A review by dreaminfables
Writers & Lovers by Lily King

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

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

5.0

Oh how deeply I adore and admire this book.

The writing is thoughtful, holding in its words a tender intimacy that reaches out to you during dreary moments, calling out in prayer to hope for better days. It doesn’t merely insinuate that tis too shall pass, it carries you through the bridge and until the gate. A heart that is carrying grief, is bruised with heartbreak, and unsure of potential will find Casey’s journey rewarding.

While painting the picture of a starving artist the author does away with the glamorisation of pain and solitude and instead focuses on tending at the creative process with honesty. Essentially, this book is about writing, not so much of the craft but of one’s relationship with the written word. The reader remains unaware of the contents of the novel for it stays personal to Casey even beyond the scope of the narrative. We’re an audience to the events that bring the artist to the art.

The sudden loss of her mother leaves Casey truly alone and without answers to the many questions that she must ask to keep moving forward. One grows to admire the organic growth of our main character as she navigates the treacherous waters of self-doubt, complicated relationships, anxiety about an unfulfilled future and more. I took pride in her unwavering determination to write her story and was humbled by all that is demanded by the pursuit of art that is personal and requires a close examination of self.

It’s been sometime that I’ve read this beautiful book and I think about it often. If you enjoy accessible writing about the many struggles of the contemporary adult and heartwarming moments that instil hope in a world that’s not so comforting, this book will make an excellent read.