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Novelist In Love
Charles's ordinary teenage life changes forever when he meets the breathtakingly beautiful Alice, but what begins as a roller coaster ride eventually pushes him into the doomed business of love.
The monument of Novelist In Love is built brick by brick from profound friendship, unprecedented love, and a devastating piece of grief—making it a true gift to the readers.
The monument of Novelist In Love is built brick by brick from profound friendship, unprecedented love, and a devastating piece of grief—making it a true gift to the readers.
311 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
August 22, 2025
This book beautifully depicts the elements of friendship, relationships, and grief, and how these things shape people’s lives in the long term.
The story revolves around Charles, a middle-aged novelist who deeply regretted not visiting the grave of his beloved Alice for years. He felt miserable, and his wife Hannah was desperate to get him out of this state.
At first, the book seems simple, rich with sweet romantic scenes, but as the story progresses, we get to read about the depth of emotions, past memories, and the what ifs, what could have been if the things left unsaid had come to life. The way bullying and its effects were written was heavy to read, and the grief that grows as we flip the pages makes you sit with your emotions and question life a lot. These themes are tethered in complexities and linger with you for a long time.
At times, the pacing felt a little slow, but the question; will Charles get closure?, kept me going. The poems by Alice were such an important part of the story, painting a heartbreaking picture. The side characters like Mr. Specimen and Kahlo, along with their stories, were also great to read. Charles’s speech was truly profound, and this book will make you reflect deeply on life; how short it is, and how important the relationships we make in this world are.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking book that stays with you for a long time, go for it.
The story revolves around Charles, a middle-aged novelist who deeply regretted not visiting the grave of his beloved Alice for years. He felt miserable, and his wife Hannah was desperate to get him out of this state.
At first, the book seems simple, rich with sweet romantic scenes, but as the story progresses, we get to read about the depth of emotions, past memories, and the what ifs, what could have been if the things left unsaid had come to life. The way bullying and its effects were written was heavy to read, and the grief that grows as we flip the pages makes you sit with your emotions and question life a lot. These themes are tethered in complexities and linger with you for a long time.
At times, the pacing felt a little slow, but the question; will Charles get closure?, kept me going. The poems by Alice were such an important part of the story, painting a heartbreaking picture. The side characters like Mr. Specimen and Kahlo, along with their stories, were also great to read. Charles’s speech was truly profound, and this book will make you reflect deeply on life; how short it is, and how important the relationships we make in this world are.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking book that stays with you for a long time, go for it.
May 26, 2025
“As you grow up, you learn the art of leaving things behind.”
Sometimes, I grieve the dreams and hopes I have had to let go as a part of growing up. The friends and family I had to learn to live without. With every farewell, a part of me chipped away. And yet, here I stand with newer hopes, dreams and aspirations. And, so do you.
And, so does Charles Cooper.
Meet Charles Cooper, our “brilliant middle-aged novelist” and insomniac. At the start of the novel, he is married to Hannah, a professor. Charles is invited to give a commencement address to the graduating students of Newhill University and on the way, he finally reveals to Hannah- his devoted wife of thirteen years- the reason behind his sleepless night and restless soul. And down we go, memory lane.
The story is broken up into three parts- friendship, love and grief.
Friendship: Charles meets Alice, the new girl in the neighbourhood. (Everybody calls each other ‘dude’ a lot. A lot!)
Love: SurPrISe! Charles and Alice fall in love. Charles decides ‘Ice’ is a great nickname for Alice.
Grief: Alice dies. Her dad ( don't ask me why) throws Charles out of her funeral. And, Charles hasn’t slept all these years?
I surprised myself. I finished 311 pages in under 48 hours. I needed it to end.
This book just was not for me. I cringed so hard often throughout. The dialogues were excruciatingly difficult to get through. The storyline didn’t seem too bad at the beginning but it just kept getting worse. A lot of things happen, I am not sure why. The side characters felt hollow and didn't move the plot forward. There is no earth-shattering twist, not even a tremble. The novel failed to evoke any emotion beyond an occasional ‘yech’. I thought the story lacked clarity, reason, purpose and closure.
Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Aurelius, Kafka, Nabakov, Walt Whitman....
dUDe, we get it! You are well-read.
The language is simple which isn't inherently bad but at this stage in my reading life, I prefer a richer, more layered style and tone. It leans toward young adult and perhaps those newer to reading might appreciate it more.
Sometimes, I grieve the dreams and hopes I have had to let go as a part of growing up. The friends and family I had to learn to live without. With every farewell, a part of me chipped away. And yet, here I stand with newer hopes, dreams and aspirations. And, so do you.
And, so does Charles Cooper.
Meet Charles Cooper, our “brilliant middle-aged novelist” and insomniac. At the start of the novel, he is married to Hannah, a professor. Charles is invited to give a commencement address to the graduating students of Newhill University and on the way, he finally reveals to Hannah- his devoted wife of thirteen years- the reason behind his sleepless night and restless soul. And down we go, memory lane.
The story is broken up into three parts- friendship, love and grief.
Friendship: Charles meets Alice, the new girl in the neighbourhood. (Everybody calls each other ‘dude’ a lot. A lot!)
Love: SurPrISe! Charles and Alice fall in love. Charles decides ‘Ice’ is a great nickname for Alice.
Grief: Alice dies. Her dad ( don't ask me why) throws Charles out of her funeral. And, Charles hasn’t slept all these years?
I surprised myself. I finished 311 pages in under 48 hours. I needed it to end.
This book just was not for me. I cringed so hard often throughout. The dialogues were excruciatingly difficult to get through. The storyline didn’t seem too bad at the beginning but it just kept getting worse. A lot of things happen, I am not sure why. The side characters felt hollow and didn't move the plot forward. There is no earth-shattering twist, not even a tremble. The novel failed to evoke any emotion beyond an occasional ‘yech’. I thought the story lacked clarity, reason, purpose and closure.
Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Aurelius, Kafka, Nabakov, Walt Whitman....
dUDe, we get it! You are well-read.
The language is simple which isn't inherently bad but at this stage in my reading life, I prefer a richer, more layered style and tone. It leans toward young adult and perhaps those newer to reading might appreciate it more.
April 23, 2025
I just finished reading Novelist in Love by Adam Yakel, and I must say it’s a beautifully written novel. The blurb gives you a sense of what to expect, but it’s the depth of emotions experienced by the main characters that truly makes this book special.
The story primarily revolves around Charles Cooper, a middle-aged novelist, and his past relationship with Alice. However, this is far from just a young adult novel. While it is certainly suitable for that age group, I firmly believe that adults will appreciate it even more.
Charles hasn't visited Alice's grave in years, and this lingering regret weighs heavily on him, making his life miserable. His wife, Hannah, notices his struggle and desperately wishes for him to get better. I found myself eager to know whether he would finally find the peace he was seeking.
It’s a lovely read! If you’re looking for a book that will evoke strong emotions and make you think, this is the one for you. I highly recommend it!
The story primarily revolves around Charles Cooper, a middle-aged novelist, and his past relationship with Alice. However, this is far from just a young adult novel. While it is certainly suitable for that age group, I firmly believe that adults will appreciate it even more.
Charles hasn't visited Alice's grave in years, and this lingering regret weighs heavily on him, making his life miserable. His wife, Hannah, notices his struggle and desperately wishes for him to get better. I found myself eager to know whether he would finally find the peace he was seeking.
It’s a lovely read! If you’re looking for a book that will evoke strong emotions and make you think, this is the one for you. I highly recommend it!
August 1, 2025
“Sometimes, the simplest stories are the ones that leave the deepest echoes.”
I picked up Novelist in Love during a reading slump, and to my surprise, it pulled me out of it almost effortlessly. It's the kind of book that doesn't demand too much—short, gentle on the prose, and deeply emotional if you're willing to give it your full attention (and not procrastinate like I usually do). I didn’t expect much going in, especially since the title and early chapters felt a bit too cheesy for my taste. The initial tone veered toward sentimental in a way I wasn't sure I'd connect with.
But as I kept reading, I started to understand what the novel was really doing—stripping love and grief down to their bare, honest bones. It’s not flashy, and it doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it leans into the small, quiet moments: a conversation in a car, the weight of a memory, the things we leave unsaid. That simplicity became its strength. It reminded me that love doesn’t always look cinematic—it’s often quiet, confusing, and rooted in shared history more than grand gestures.
That said, the plot itself sometimes felt a little too flat—especially the pacing and events leading up to the ending. Some scenes lacked tension or originality, and there were points where it felt like the novel was circling familiar territory. But then the ending landed—and it crushed me. The grief in those final pages was written with such raw honesty that I found myself sitting still for a while after finishing, just taking it in.
What really stood out to me was how grief was portrayed—not as a single moment or feeling, but as something that lingers and shifts over time, reshaping the way we tell our stories, especially to the people closest to us. In that sense, the novel felt personal.
If you're looking for a short, emotionally driven story that won't overwhelm you with complexity but still has something to say about love, memory, and letting go, Novelist in Love is worth your time. Just be patient with its softness—it’s not trying to impress you. It’s just telling the truth in a quiet voice.
I picked up Novelist in Love during a reading slump, and to my surprise, it pulled me out of it almost effortlessly. It's the kind of book that doesn't demand too much—short, gentle on the prose, and deeply emotional if you're willing to give it your full attention (and not procrastinate like I usually do). I didn’t expect much going in, especially since the title and early chapters felt a bit too cheesy for my taste. The initial tone veered toward sentimental in a way I wasn't sure I'd connect with.
But as I kept reading, I started to understand what the novel was really doing—stripping love and grief down to their bare, honest bones. It’s not flashy, and it doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it leans into the small, quiet moments: a conversation in a car, the weight of a memory, the things we leave unsaid. That simplicity became its strength. It reminded me that love doesn’t always look cinematic—it’s often quiet, confusing, and rooted in shared history more than grand gestures.
That said, the plot itself sometimes felt a little too flat—especially the pacing and events leading up to the ending. Some scenes lacked tension or originality, and there were points where it felt like the novel was circling familiar territory. But then the ending landed—and it crushed me. The grief in those final pages was written with such raw honesty that I found myself sitting still for a while after finishing, just taking it in.
What really stood out to me was how grief was portrayed—not as a single moment or feeling, but as something that lingers and shifts over time, reshaping the way we tell our stories, especially to the people closest to us. In that sense, the novel felt personal.
If you're looking for a short, emotionally driven story that won't overwhelm you with complexity but still has something to say about love, memory, and letting go, Novelist in Love is worth your time. Just be patient with its softness—it’s not trying to impress you. It’s just telling the truth in a quiet voice.
April 10, 2025
I truly don’t know how to describe my feelings after reading Novelist in Love. It left me overwhelmed in the best possible way. The story reminded me of A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole—not because everything is the same, but because of the way both books portray a deep, soul-stirring love, the pain of losing someone, and the kind of love that never fades—even with time.
