I have followed Genevieve Wheeler on Twitter for years for her writing and commentary, so when I saw that she was writing a book, I was really excited. I included Adelaide in my 'books I'm excited about' blog post , and knew that it was going to exceed all my expectations.
Truthfully, I didn't know what I expected but I don't think I expected for this book to change my DNA, for it to speak to my soul, to someone inside of me I didn't even know existed.
Adelaide is a book I dream of writing, one that touches someone's soul so poetically it alters their life. I cannot properly express how much I loved this book and I honestly think everyone needs to read it, to find a bit of themselves in Adelaide and to give them a different perspective on life.
The book is being released on April 18th and you should really preorder it right now. I had an ARC from NetGalley but am considering getting a print version to have in my personal library.
Publisher's Summary
For twenty-six-year-old Adelaide Williams, an American living in dreamy London, meeting Rory Hughes was like a lightning bolt out of the blue: this charming Englishman was The One she wasn’t even looking for.
Is it enough?
Does he respond to texts? Honor his commitments? Make advance plans? Sometimes, rarely, and no, not at all. But when he shines his light on her, the world makes sense, and Adelaide is convinced that, in his heart, he’s fallen just as deeply as she has. Then, when Rory is rocked by an unexpected tragedy, Adelaide does everything in her power to hold him together—even if it means losing herself in the process.
When love asks too much of us, how do we find the strength to put ourselves first?
With unflinching honesty and heart, this relatable debut from a fresh new voice explores grief and mental health while capturing the timeless nature of what it’s like to be young and in love—with your friends, with your city, and with a person who cannot, will not, love you back.
My Thoughts
As I said, I loved this book so much it hurts to even think about. It was a book that was painful to read because I felt like I was reading diary entries. I felt like I was reading about myself and my experiences. It was like looking in a mirror and being faced with the hard truth of your reality.
Because of that, it took me a little longer than usual to get through it, but that was because of my own personal insecurities and issues.
Adelaide is a flawed protagonist who you want to shake - she deserves so much better than Rory gives her. I wanted to scream that it wasn't going to work out, that Rory is not who she thinks he is, that he is not who she needs. I knew that I was right because I've had my own Rory Hughes... I've had a few if I'm being honest.
Her view of relationships are deeply flawed because of the trauma she has been through, so you can't blame her. And even when she's frustrating, you're rooting for Adelaide because you know her heart is good; she is a dedicated worker, a good friend, and a fantastic partner.
When things finally come to a head between Adelaide and Rory, when the floor falls out from both of them and you are brought back down to earth, it feels like everything is lighter and you can clearly see the light at the end of the tunnel the way Adelaide starts too.
The ending was beautiful and it was something I saw coming all throughout the book, but it made my heart sing. It made me cry, both with happiness and utter relief. If Adelaide was ok then maybe I was going to be ok too.
Adelaide, at the surface, is about a girl who is looking to care and love someone, and for someone to do the same for her. It's about growing up, finding your own way and learning to live in this world without the security blanket. It's also about mental health, how you can bring yourself so close to the edge and don't know which way to fall.
It's emotional, funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming, all at the same time. It will teach you something you weren't aware you needed to learn.
The writing was outrageous; I honestly can't believe these words came from someone's brain... Wheeler is an artist. Adelaide is unlike anything I've ever read. It reads like literary fiction, which in my opinion, is always a little difficult to follow because I feel like I need an English teacher deciphering the words, but not Adelaide; and I say that with the utmost respect.
It was poetic in the nature of the writing but it was easy to read, easy to follow and you didn't feel lost. It was the best of both worlds.
If you need a good book with incredible writing, a good message and a fun setting (London, hello!) you will love Adelaide. Even if you're unsure if you'll like it, try it. It might surprise you!
xoxo
B
Add your comment