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A review by ablaine
If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This is a case of, “I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed.” I went into this reading so hopeful, and just felt let down by the book overall.
I appreciate that McFarlane attempted to diversify her leading lady oeuvre as I acknowledge that I can’t speak to how well she did at portraying a Black woman’s experience in England. What I found difficult about the character was how uneven the development felt. I understand the importance of containing multitudes etc., but McFarlane seemed to paint her as both a domineering force with ambition while also being a sheltered wallflower. Her voice in the beginning was so clear but it became murkier as the story went on.
The romance seemed to primarily revolve around swapping traumatic childhood stories, which is fine, but not for me. I also didn’t buy the journey from polar opposites to people who thought, felted and acted the same.
The themes were all over the place, including an attempt at highlighting the enduring strength of female friendships. Sadly, it felt like an afterthought.
The ending felt so rushed and out of character for all parties involved, that I was truly baffled after having spent so many hours with them.
I appreciate that McFarlane attempted to diversify her leading lady oeuvre as I acknowledge that I can’t speak to how well she did at portraying a Black woman’s experience in England. What I found difficult about the character was how uneven the development felt. I understand the importance of containing multitudes etc., but McFarlane seemed to paint her as both a domineering force with ambition while also being a sheltered wallflower. Her voice in the beginning was so clear but it became murkier as the story went on.
The romance seemed to primarily revolve around swapping traumatic childhood stories, which is fine, but not for me. I also didn’t buy the journey from polar opposites to people who thought, felted and acted the same.
The themes were all over the place, including an attempt at highlighting the enduring strength of female friendships. Sadly, it felt like an afterthought.
The ending felt so rushed and out of character for all parties involved, that I was truly baffled after having spent so many hours with them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Terminal illness, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Child death, and Pedophilia