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A review by maggiemay
This Bird Has Flown by Susanna Hoffs
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I'm so glad this ARC showed up at work! I picked it up hoping for a fun but thoughtful read, and I was so happy with what I got! Pitched as a blend between a British romcom and Jane Eyre, this debut from Susanna Hoffs (known for co-founding the Bangles) really delivered! I flew through it in less than 24 hours, staying up far too late because I simply could not put it down.
Jane Start is a musician who had a bit of a one-hit wonder a decade ago, and who is now struggling with her career. En-route to London to take a little brain break with her best friend and manager, she meets a mysterious and handsome Oxford professor, and the two of them have an instant connection. But both of them have some secrets they're hiding, and things get complicated faster than either of them anticipated.
You can tell I really loved this book because it employs one of my least favorite tropes - miscommunication between the love interests to facilitate plot - and I wasn't even mad!!! There are some lovely nods to Jane Eyre in here, the blurb feels like an accurate portrayal of the book, and some of the scenes also had Daphne du Maurier vibes, but it did feel squarely in the romcom category.
I saw a review that said the music references were a little dated but I didn't think so, I thought they suited the age of the character perfectly. I think we really get to see Susanna Hoff's music industry knowledge shine in the music career intel that guides the structure of the book.
This wasn't quite a five star for me because there were a few pieces that felt rushed, and I wasn't sure how I felt about the subplot with the musician she had collaborated with for her big hit a decade prior. I felt like that left me wanting a little bit more... substance. But overall I absolutely adored this book, it really stole my heart!
Slight character name/plot reference spoiler:The ex love interest's name is Amelia Danvers, and from the Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier vibes I got, I feel like that nod to Mrs. Danvers simply cannot be an accidental coincidence! It's details like this that made this book shine for me!!!
Jane Start is a musician who had a bit of a one-hit wonder a decade ago, and who is now struggling with her career. En-route to London to take a little brain break with her best friend and manager, she meets a mysterious and handsome Oxford professor, and the two of them have an instant connection. But both of them have some secrets they're hiding, and things get complicated faster than either of them anticipated.
You can tell I really loved this book because it employs one of my least favorite tropes - miscommunication between the love interests to facilitate plot - and I wasn't even mad!!! There are some lovely nods to Jane Eyre in here, the blurb feels like an accurate portrayal of the book, and some of the scenes also had Daphne du Maurier vibes, but it did feel squarely in the romcom category.
I saw a review that said the music references were a little dated but I didn't think so, I thought they suited the age of the character perfectly. I think we really get to see Susanna Hoff's music industry knowledge shine in the music career intel that guides the structure of the book.
This wasn't quite a five star for me because there were a few pieces that felt rushed, and I wasn't sure how I felt about the subplot with the musician she had collaborated with for her big hit a decade prior. I felt like that left me wanting a little bit more... substance. But overall I absolutely adored this book, it really stole my heart!
Slight character name/plot reference spoiler:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Minor: Death and Fire/Fire injury