The story follows Charles Cooper, a writer with a beautiful heart, whose journey through love, loss, and healing is told in three moving parts: Friendship, Love, and Grief. Charles is the definition of a green flag—compassionate, respectful, romantic, and emotionally mature. He’s the kind of man anyone would fall for, and I’m sure every reader will fall for him instantly.
The blurb introduces us to Charles, a man who once had the kind of love people write novels about. But when tragedy strikes, he’s left with heartbreak that lingers for years. Enter Hannah, a woman who becomes not just a partner, but a quiet, supportive force in his life. But even as he starts to rebuild, the memories of his first love, Alice, haunt him—and in unexpected ways, she continues to be part of his story.
This isn’t your typical romcom. It’s a story filled with emotional depth—exploring bullying, death, grief, and the courage to love again. It’s raw, real, and so beautifully written. And if you love annotating books, this one is filled with lines you’ll want to underline and revisit again and again.
Novelist in Love is a powerful reminder that love can exist in many forms, that grief doesn’t have an expiration date, and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means growing.
A must-read for anyone who believes in deep love, second chances, and the beauty of emotional storytelling.
The story follows Charles Cooper, a writer with a beautiful heart, whose journey through love, loss, and healing is told in three moving parts: Friendship, Love, and Grief. Charles is the definition of a green flag—compassionate, respectful, romantic, and emotionally mature. He’s the kind of man anyone would fall for, and I’m sure every reader will fall for him instantly.
The blurb introduces us to Charles, a man who once had the kind of love people write novels about. But when tragedy strikes, he’s left with heartbreak that lingers for years. Enter Hannah, a woman who becomes not just a partner, but a quiet, supportive force in his life. But even as he starts to rebuild, the memories of his first love, Alice, haunt him—and in unexpected ways, she continues to be part of his story.
This isn’t your typical romcom. It’s a story filled with emotional depth—exploring bullying, death, grief, and the courage to love again. It’s raw, real, and so beautifully written. And if you love annotating books, this one is filled with lines you’ll want to underline and revisit again and again.
Novelist in Love is a powerful reminder that love can exist in many forms, that grief doesn’t have an expiration date, and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means growing.
A must-read for anyone who believes in deep love, second chances, and the beauty of emotional storytelling.
March 22, 2025
Novelist in Love by Adam Yakel tells the poignant and unexpected love story of Charles Cooper and Alice Jonas, who fall in love in the most unlikely of circumstances—in the woods, while being harassed by a group of strangers. While not the most traditional or romantic setting, this initial encounter serves as a reminder that true love can often begin in the most unexpected ways.
The author masterfully weaves Charles's present-day life as a renowned novelist with glimpses of his past experiences, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the man he has become. At the start, we are introduced to Charles as a successful author, happily married to the kind-hearted Hannah. However, by the end of the book, we fully appreciate the journey that shaped him into the person he is today.
This novel is fast-paced and written in straightforward, accessible language, making it a quick and enjoyable read. Despite its simplicity, Yakel has included beautiful quotes and poems that add emotional depth to the narrative.
The supporting characters, aside from Charles and Alice, are also well-crafted, and you'll likely find yourself reflecting on how familiar they feel—whether through their personalities or their roles in your own life.
I won’t spoil the plot, as this is a short read, but one thing is certain: love comes with great responsibilities, and losing love can bring even greater burdens. ❤️🩹
The author masterfully weaves Charles's present-day life as a renowned novelist with glimpses of his past experiences, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the man he has become. At the start, we are introduced to Charles as a successful author, happily married to the kind-hearted Hannah. However, by the end of the book, we fully appreciate the journey that shaped him into the person he is today.
This novel is fast-paced and written in straightforward, accessible language, making it a quick and enjoyable read. Despite its simplicity, Yakel has included beautiful quotes and poems that add emotional depth to the narrative.
The supporting characters, aside from Charles and Alice, are also well-crafted, and you'll likely find yourself reflecting on how familiar they feel—whether through their personalities or their roles in your own life.
I won’t spoil the plot, as this is a short read, but one thing is certain: love comes with great responsibilities, and losing love can bring even greater burdens. ❤️🩹
May 15, 2025
Novelist In Love by Adam Yakel.🌻
The story centers around Charles Cooper, a celebrated middle-aged novelist haunted by regret over not visiting Alice's grave for seven years, a regret that fuels his insomnia. On his way to deliver a commencement address with his wife, Hannah, Charles revisits memories of his past – encompassing friendship, young love, and grief. Through these detailed recollections, he gradually reveals the underlying cause of his sleeplessness, culminating in an unexpected plot twist upon his eventual visit to Alice's grave.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
(4/5)
I had a very good time while reading it. The book is very fast paced, you can read it in just two sittings and we love that kind of books right? When I saw the cover of the book for the first time, I thought that the book would be a bit boring or it would be about politics drama but i was very wrong. We cannot define it in a particular genre as this book is a perfect blend of literary fiction, psychological fiction, and romance. For me, ending was not that good that's why i minus one star. ❤️
To the author, your writing style is very unique because the way you focused on characters development is so astonishing. While reading this book I felt sad and also laughed and this is the best part of being a reader.
If you love Bollywood movies like "Sanam teri kasam" or "devdas" then buddy read this.
