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A review by nafisa_tabassum
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I read the series together in the space of a few days, so it's blurred together in my head. Let me give a general review of the books here.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think, in terms of story development and depth, it's not Rowell's best work. but it's a unique chosen one narrative (subverted) and very loveable characters. Their flaws are clear and they get properly addressed. Each character is handled with respect (Yay for Agatha who was not written off as just another pretty girl!!) and they don't get easy magical way out of their problems, which is a relief. It made it so easy to get attached to them and to think deeply about their stories. I understand why Cath from Fangirl wrote so much fanfiction about these characters. I assure you I will be reading a lot of fanfiction about these characters. If you want a good time and characters to love, some never-ending fanfic and food for imagination, this series is perfect. I can see the flaws, but they don't stop me from enjoying the series.
The fantasy aspect of the novel is weak. Rowell works best with realism. She injects a lot of charm to familiar things. She does not inject that sense of wonder into unfamiliar things that is a staple of fantasy. Probably quite intentionally, the fantastical world here is a bit silly. It is a backdrop to Simon and co. and their relationships. And it feels like a background thing - the fantastical parts of it never fully develop, and always feel separate thematically from the characters. Things are resolved too quickly or not explored fully. I would've enjoyed this series if its world was more immersive, but I don't mind. I understand that's not the point.
Here's my order of preference for the books: AWTWB (#3) > CO (#1) > WS (#2)
So anyway, I'm off to enjoy a world of fanfic now.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think, in terms of story development and depth, it's not Rowell's best work. but it's a unique chosen one narrative (subverted) and very loveable characters. Their flaws are clear and they get properly addressed. Each character is handled with respect (Yay for Agatha who was not written off as just another pretty girl!!) and they don't get easy magical way out of their problems, which is a relief. It made it so easy to get attached to them and to think deeply about their stories. I understand why Cath from Fangirl wrote so much fanfiction about these characters. I assure you I will be reading a lot of fanfiction about these characters. If you want a good time and characters to love, some never-ending fanfic and food for imagination, this series is perfect. I can see the flaws, but they don't stop me from enjoying the series.
The fantasy aspect of the novel is weak. Rowell works best with realism. She injects a lot of charm to familiar things. She does not inject that sense of wonder into unfamiliar things that is a staple of fantasy. Probably quite intentionally, the fantastical world here is a bit silly. It is a backdrop to Simon and co. and their relationships. And it feels like a background thing - the fantastical parts of it never fully develop, and always feel separate thematically from the characters. Things are resolved too quickly or not explored fully. I would've enjoyed this series if its world was more immersive, but I don't mind. I understand that's not the point.
Here's my order of preference for the books: AWTWB (#3) > CO (#1) > WS (#2)
So anyway, I'm off to enjoy a world of fanfic now.