A review by ashleighamble
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin

emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 nothing. The book doesn’t really begin until about 300 pages. Autumn is a little stuck-up and frustrating and unlikable but the other characters are fine, especially Finny. It made me happy and excited and angry at times which is always a good thing but the ending was extremely quick and didn’t make me feel the way the author intended. It was unnecessary and rushed like it really didn’t need to happen. Also it’s ironic how Autumn did what was done to her but it was okay when she did it. But also as the reader I felt myself sympathizing and understanding even if she was inflicting what was inflicted upon her. I think the whole last 100 pages should’ve been more expanded and then when the climax hit it should’ve been slower and less acute. It made it less meaningful for it to happen so suddenly. I would’ve rather it had been more slow and meaningful and dramatic and angsty rather than all happen in one night. I did really enjoy this book, like I had a good time reading it, but there was no plot and the pacing was completely off which threw me off. 
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