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A review by pastelwriter
The Trouble with Hating You by Sajni Patel
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
3.5
I had mixed feelings about this book. There were elements I certainly loved, but there were also parts I wasn’t a huge fan of.
One of the main things that irritated me a bit as I read is that I felt like the story went back and forth in its messaging. We had a protagonist basically accused of being a “slut,” but it still felt like the overall narrative looked down on women who slept around. It felt like it was trying to go for Liya not really being a “slut.” I don’t know. The messages were just all over the place.
I seriously did appreciate that this tackled the topic of sexual assault. Although the ending didn’t fully feel realistic, it is what I wish would always happen in the real world, so I’m not going to hold it against the book.
In addition, I loved that both protagonists were hardheaded individuals. The banter between Jay and Liya was a lot of fun. I mostly enjoyed their relationship. I thought they had some really sweet moments. I do have to say, though, that I wish both of them had gone to therapy. One time I think Jay even says Liya is his salvation...and just no.I do appreciate though that the book ended with Jay following Liya to Dallas. I didn’t want her staying in Houston for him.
I also appreciated that this also tackled domestic abuse—though at a smaller scale. Liya’s mom was truly in an unfortunate marriage.
Finally, I also liked that this book also featured a lot of women supporting each other. It was a central focus of the narrative that I found so important.
At the end of the day, I’m not mad I picked this up. I’m certainly looking forward to the novel that will follow Preeti, and I hope it’s even better than this one!
P.S. I also liked that, although Liya was against arranged marriages, the whole narrative wasn’t opposed to them. It gave examples of how this practice can be done successfully and consensually.
One of the main things that irritated me a bit as I read is that I felt like the story went back and forth in its messaging. We had a protagonist basically accused of being a “slut,” but it still felt like the overall narrative looked down on women who slept around. It felt like it was trying to go for Liya not really being a “slut.” I don’t know. The messages were just all over the place.
I seriously did appreciate that this tackled the topic of sexual assault. Although the ending didn’t fully feel realistic, it is what I wish would always happen in the real world, so I’m not going to hold it against the book.
In addition, I loved that both protagonists were hardheaded individuals. The banter between Jay and Liya was a lot of fun. I mostly enjoyed their relationship. I thought they had some really sweet moments. I do have to say, though, that I wish both of them had gone to therapy. One time I think Jay even says Liya is his salvation...and just no.
I also appreciated that this also tackled domestic abuse—though at a smaller scale. Liya’s mom was truly in an unfortunate marriage.
Finally, I also liked that this book also featured a lot of women supporting each other. It was a central focus of the narrative that I found so important.
At the end of the day, I’m not mad I picked this up. I’m certainly looking forward to the novel that will follow Preeti, and I hope it’s even better than this one!
P.S. I also liked that, although Liya was against arranged marriages, the whole narrative wasn’t opposed to them. It gave examples of how this practice can be done successfully and consensually.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexism, Misogyny, and Domestic abuse