A review by mels_reading_rook
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

emotional funny inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Overall, I really enjoyed this story, but I was not a fan of the tropes that were used. The characters were phenomenal, and I felt every emotion with them. I also loved the letters between Hart and Mercy as they learned to open up to one another. And the dialogue and banter could be so genuine and funny, I adored it so much!

One of the big elements that brought it down for me was the constant use of the miscommunication/non-communication trope. Every time the characters intentionally withheld information from each other, it was either to progress the plot or create conflict/future conflict. I'm personally not a fan of this trope, so I found myself frustrated with the characters at times. One standout moment was when
Hart met with Mercy at the cafe to reveal himself as her penpal, and instead of saying the words "I am your penpal," he hinted at it by paraphrasing quotes from the letters. And, since Mercy was already on the defensive at that point, it was only natural for her to not pick up on it.


My other major issue has to do with the climax of the conflict of their relationship and its resolution.
When Mercy learned Hart was her penpal all along, she threw him out of her home and told him that she never wanted to see him again. Hart, being a good man, abided by her wish even though it tore him up inside. After that, Mercy was bemoaning the fact that he never showed back up to her place. Instead of reaching out to him because <i>she</i> set that boundary, she shifts the responsibility onto him and waits for him to 'win her back.' Even at the very end when they reunite after Hart's harrowing experience, she shoulders the blame on him and told him he should've ignored what she said when she was angry and tried to meet with her. I <i>really</i> don't like that mindset. Again, this is a personal preference. I find that mindset very toxic, and it went against a lot of the themes of the story. Mercy was having stress because she felt no one was listening to her. And when Hart <i>listens</i> to her, she gets upset? Not my cup of tea.


Despite my misgivings, I loved the story and I definitely will be reading the sequel sometime soon!

This review can also be found on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5360286130
Expand filter menu Content Warnings