The story centers around Charles Cooper, a celebrated middle-aged novelist haunted by regret over not visiting Alice's grave for seven years, a regret that fuels his insomnia. On his way to deliver a commencement address with his wife, Hannah, Charles revisits memories of his past – encompassing friendship, young love, and grief. Through these detailed recollections, he gradually reveals the underlying cause of his sleeplessness, culminating in an unexpected plot twist upon his eventual visit to Alice's grave.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
(4/5)
I had a very good time while reading it. The book is very fast paced, you can read it in just two sittings and we love that kind of books right? When I saw the cover of the book for the first time, I thought that the book would be a bit boring or it would be about politics drama but i was very wrong. We cannot define it in a particular genre as this book is a perfect blend of literary fiction, psychological fiction, and romance. For me, ending was not that good that's why i minus one star. ❤️
To the author, your writing style is very unique because the way you focused on characters development is so astonishing. While reading this book I felt sad and also laughed and this is the best part of being a reader.
If you love Bollywood movies like "Sanam teri kasam" or "devdas" then buddy read this.
March 26, 2025
I bought this novel because I thought it was a story about a novelist falling in love, but when I picked it up to read, it isn’t; plot twist.
But later I moved on with story, and it totally surpassed my anticipation.
I liked this novel; I liked this novel very much until the part I read the author’s note, Plot twist.
Who gives a plot twist even after finishing the novel? BOOM. Adam Yakel does that.
Right now I am criticizing myself because another version of me is just not accepting the fact that I have misread this whole novel.
And why no one else is not talking about the heart of the novel—the commencement address—because for me it’s easily the fourth best commencement address, followed by Steve Jobs’s, JK Rowling’s, and Stephen King’s.
But later I moved on with story, and it totally surpassed my anticipation.
I liked this novel; I liked this novel very much until the part I read the author’s note, Plot twist.
Who gives a plot twist even after finishing the novel? BOOM. Adam Yakel does that.
Right now I am criticizing myself because another version of me is just not accepting the fact that I have misread this whole novel.
And why no one else is not talking about the heart of the novel—the commencement address—because for me it’s easily the fourth best commencement address, followed by Steve Jobs’s, JK Rowling’s, and Stephen King’s.
April 3, 2025
This is an exceptional read that is deeply emotional, thought provoking, and truly unforgettable. This book had everything, from love and obsession to grief and the struggle to move on. It seems like a charming high school romance until the twist arrives, which is so heartbreaking 💔
The author created a beautiful illustration and divided the book into three parts: friendship, love, and grief. The best part of the book was the commencement address 😭 Don’t even ask me about the poems. I still couldn’t come out of that.
If you're into poetry, deep friendships, love, and heart wrenching grief, then this book is for you.
The author created a beautiful illustration and divided the book into three parts: friendship, love, and grief. The best part of the book was the commencement address 😭 Don’t even ask me about the poems. I still couldn’t come out of that.
If you're into poetry, deep friendships, love, and heart wrenching grief, then this book is for you.
April 8, 2025
The book begins with Charles Cooper, a man haunted by restless nights and even more restless ghosts—the ghosts of his past.
His wife, Hannah, worried about his sleeplessness, finally asks him why he stays awake night after night. That’s when Charles begins to unravel a story from his teenage years, a story of lost love and memories that refuse to fade, as if they are printed in his mind like it all just happened yesterday.
Novelist in Love is a story of friendship, love, and longing. If you enjoy slow, immersive reads, this one’s for you!
His wife, Hannah, worried about his sleeplessness, finally asks him why he stays awake night after night. That’s when Charles begins to unravel a story from his teenage years, a story of lost love and memories that refuse to fade, as if they are printed in his mind like it all just happened yesterday.
Novelist in Love is a story of friendship, love, and longing. If you enjoy slow, immersive reads, this one’s for you!
June 3, 2025
This was an overwhelming book for me, I would say. Too many emotions and quite introspective!
I fell in love with the plot and setting of the book, and would rate it as 4.5 stars. The story is set in the late 20th century and early 21st century. It is from the perspective of a young (18 year old) boy falling in love with the girl next door. Moreover, this book discusses three major aspects of life, namely Friendship, Love and Grief.
I liked how the author made Lilac plant a symbolic representation of Alice and her relationship with Charles. Their relationship brought a significant change in each other. The poems mentioned and those written by Alice hold deep meaning.
Kahlo is a significant character in the book, who was there for Alice and Charles and I admire her. Other characters like Charles father also played a significant role in shaping the male character.
I could draw a relationship between Mr. Speciman (the Principal) and Charles. Mr. Speciman had a tornado going on within, and as we appproach the ending of the book, a similar feeling arises within Charles.
The speech that Charles gives has a lot of depth in it, and gives an illusion that he is talking to his younger self.
This book makes one ponder about the longevity of time we have on Earth, and the importance of people and relationships around us. If you are looking for a sad book, maybe to shed a tear or two, you must pick this up.
I fell in love with the plot and setting of the book, and would rate it as 4.5 stars. The story is set in the late 20th century and early 21st century. It is from the perspective of a young (18 year old) boy falling in love with the girl next door. Moreover, this book discusses three major aspects of life, namely Friendship, Love and Grief.
I liked how the author made Lilac plant a symbolic representation of Alice and her relationship with Charles. Their relationship brought a significant change in each other. The poems mentioned and those written by Alice hold deep meaning.
Kahlo is a significant character in the book, who was there for Alice and Charles and I admire her. Other characters like Charles father also played a significant role in shaping the male character.
I could draw a relationship between Mr. Speciman (the Principal) and Charles. Mr. Speciman had a tornado going on within, and as we appproach the ending of the book, a similar feeling arises within Charles.
The speech that Charles gives has a lot of depth in it, and gives an illusion that he is talking to his younger self.
This book makes one ponder about the longevity of time we have on Earth, and the importance of people and relationships around us. If you are looking for a sad book, maybe to shed a tear or two, you must pick this up.
