A review by lindsmann
Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler

emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Adelaide follows a 20-something American living in London as she navigates life and relationships.
^This is essentially all I knew about this book before going into it. Which, those that have read will know that isn't even the half of it. 

This book gave me maaaajor It Ends With Us vibes, and I don't mean that as a compliment. Adelaide is a perpetual people-pleasing doormat of a person and I found it difficult to continue reading at times. Not because the subject matter itself was difficult but because Adelaide as a character was extremely frustrating. 

SpoilerI found that the level of devotion and adoration Adelaide had for Rory relative to 1) the affection he ever showed for her and 2) how deep their relationship ever felt was so off balance. I never felt that Rory promised much to her, and it felt like she kept clinging onto the idea of their relationship simply because he was on paper (and especially looks wise) who she saw herself with. 

And that just doesn't cut it for me. It made it feel wholly unbelievable that she would continue to put herself through all of Rory's shitty behavior. And maybe I'm naive or biased in this realm, but that was my perception. 

I also feel like there was not one single chapter where she wasn't either crying or throwing up or both. And I'm just very not into the weak/ needs-a-man-to-swoop-in-and-solve-her-problems FMC trope. 

Some might argue that's not what happens here, but Adelaide works on herself for like......5 pages before she finds Bubs on the apps again. So I think this qualifies.

All of the above being said, I did think the book was technically well written and it kept me engaged the whole time, so that's where the 3.5 rating is coming from.
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