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A review by annorabrady
The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
4.75
The characters set out to recreate a series of romcom tropes but this book proves the complexities that written word can channel in ways the visual medium would struggle with. While a movie night get to keep one or two of the side plots or backstory elements, this book is able to tackle some complex topics like a having a parent with dementia, being the sibling of someone with a lifelong disability, income inequality, remarriage of a parent, the act of forgiveness, learning how to see past your biases to who someone actually is, learning to make friends after betrayal, and coming to terms with the potential of losing everything because of circumstances beyond your control while also having fun with the cheesy romcom tropes.
I will say, as someone who took care of their grandmother who had Parkinson's induced dementia and whose mother died 6 months ago, there was a lot in this book that was both triggering and healing. I'm glad I read it, but if you've been there yourself and you're still working your way through the trauma that can come from those situations, this book might be too much.
I will say, as someone who took care of their grandmother who had Parkinson's induced dementia and whose mother died 6 months ago, there was a lot in this book that was both triggering and healing. I'm glad I read it, but if you've been there yourself and you're still working your way through the trauma that can come from those situations, this book might be too much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Alcohol, Dementia, and Grief