A review by kfmcf
Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron

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

2.75

I would say this book is less of an "Emma" retelling and more of a "Clueless" retelling (yes, I know it's based on "Emma," but there are differences). This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does fall a little flat in its characters. Also some of the Austen-isms felt a bit forced or stale. For example, Dane with the photo was nearly identical to Elton in "Clueless."

I didn't really feel the spark between Kamila and Rohan and had no real desire to see them together. Kamila was also a bit unlikable at times, but I don't think that was problematic (nor do I think FL should be likable all the time, no one is IRL).

Normally I am all about the side characters but I thought this one got a bit muddied by having too many. I think a smaller focus would have been stronger.

I did enjoy the prose of the book. The dialogue could have used a little tweaking to feel a bit more natural, but the words had a flow to them. 

Overall, I really just wanted something _more_ from this book and I don't know what that is exactly. It just lacked a certain sparkle.
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