April 3, 2025
Novelist in Love is a heartfelt and a thought provoking story. The main character’s emotions feel real, showing the ups and downs of balancing relationships. The writing is smooth and engaging, pulling readers into their thoughts and feelings.
This book stands out for its brutally honest portrayal of love and unique style of writing; not just as a source of inspiration, but as a power that builds and transforms an individual. The romance feels real, capturing moments of uncertainty, unexpectedness, growth, memories and a very deep emotional connection.
The story also remains captivating for readers who appreciate emotional and character-driven narratives. Novelist in Love leaves a long lasting impact, making it a lovely selection for those who enjoy thoughtful, well-crafted fiction books, because you feel like you're almost reading poetry.
This book stands out for its brutally honest portrayal of love and unique style of writing; not just as a source of inspiration, but as a power that builds and transforms an individual. The romance feels real, capturing moments of uncertainty, unexpectedness, growth, memories and a very deep emotional connection.
The story also remains captivating for readers who appreciate emotional and character-driven narratives. Novelist in Love leaves a long lasting impact, making it a lovely selection for those who enjoy thoughtful, well-crafted fiction books, because you feel like you're almost reading poetry.
August 17, 2025
📖 Book Review: Novelist in Love by Adam Yakel
• Title: Novelist in Love
• Author: Adam Yakel
• Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance / Literary Fiction
• Publisher: William Press
• Pages: 311
Introduction
Some books don’t just tell a love story they become one. Adam Yakel’s Novelist in Love is an evocative debut that blurs the line between fiction and lived memory, capturing the transformative power of first love and the lingering ache of loss.
✨ The novel follows Charles Cooper, whose life is indelibly shaped by his relationship with Alice, a girl who embodies beauty, vitality, and love itself. Their bond, born out of friendship and blossoming into passion, becomes the foundation of Charles’s identity. Years later, Charles is a novelist, but the shadow of Alice and the grief of what was lost haunts his every word. Told across dual timelines and divided into three parts (Friendship, Love, Grief), the story explores not only how we love, but how we remember.
Themes & Analysis
• First Love & Memory: The novel illustrates how early love leaves permanent imprints on the human soul, often more enduring than time itself.
• Grief & Loss: Yakel explores grief not as an ending, but as a parallel existence something that lingers, shaping who we are long after the loss.
• Art & Storytelling: Through Charles, the book meditates on how writers transmute personal experience into literature, blurring the boundary between art and lived truth.
The three-part structure (Friendship, Love, Grief) mirrors the emotional seasons of life, creating a rhythm that feels both universal and intimate.
Writing Style Yakel’s prose is lyrical yet controlled, balancing poetic description with emotional clarity. He seamlessly incorporates poetry within the narrative, amplifying the emotional resonance of the story. His use of dual timelines is effective, allowing readers to simultaneously experience the innocence of young love and the heaviness of adult grief.
Character Development
• Charles Cooper: A deeply human protagonist, Charles embodies both vulnerability and resilience. His evolution from hopeful dreamer to haunted novelist is believable and heartbreaking.
• Alice: While seen largely through Charles’s memory, Alice is vivid her laughter, warmth, and presence resonate as though she is alive on the page.
• Supporting Characters: Alice’s father, in particular, plays a pivotal role in heightening the emotional conflict, reminding us how external forces can shape even the most personal of loves.
Strengths
✔️ Emotional depth that lingers long after the final page
✔️ Seamless blend of narrative prose and poetry
✔️ Honest, intimate exploration of universal experiences: love, grief, memory
✔️ Dual timeline structure enhances emotional impact
Weaknesses
➖ At times, the grief-heavy sections may feel overwhelming to readers seeking lighter romance
“There are loves we move on from, and there are loves we live with forever. Alice was the latter.”
🧚🏼♀️ Conclusion
Novelist in Love is a poignant meditation on how love and grief intertwine, shaping who we are long after the people we love are gone. Adam Yakel has crafted a debut that is lyrical, intimate, and deeply moving a book that speaks to the human heart with rare honesty.
A beautifully haunting debut that will resonate with lovers of literary romance and emotionally rich fiction.
• Title: Novelist in Love
• Author: Adam Yakel
• Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance / Literary Fiction
• Publisher: William Press
• Pages: 311
Introduction
Some books don’t just tell a love story they become one. Adam Yakel’s Novelist in Love is an evocative debut that blurs the line between fiction and lived memory, capturing the transformative power of first love and the lingering ache of loss.
✨ The novel follows Charles Cooper, whose life is indelibly shaped by his relationship with Alice, a girl who embodies beauty, vitality, and love itself. Their bond, born out of friendship and blossoming into passion, becomes the foundation of Charles’s identity. Years later, Charles is a novelist, but the shadow of Alice and the grief of what was lost haunts his every word. Told across dual timelines and divided into three parts (Friendship, Love, Grief), the story explores not only how we love, but how we remember.
Themes & Analysis
• First Love & Memory: The novel illustrates how early love leaves permanent imprints on the human soul, often more enduring than time itself.
• Grief & Loss: Yakel explores grief not as an ending, but as a parallel existence something that lingers, shaping who we are long after the loss.
• Art & Storytelling: Through Charles, the book meditates on how writers transmute personal experience into literature, blurring the boundary between art and lived truth.
The three-part structure (Friendship, Love, Grief) mirrors the emotional seasons of life, creating a rhythm that feels both universal and intimate.
