So… it has definitely been a while since I’ve posted on my blog but I wanted to for this beauty of a book. As we all know, I am a huge Taylor Jenkins Reid fan so it was no surprise that as soon as I saw she was releasing a new book I started to get excited, especially realising that it tied into the universe she’s created through evelyn hugo and daisy jones!
The book focuses on the story of the Riva family, deeply exploring their history and how they came to be where they are now. It is beautiful, heart breaking and deeply immersive and atmospheric. Though I was lucky enough to be provided an eARC through Netgalley, I was not able to read it online and so waited until my pre order arrived! And I am so glad I did, not only was the weather perfectly sunny which added to the atmosphere of the reading experience, but I was also able to read it in 10 hours.
While reading it I just couldn’t get Holly Bourne’s blurb out of my mind, that this is the ‘perfect summer read with the emotional depth of the ocean’ because she has truly hit the nail on the head there, I could never find a better way to describe it.
The writing is just phenomenal, a testament to an easy but beautiful read. One that draws you in, wanting more from the story and the characters. It had the perfect amount of reflection and intrigue, the overarching question of the fire in the back of your mind as the night descends.
Even the background characters were well developed, one of the aspects that I loved was the exploration into the more random background characters such as Wendy. She gave them their moment to shine and gave us an opportunity to look at the party through different eyes, and a deeper appreciation for the party itself and how it got out of control. I think she worked in those characters perfectly, taking us a step away from the main four to look at the wider picture and the wider society they’re a part of.
I also loved the ending, I thought it was perfectly fitting and made a lot of sense. It was very emotional and it was just incredible. I cried so much throughout this book, to the point that tears were gathering in a pool at the bottom of my chin, but the ending was exactly what I wanted. It made sense for all of the characters and it was just beautifully written.
However, as much as I adored the book and the characters, the one thing I kept thinking about after was the plot. In that there isn’t one, it is beautifully written and the characters are great but there is a distinct lack of plot. The only overall plot is finding out how the fire happens over the course of the night. Most of the book focuses on the history of the family and how they came to fame, which I loved however I can see why some people may struggle with a lack. Though I must say it didn’t bother me, it was just something I noticed on reflection.
Overall, it was a 5 star read for me (no one is shocked). It was everything I wanted from a summery Taylor Jenkins Reid book, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next. Each book she writes I find more emotional and I’m ready to be destroyed once again.
Love,
Carey
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