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A review by amyvl93
Writers & Lovers by Lily King
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
One thing about me is that I love a novel which appears to be one thing but that hits you with something else; I'd heard Writers & Lovers talked about as a romance novel, and whilst romantic relationships are very central - this novel is almost a coming-of-age novel for Casey, who is in her early 30s and grappling with the aftermath of the surprise loss of her mother and heartbreak whilst also wanting to finally complete her novel.
What really struck me about Writers & Lovers is how well and rolling grief is captured here, it feels very authentic and doesn't easily sleep away - the moment where Casey decides she wants to call her mum after a lovely date and then realises she can't really felt like a gut punch. The writing about writing also didn't feel forced either, King avoids making scenes about writing feel too indulgent or navel-gazey.
Of course the Lovers bit of the title is also key to the novel's success - with Casey having two different options; Silas who is another jobbing writer who also teaches at a local secondary school whose own grief makes him flighty, and Oscar an older established writer in the Boston area who has two small boys whose Mum passed away and who appears to offer more grounding. Both men are presented as whole rounded characters, you can understand their appeal to Casey and what they can bring to her life. I was ultimately very happy with the decision she makes.
There's lots else to like about this book - King is just so accomplished at presenting rounded individual scenes - the restaurant that Casey works for much of the novel felt like a character in itself, with the varied cast of characters who work there; I also enjoyed what the novel says about learning about books and reading, the insight into Casey's brother's own relationship complications, Oscar's frustrated career ambitions...Writers & Lovers just hit really well for me, and I really recommend.
What really struck me about Writers & Lovers is how well and rolling grief is captured here, it feels very authentic and doesn't easily sleep away - the moment where Casey decides she wants to call her mum after a lovely date and then realises she can't really felt like a gut punch. The writing about writing also didn't feel forced either, King avoids making scenes about writing feel too indulgent or navel-gazey.
Of course the Lovers bit of the title is also key to the novel's success - with Casey having two different options; Silas who is another jobbing writer who also teaches at a local secondary school whose own grief makes him flighty, and Oscar an older established writer in the Boston area who has two small boys whose Mum passed away and who appears to offer more grounding. Both men are presented as whole rounded characters, you can understand their appeal to Casey and what they can bring to her life. I was ultimately very happy with the decision she makes.
There's lots else to like about this book - King is just so accomplished at presenting rounded individual scenes - the restaurant that Casey works for much of the novel felt like a character in itself, with the varied cast of characters who work there; I also enjoyed what the novel says about learning about books and reading, the insight into Casey's brother's own relationship complications, Oscar's frustrated career ambitions...Writers & Lovers just hit really well for me, and I really recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent