possible. I cried twice, which is always a sign that a story has truly gotten under my skin. WHATSG is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching romance that dives deep into emotional vulnerability, trauma, and healing.
This book was an emotional gut punch in the best way possible. I cried twice, which is always a sign that a story has truly gotten under my skin. WHATSG is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching romance that dives deep into emotional vulnerability, trauma, and healing.
Nathaniel begins as a cold, closed-off figure, which kind of frustrated me so much, but watching him slowly soften and open up was one of the most satisfying arcs I’ve read in a while. His character development felt earned and honest. Bess, on the other hand, is deeply self-sacrificing and self-critical, someone who carries so much weight in silence. Together though, they are two sides of the same coin, each mirroring the other’s pain and capacity for love.
The emotional pacing of the book is a true rollercoaster. Every moment of happiness is so hard-won and often short-lived because reality crashes back in with such force every two minutes. Yet through it all, what grounded the story for me was the way Nathaniel and Bess constantly reassured one another that, no matter what, they’d always have each other. That steady emotional commitment was incredibly moving.
Lucy was also a standout character, and I genuinely can’t wait for her story! Especially knowing she will be paired with a menace of a man. And can we please get a prequel novella about Henrietta and Benedict? My heart was hurting for her. He was not a good father to Nathaniel but I am curious about H&B as lovers.
The only thing that pulled me out at times was the choppy scene transitions, which made the flow feel uneven. I ended up taking 0.25 off my rating because of it but otherwise, this story hurt in all the right ways, and I loved every page of it.
The only thing that pulled me out at times was the choppy scene transitions, which made the flow feel uneven. I ended up taking 0.25 off my rating because of it but otherwise, this story hurt in all the right ways, and I loved every page of it.