Lately I have began reading again as part of my night time routine. Awhile ago I bought a "blind date with a book" from the Chatterbox Markets in Wollongong Central. I had put the book on the shelf and hadn't gotten around to reading it. Last week I began reading the book and found I was getting upset when it came time to put the book down for the night. Below I have written a review on the book (which I finished last night.)
Love Rosie is a laid back, romantic novel that follows the life of two main characters: Rosie and Alex. It begins when they are children and follows their journey through life all the way to when they are sixty. The story in written in letter/ email form between characters. The ups and downs of their lives are discussed in a personal and life-like way that makes the reader feel they are a part of the story.
Characters:
Rosie: The main character is Rosie and she is a determined, lively and emotional (in a good way) character. Through the story she goes through major complications to her overall life plan, and adapts according to them. She is likeable and relatable. Though I feel she could have used more confidence.
Alex: The side character is the mainly loveable best friend Alex. I say mainly loveable because throughout the plotline he does some pretty questionable things. Throughout the story he has two wives, two sons and moves to another country. (Trying not to give too much away here)
Katie: In the story Rosie's daughter Katie plays a big part. Very lively and likeable, Katie is almost a smaller version of Rosie.
Other characters who have mention are Rosie's family members: Steph (sister,) Kevin (brother,) her mum and dad, and her best friend Ruby. Alex's sons Theo, Josh, his brother Phil and his wife Bethany also have mention throughout the story, too.
Setting:
The story is based in Ireland, Dublin where Rosie lives. However, mentions Boston, Ibiza and Paris where other characters live. Throughout the story there is not much described on the setting, other than mentioning the weather or 'known' locations for the characters. This doesn't hinder the story line as it is mainly through letter correspondence. However, it would extend the story further to have described their location.
Themes:
In the story Rosie is a single mum, which is very close to home for me having been a single mum for several years. It follows the journey of becoming a mum, and the growing up of Katie.
Parenting is a huge part of the story, following Rosie becoming a mum, Alex becoming a dad and also Rosie's parents involvement as well.
Throughout following Rosie and Alex's lives it shows the dilemmas faced by adulthood with work, housing and social life. Issues of relationships and friendships with the changes and varying dynamics come with the following of Rosie through high school and adulthood when her best friend leaves for another country.
The main theme of course is Romance, however it is not solely a romance novel for those people are cringing.
Author:
Taken from her website : https://www.cecelia-ahern.com/about
After completing a degree in Journalism and Media Communications, Cecelia wrote her first novel at 21 years old. Her debut novel, PS I Love You was published in January 2004, and was followed by Where Rainbows End (aka Love, Rosie) in November 2004. Both novels were adapted to films; PS I Love You starred Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler, and Love, Rosie starred Lily Collins and Sam Claflin.
Overall Comments:
I have given this book 4/5 stars because I absolutely loved the storyline and the characters who were so relatable. I loved the layout of the story through letters and emails, and how easy it was to follow the characters through their lives. Starting from a young age with Rosie and Alex gave a good back story, however, I feel it could have been condensed down.
The storyline was easy to follow, with drama and "happy/ sad moments" throughout that kept me intrigued and interested to know what happened next. I really enjoyed the book, and found it so easy to read that I finished the whole thing within a week! I would highly recommend this book.
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