A review by bookishlychar
Bananapants by Penny Reid

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.5

 

Desmond has returned to Chicago after 10 years for a job. He is a thief and needs to get something back for a friend. He left when he was 15 to learn to manage his mental health. He left his best friend, Ava, behind. She was heartbroken and hadn’t ever understood why. Feeling abandoned and needing a change she goes to an event playing the part of a coworker with a ridiculous accent and wig. Desmond immediately recognizes her and needs to get her away from a dangerous man, blowing her cover. They are unexpectedly reunited and begin to find their way back to each other again. 

 

Ava and Desmond are captivating. I was intrigued by both of them from the beginning. The banter between these two was spot on, and they were able to match wits so well. There is an intensity in their romance, as they learn to trust each other and discover the love that has always been present. 

 

The discussion of mental illness and its impact was done so well. Penny Reid handled the intricacies of mental health and its impact on everyone in such a true and honest way. 

 

There were a lot of side characters, and they were characters from both the Knitting in the City and Winston Brothers series. We get to learn where these relationships led and meet Janie/Quinn and Fiona/Greg’s children. Though this is part of the story, it is not necessary to read any previous series for this book. 

 

Bananapants was a perfect blend of heart and humour capturing me from the first moment. I loved Ava and Desmond so much and thought their story was messy and beautiful. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.