A review by imalma
The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary

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

1.5

(Excuse my english, it's not my mother’s tongue)

I wanted to love this book so much. Beth O'Leary is one of my favourite authors but this book was a big disappointment. 

The Road Trip provoked some intense feelings of loathe and resentment. I’ve never met characters so deranged before. I would be surprised if any of them had had a single thought before and even more if they’d ever make a rational decision. 

Dylan is one of the worst male love interests I’ve ever read about. Throughout the whole book he made a point that he could never change as a person and therefore made no sort of character development (which he needed). He is very oblivious to what Marcus is doing. I don’t know if he does not understand what Marcus is doing to him or just so egocentric that he does not care to understand.
Spoiler In the “Then” timeline Addie talks with Dylan about Marcus' behaviour against her. She tells him about the brusque comments he makes and how Marcus most definitely despises her. The right thing for Dylan to do is re-evaluate his relationship with Marcus, but he makes no such efforts. After all, he is used to be handed everything on a silver platter. In the last “Then” timeline when Addie and Dylan breaks up efter Addie almost gets raped, Dylan learns form Marcus that Addie cheated on him, which is of course wrong. Dylan is seething about this and when Addie asks him if he wants to hear her side of the story he declines. WHY WOULD HE SAY NO TO HEAR HER SIDE OF THE STORY?? HE’S HER BOYFRIEND!
I’ve never met anyone so self centred and narcissistic. If I was Addie I would get a restraining order against Dylan and simply move from England. 

Spoiler In the “now” timeline they literally have no chemistry. In the beginning of the book (meaning half of it) they don’t talk, at all. Nothing. Radio silence. All of that for them to have a heart to heart moment at the hotel. Also during the wedding they are just fine with each other like nothing happened. All of the arguing and screaming was just forgotten and forgiven.
If I were to guess their relationship would end the same as the last: in shambles and screaming leading to months of depression. I can make that assumption basing it on their thoughtless minds and irrational decisions. It’s not meant to last. 

And don’t get me wrong Dylan did do some nice things for Addie and I did chuckle at some points in the book. Beth O’Leary’s writing is beautiful (I’ve never expected anything else of course), but again the character and some plot points in the book makes my blood boil. I would never recommend this book to anyone, except maybe my worst enemy. Please don’t waste your time reading 400+ pages of nonsense. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings