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serendipitysbooks's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Late last year I listened to Reel, a romance between two Black creatives, Canon who is a famous film director and Neevah, a Broadway performer. I like my romances to have some depth and breadth and this book delivered. Interwoven with the main plot was a look at Black singers of an earlier era with Desi, who Neevah is selected to play in Canon’s latest film, obviously being inspired by the likes of Billie Holliday. The plot also includes great disability representation with Neevah being affected by Lupus, and requiring a transplant. There is a more minor plot line involving Canon’s mother’s multiple sclerosis. Other storylines focussed on estranged family, grief over the loss of a parent, a sapphic romance, the paparazzi, racism, and the reality of life in creative industries. The romance certainly sizzled and overall I enjoyed the book despite feeling it was a bit too long and somewhat overwritten in places.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Racism and Death of parent
Minor: Lesbophobia
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