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ruthhelizabeth's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
How to End a Love Story is an original emotional love tale of two star crossed lovers connected and separated by their history.
If you are someone who has any triggers, it might be helpful to know that in the first chapter it is revealed thatHelen (our female main character) lost her sister as a teenager when she intentionally stepped out in front of a car that Grant (our love interest) was driving.
Helen and Grant are complicated characters. Their trauma is handled well in the writing but they regularly get in their own way, which some might find frustrating to read. Not me, I loved the complexity involved in their dynamic and in the relationships they have with their families.
It was also fascinating to learn about adapting books from an author who has written the screenplays to two Emily Henry books.
I do feel at times like jumps between different aspects of the plot was jarring, and the pacing could have been smoothed out a little more. The spice was inserted directly next to trauma, which was a bit of a leap emotionally as a reader, but perhaps that was intentional to match the minds of the characters.
Overall, I am really excited to read anything else Kuang writes and this book was a triumph of a debut.
If you are someone who has any triggers, it might be helpful to know that in the first chapter it is revealed that
Helen and Grant are complicated characters. Their trauma is handled well in the writing but they regularly get in their own way, which some might find frustrating to read. Not me, I loved the complexity involved in their dynamic and in the relationships they have with their families.
It was also fascinating to learn about adapting books from an author who has written the screenplays to two Emily Henry books.
I do feel at times like jumps between different aspects of the plot was jarring, and the pacing could have been smoothed out a little more. The spice was inserted directly next to trauma, which was a bit of a leap emotionally as a reader, but perhaps that was intentional to match the minds of the characters.
Overall, I am really excited to read anything else Kuang writes and this book was a triumph of a debut.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, and Mental illness
Moderate: Toxic relationship
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