This was quite possibly the most publicised book release of 2021. It really was everywhere. 

Last year reading Normal People pulled me out of a fairy significant reading slump. It firmly cemented Rooney as an auto buy author for me. 

It took me a while to warm up to this one. I kept preempting having my heart crushed so I tried not to get too attached to the characters, which is ridiculous. 

Rooney’s comments on the state of the world were thoughtful and observant. Though I found myself annoyed with the comments by the famous author character loathing her own fame. Felt a little on the nose to me perhaps. 

The email format took a bit to get used to but eventually I settled into it and liked the free abs personal discourse between two best friends. Their dynamic and banter felt so grounded. 

I was genuinely shocked when the lives of these characters were broken at the end. A ‘happy’ ending felt like a welcome change. 

It’s not as good as Normal People but it’s better than Conversations with Friends. 

8/10 - if you’re a Rooney fan, obviously read it. If you’re looking to dip your toe into the Rooney fandom then I wouldn’t start here. 

😢😊😠 - some misty eyes but no tears with this one