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A review by lilanreads
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
5.0
One of the best books I've read so far this year. This book tells the story between Helen and Grant, who were linked through a tragedy (check TW!) and unexpectedly meet again a decade later. The story is set in a TV show writers room. Helen is the author of the book that's going to be adapted, and Grant is one of the screenwriters.
.
Given the premise of the initial conflict (the tragedy) and how Helen is depicted as a total grump (even downright rude to Grant), I had a lot of skepticism about how this would work. Apparently, I worried over nothing because Yulin Kuang tied everything up very nicely. The way both Helen and Grant heal from the trauma and develop their relationship is so touching.
.
The writing itself struck a balance between funny, sharp, and melancholic, but not too preachy. I love angst, and boy does this book deliver! It has a second chance feel to it (due to the fallout in the past), which I really like. I first heard of Yulin Kuang as the one who will be directing and adapting two of Emily Henry's books (Beach Read and PWMOV). The way she depicts what it's like inside a writers' room or producing a TV show is very interesting! She has a lot of experience here, and it shows.
Incredible writing, especially in the 3rd act. Her screenwriting/directing experience really shows here—it feels like watching a show with the sharp switches between different POVs. Many reviews also compare Yulin Kuang with Emily Henry, but I vibe with Kuang's style more because her characters are more mature and well-grounded, not too quirky like in Emily Henry's books.
.
I also wanted to point out Helen's feeling of suffocation by her Chinese family, which unfortunately also resonates with me. While this carries over until the end, thankfully the ending is so satisfactory! It was laid out like a long extended epilogue, and I felt really content reading it.
.
I strongly recommend this book, especially if you're even remotely into angst/second-chance romance. Truly memorable!
.
Given the premise of the initial conflict (the tragedy) and how Helen is depicted as a total grump (even downright rude to Grant), I had a lot of skepticism about how this would work. Apparently, I worried over nothing because Yulin Kuang tied everything up very nicely. The way both Helen and Grant heal from the trauma and develop their relationship is so touching.
.
The writing itself struck a balance between funny, sharp, and melancholic, but not too preachy. I love angst, and boy does this book deliver! It has a second chance feel to it (due to the fallout in the past), which I really like. I first heard of Yulin Kuang as the one who will be directing and adapting two of Emily Henry's books (Beach Read and PWMOV). The way she depicts what it's like inside a writers' room or producing a TV show is very interesting! She has a lot of experience here, and it shows.
Incredible writing, especially in the 3rd act. Her screenwriting/directing experience really shows here—it feels like watching a show with the sharp switches between different POVs. Many reviews also compare Yulin Kuang with Emily Henry, but I vibe with Kuang's style more because her characters are more mature and well-grounded, not too quirky like in Emily Henry's books.
.
I also wanted to point out Helen's feeling of suffocation by her Chinese family, which unfortunately also resonates with me. While this carries over until the end, thankfully the ending is so satisfactory! It was laid out like a long extended epilogue, and I felt really content reading it.
.
I strongly recommend this book, especially if you're even remotely into angst/second-chance romance. Truly memorable!