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A review by mezzarella
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m conflicted about this book; it is well written and I desperately wanted “a return to the golden era of romance comedies—but for a book this time.” It definitely has a queer eat, pray, love vibe. It definitely has the awkward moment and tension of a romance comedy. If it were a movie set in the 90s, in a more accepting timeline, I think it could have been an instant classic. But whether it hold up in the modern day depends on its audience and future director.
Communication is at the heart of the conflict—and most conflicts and situations—but I didn’t mind it. Age has taught me communication IS the result of most conflicts in a relationship, and I found myself hoping both characters figured out their love and flaws and grew together. It made sense that the characters would struggle to communicate with others in another country, and they that they would become better communicators with each other. However, some of the situations (without spoilers) were so over the top I found myself groaning rather than laughing.
I know European tours with a rich (literal and figurative) cast may feel clichè in 2024; but the research is evident. While I can not speak to the other countries, my family resides in Italy. The food, history, and imagery described in Rome and Naples was shockingly accurate and rich. If you’re a foodie and European culture fiend, this is definitely your book.
Communication is at the heart of the conflict—and most conflicts and situations—but I didn’t mind it. Age has taught me communication IS the result of most conflicts in a relationship, and I found myself hoping both characters figured out their love and flaws and grew together. It made sense that the characters would struggle to communicate with others in another country, and they that they would become better communicators with each other. However, some of the situations (without spoilers) were so over the top I found myself groaning rather than laughing.
I know European tours with a rich (literal and figurative) cast may feel clichè in 2024; but the research is evident. While I can not speak to the other countries, my family resides in Italy. The food, history, and imagery described in Rome and Naples was shockingly accurate and rich. If you’re a foodie and European culture fiend, this is definitely your book.