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A review by taylouse
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was honestly really hesitant to read this book. I bought it years ago with the promise I would, but it never grabbed my attention - it became a dust collector.
I am so glad I finally read it. I am glad for a leading female who isn't conventionally attractive, who is interesting, and is centre in the love story. I'm really surprised Netflix hasn't scooped this up for a mini-series, if I'm honest. It seems like the perfect material. I really enjoyed this book. After the first 100 pages, I could barely put it down.
Except, I hate the cliffhanger ending. Blah, blah, postcard, "Just three words" - that, dear friends, is a rubbish ending. In the author's note, Rowell says she hopes people might interpret it as Eleanor finally saying 'I love you' to Park, but that it is ultimately up for interpretation. Except, I couldn't possibly imagine that being the way she tells him - not to mention, for the very first time. It seems out of character for her to say something so profound on a post-card. I find it impossible to believe she wouldn't have called Park, or written to him, especially if her Aunt/Uncle are happy to provide her a phone and stamps.
Oh, and ableist and racist language is icky. Pretty sure this can be conveyed without writing literal slurs.
I am so glad I finally read it. I am glad for a leading female who isn't conventionally attractive, who is interesting, and is centre in the love story. I'm really surprised Netflix hasn't scooped this up for a mini-series, if I'm honest. It seems like the perfect material. I really enjoyed this book. After the first 100 pages, I could barely put it down.
Except, I hate the cliffhanger ending. Blah, blah, postcard, "Just three words" - that, dear friends, is a rubbish ending. In the author's note, Rowell says she hopes people might interpret it as Eleanor finally saying 'I love you' to Park, but that it is ultimately up for interpretation. Except, I couldn't possibly imagine that being the way she tells him - not to mention, for the very first time. It seems out of character for her to say something so profound on a post-card. I find it impossible to believe she wouldn't have called Park, or written to him, especially if her Aunt/Uncle are happy to provide her a phone and stamps.
Oh, and ableist and racist language is icky. Pretty sure this can be conveyed without writing literal slurs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Racial slurs, and Racism