A review by analenegrace
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I've been on a bit of a Ren Faire kick, so when I saw this recommended on bookstagram, I wanted to read it but felt a bit let down by it. Maddie and Arthur were sweet characters, but this entire book was obvious miscommunication and, at times, literal ignorance on the characters' parts, especially Maddie. 

Maddie's body issues also felt very stereotypical, especially when you find out she's maybe an XL at most. They just didn't feel realistic or nuanced like a character like Maddie needed. Maddie also needed an OCD diagnosis desperately...

Plot-wise, the book relied too much on miscommunication for it to be particularly good. The side characters also felt flat for most of the book, so they felt like plot devices rather than friends or family. 
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