Writing Style Yakel’s prose is lyrical yet controlled, balancing poetic description with emotional clarity. He seamlessly incorporates poetry within the narrative, amplifying the emotional resonance of the story. His use of dual timelines is effective, allowing readers to simultaneously experience the innocence of young love and the heaviness of adult grief.
Character Development
• Charles Cooper: A deeply human protagonist, Charles embodies both vulnerability and resilience. His evolution from hopeful dreamer to haunted novelist is believable and heartbreaking.
• Alice: While seen largely through Charles’s memory, Alice is vivid her laughter, warmth, and presence resonate as though she is alive on the page.
• Supporting Characters: Alice’s father, in particular, plays a pivotal role in heightening the emotional conflict, reminding us how external forces can shape even the most personal of loves.
Strengths
✔️ Emotional depth that lingers long after the final page
✔️ Seamless blend of narrative prose and poetry
✔️ Honest, intimate exploration of universal experiences: love, grief, memory
✔️ Dual timeline structure enhances emotional impact
Weaknesses
➖ At times, the grief-heavy sections may feel overwhelming to readers seeking lighter romance
“There are loves we move on from, and there are loves we live with forever. Alice was the latter.”
🧚🏼♀️ Conclusion
Novelist in Love is a poignant meditation on how love and grief intertwine, shaping who we are long after the people we love are gone. Adam Yakel has crafted a debut that is lyrical, intimate, and deeply moving a book that speaks to the human heart with rare honesty.
A beautifully haunting debut that will resonate with lovers of literary romance and emotionally rich fiction.
August 27, 2025
Well, this time I'd like to begin the review with a strange acknowledgement. The page and paper quality of this book is undeniably amazing. It was one of the many reasons why I found myself hooked to this book. Now I'm not sure how many of you find it essential but for me, the feel of the pages and the book enhances the joy and experience of reading.
after a really long time I found myself completely engrossed in a book. I did not want to put it down even for a second. The narration is captivating and the meet cute of the highschooler protagonists, Charles and Alice though bewildering, has its own filmy charm!
The loving, easygoing & respectful relationship between parents of Charles, is refreshing and calming on many levels. They are a power couple in the truest sense. As opposed to the trauma stricken vibe that most of the books showcase nowadays.
This book will take you on a journey of a lifetime through the unabashed shared love of Alice and Charles from highschool to senior year. It has everything, a reader desires. Childhood innocence, magnetism of first crush, enticement of butterflies of first love, passion, respect, old school charm wrapped in a blanket of heartache, loss and grief. ALL of this carefully moored in a distant corner of the adult Charles heart which was rarely tapped into but forever etched on his soul.
This book is divided into 3 sections: Friendship, love and grief! It is a narration from Charles to his wife, Hannah about his first love!
Though the section of love was a bit underwhelming but as you progress you'll fall head first in love with their relationship. The respect, emotional & psychological ntimacy and the encouraging nature of their relationship is something you'll find yourself craving and even yearning for.
It is different from the YA books that you're reading nowadays. This book portrays old school love, REAL LOVE! If I talk more, I'll probably cry.
Alice's parents are against their relationship and express the same many times. Yet, against all odds, Alice & Charles do not give up. Their maturity even as a high schoolers is astounding. Some might find it boring but to me it was soothing!
And just when you, as a reader are crashing into love with their epic love story, boom, your heart will break into a million pieces and you wouldn't even know where to look for them all.
The moment you enter the third section, hold your heart tight and with all your might. You are not prepared for even a single thing that unfolds in those 70 odd pages.
I finished 230 pages in 2 days and those 70 pages took 5 days! It urged me to reflect, contemplate, think about life, love, loneliness, dying, family, friends and everything else!
But I can guarantee that 1 piece of your heart will always stay with Charles, with the Novelst in love!
TW: suicide, bullying, loss, death, untimely passing away,
after a really long time I found myself completely engrossed in a book. I did not want to put it down even for a second. The narration is captivating and the meet cute of the highschooler protagonists, Charles and Alice though bewildering, has its own filmy charm!
The loving, easygoing & respectful relationship between parents of Charles, is refreshing and calming on many levels. They are a power couple in the truest sense. As opposed to the trauma stricken vibe that most of the books showcase nowadays.
This book will take you on a journey of a lifetime through the unabashed shared love of Alice and Charles from highschool to senior year. It has everything, a reader desires. Childhood innocence, magnetism of first crush, enticement of butterflies of first love, passion, respect, old school charm wrapped in a blanket of heartache, loss and grief. ALL of this carefully moored in a distant corner of the adult Charles heart which was rarely tapped into but forever etched on his soul.
This book is divided into 3 sections: Friendship, love and grief! It is a narration from Charles to his wife, Hannah about his first love!
Though the section of love was a bit underwhelming but as you progress you'll fall head first in love with their relationship. The respect, emotional & psychological ntimacy and the encouraging nature of their relationship is something you'll find yourself craving and even yearning for.
It is different from the YA books that you're reading nowadays. This book portrays old school love, REAL LOVE! If I talk more, I'll probably cry.
Alice's parents are against their relationship and express the same many times. Yet, against all odds, Alice & Charles do not give up. Their maturity even as a high schoolers is astounding. Some might find it boring but to me it was soothing!
And just when you, as a reader are crashing into love with their epic love story, boom, your heart will break into a million pieces and you wouldn't even know where to look for them all.
The moment you enter the third section, hold your heart tight and with all your might. You are not prepared for even a single thing that unfolds in those 70 odd pages.
I finished 230 pages in 2 days and those 70 pages took 5 days! It urged me to reflect, contemplate, think about life, love, loneliness, dying, family, friends and everything else!
But I can guarantee that 1 piece of your heart will always stay with Charles, with the Novelst in love!
TW: suicide, bullying, loss, death, untimely passing away,
April 13, 2025
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
"Love always comes in a package. I wish I could separate it from grief for you, Charles."
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
I picked this book up solely because the synopsis struck an emotional chord — it promised a moving, thought-provoking story that felt impossible to ignore.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The cover is fitting and captures a pivotal moment from the story — Charles Cooper delivering his speech at Newhill University. The title, too, feels apt. However, considering the depth and beauty of the story, I felt that the cover design could’ve been more visually compelling to match the emotional weight of the narrative.
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The book has a fast-paced, fluid narration with a well-organized storyline and simple, heartfelt language. Told from the protagonist’s point of view, the narration draws you in and keeps you emotionally invested throughout.
𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
✓ Let’s start with the story — it left me absolutely heartbroken. It revolves around Charles Cooper, a successful author invited to deliver a graduation speech at his alma mater. Accompanied by his wife Hannah, this journey unexpectedly takes him — and us — back to his past and his high school sweetheart, Alice.
✓ It’s an emotional roller coaster, seamlessly blending themes of love, loss, and friendship, while portraying raw, vulnerable human emotions.
✓ The book beautifully explores three forms of love: between Hannah and Charles, Charles and Alice, and Khalo and Ivan — each one layered and authentic.
✓ Some scenes struck me hard. Like the one where Charles, not allowed to attend Alice’s funeral, watches from across the street. Or the gut-wrenching moment when he visits the cemetery to find Alice’s grave before his speech.
✓ One thing that slightly disappointed me was the final section — the commencement speech itself. While it is undeniably powerful, it felt a little disjointed and could’ve been more nicely structured.
✓ What truly stands out is how the author makes us feel exactly what Charles feels by the end. When he breaks down because he can’t find Alice’s grave, the readers share that grief — the lack of closure becomes ours too, making the emotional impact deeply personal.
✓ I would absolutely recommend this book. It’s not very long, but it carries a heavy emotional weight. Keep tissues close, especially during the third section — trust me, you’ll need them.
Read
July 25, 2025Review: Novelist in Love by Adam Yakel
⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
Some books don’t raise their voice to get your attention,they simply sit beside you like a quiet companion, slowly unspooling everything you’ve ever felt but never quite put into words. Novelist in Love by Adam Yakel is exactly that kind of book.
Told in three deeply reflective parts–Friendship, Love, Grief,the novel follows Charles Cooper, a middle-aged novelist grappling with insomnia, creative fatigue and a past that won’t let him go. What begins as a seemingly simple journey to deliver a commencement address at his old university quietly becomes an emotional reckoning with lost love, unresolved memories, and the slow, often painful process of healing.
The story unfolds in a dual timeline, moving seamlessly between present-day conversations with his wife, Hannah and vivid, tender flashbacks of his youth–particularly his connection with Alice, the girl who shaped much of who he became and whose absence still haunts him. Each timeline complements the other, deepening the emotional resonance without ever feeling overly sentimental.
Yakel’s prose is soft, poetic, and profoundly introspective. There’s a quiet emotional weight in every chapter–a kind of stillness that sneaks up on you. The writing doesn’t chase drama or spectacle; instead, it finds power in small moments: a sleepless night, an old photograph, a remembered conversation. If you’ve ever tried to write someone out of your heart, or found yourself trapped in a memory you couldn’t quite leave behind, this novel will hit home.
This isn’t just a love story–it��s a meditation on memory, regret and the way our past continues to live inside us, quietly shaping every choice we make. While the pacing slows in parts, especially in the middle, it never loses its emotional grip. The final chapters, especially the scene at Alice’s grave, carry a quiet devastation that lingers long after the book ends.
For those who love slow-burn emotional journeys, character-driven narratives and stories that value introspection over intensity, Novelist in Love is a rare gem. It’s perfect for fans of literary romance, emotionally intelligent writing and the kind of books that leave you staring at the ceiling, feeling everything all at once.
A quietly powerful novel that doesn’t just tell a story,it listens to yours, too.
⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
Some books don’t raise their voice to get your attention,they simply sit beside you like a quiet companion, slowly unspooling everything you’ve ever felt but never quite put into words. Novelist in Love by Adam Yakel is exactly that kind of book.
Told in three deeply reflective parts–Friendship, Love, Grief,the novel follows Charles Cooper, a middle-aged novelist grappling with insomnia, creative fatigue and a past that won’t let him go. What begins as a seemingly simple journey to deliver a commencement address at his old university quietly becomes an emotional reckoning with lost love, unresolved memories, and the slow, often painful process of healing.
The story unfolds in a dual timeline, moving seamlessly between present-day conversations with his wife, Hannah and vivid, tender flashbacks of his youth–particularly his connection with Alice, the girl who shaped much of who he became and whose absence still haunts him. Each timeline complements the other, deepening the emotional resonance without ever feeling overly sentimental.
Yakel’s prose is soft, poetic, and profoundly introspective. There’s a quiet emotional weight in every chapter–a kind of stillness that sneaks up on you. The writing doesn’t chase drama or spectacle; instead, it finds power in small moments: a sleepless night, an old photograph, a remembered conversation. If you’ve ever tried to write someone out of your heart, or found yourself trapped in a memory you couldn’t quite leave behind, this novel will hit home.
This isn’t just a love story–it��s a meditation on memory, regret and the way our past continues to live inside us, quietly shaping every choice we make. While the pacing slows in parts, especially in the middle, it never loses its emotional grip. The final chapters, especially the scene at Alice’s grave, carry a quiet devastation that lingers long after the book ends.
For those who love slow-burn emotional journeys, character-driven narratives and stories that value introspection over intensity, Novelist in Love is a rare gem. It’s perfect for fans of literary romance, emotionally intelligent writing and the kind of books that leave you staring at the ceiling, feeling everything all at once.
A quietly powerful novel that doesn’t just tell a story,it listens to yours, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
The book opens with Charles receiving an invitation letter from a university to address the graduates and ends with his speech at that university, unfolding through a dual time line shifting from present to past in a flashback narrative technique. From the starting, we're introduced to our male protagonist Charles as a successful writer and a happily married person. Then, what was it that made him restless and sleepless? Insomnia and recall such a toxic blend, worried about this, his wife Hanah once asks him why he stays awake at midnight that's when Charles begin to unravel the story of buried past of his teenage days in three parts - friendship, love and grief, giving equal importance to each parts. I liked the third part Grief the most, be it the grief of love or grief of leaving home.
The writing was poetic, weaving simplicity into profound reflections, inviting readers to pause and ponder. A line I want to put here to showcase the writing style - "There is a great soul robbery in the town, but by God himself."
But what I really loved the most is the profound message of this book which I believe that lies in this line - "What is coming your way is not in your hands. What is going out of your way might be. Most successful lives are built by understanding this transition " which has been skillfully conveyed through our protagonist Charles, not just to the youngsters of Newhill University, but to all youngsters in general. But the tragedy is, many people fail to understand that transition even Charles
himself couldn't escape from it and this realization not only baffles but shatters us, the way it did to Charles, when he failed to visit Alice's grave for some reason, the grave which was the only place where he could meet his love Alice, though Alice was never far from him, rather she was very close to his heart.
The book is a testament to the idea that true love can only be separated by time, not distance.That's why it says, true love can't be buried. It's an amazing experience with this book, it not only made me cry but made think and ponder certain things. And I absolutely loved this one. If you enjoy reading character driven story with emotional depth then it's a perfect book for you.
The writing was poetic, weaving simplicity into profound reflections, inviting readers to pause and ponder. A line I want to put here to showcase the writing style - "There is a great soul robbery in the town, but by God himself."
But what I really loved the most is the profound message of this book which I believe that lies in this line - "What is coming your way is not in your hands. What is going out of your way might be. Most successful lives are built by understanding this transition " which has been skillfully conveyed through our protagonist Charles, not just to the youngsters of Newhill University, but to all youngsters in general. But the tragedy is, many people fail to understand that transition even Charles
himself couldn't escape from it and this realization not only baffles but shatters us, the way it did to Charles, when he failed to visit Alice's grave for some reason, the grave which was the only place where he could meet his love Alice, though Alice was never far from him, rather she was very close to his heart.
The book is a testament to the idea that true love can only be separated by time, not distance.That's why it says, true love can't be buried. It's an amazing experience with this book, it not only made me cry but made think and ponder certain things. And I absolutely loved this one. If you enjoy reading character driven story with emotional depth then it's a perfect book for you.
February 8, 2025
Book Review: Novelist In Love by Adam Yakel
Novelist In Love is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, regret, and the irreversible impact of the past on the present. Adam Yakel masterfully weaves a dual-timeline narrative that immerses readers in the deeply introspective world of Charles Cooper, a novelist burdened by memory and loss. With poetic prose and a plot that unfolds like a slow-burning revelation, this novel is destined to be a modern classic—one that lingers long after the last page.
The story follows Charles Cooper, a middle-aged novelist who has avoided visiting Alice’s grave for seven years. As he embarks on a journey to deliver a commencement address at New Hill University, accompanied by his wife, Hannah, the narrative begins to unravel the deep-seated grief and unresolved emotions that torment him.
Through a series of flashbacks, Charles takes Hannah—and the reader—into the world of his past, where young love, friendship, and tragedy intertwine. What begins as a simple road trip morphs into an intense emotional reckoning, culminating in an earth-shattering revelation at Alice’s gravesite that redefines everything Charles (and the reader) believed to be true.
Why You Should Read This Book
✅ The novel captures the rawness of grief and love with unparalleled depth.
✅ The dual-timeline structure is executed flawlessly, creating a gripping, immersive experience.
✅ The novel goes beyond storytelling; it questions the nature of fiction itself and how deeply it can affect us.
✅ This is not just a book—it’s an experience that lingers, leaving readers with a haunting sense of emptiness and awe.
This is more than just a novel—it’s a journey through time, memory, and the power of love that refuses to fade. The ending, especially with the unexpected author’s note, leaves the reader questioning everything, trapped in the beautiful ache of misreading and rereading. Adam Yakel has crafted a novel that will haunt the readers after reading it. Highly recommended!!
Novelist In Love is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, regret, and the irreversible impact of the past on the present. Adam Yakel masterfully weaves a dual-timeline narrative that immerses readers in the deeply introspective world of Charles Cooper, a novelist burdened by memory and loss. With poetic prose and a plot that unfolds like a slow-burning revelation, this novel is destined to be a modern classic—one that lingers long after the last page.
The story follows Charles Cooper, a middle-aged novelist who has avoided visiting Alice’s grave for seven years. As he embarks on a journey to deliver a commencement address at New Hill University, accompanied by his wife, Hannah, the narrative begins to unravel the deep-seated grief and unresolved emotions that torment him.
Through a series of flashbacks, Charles takes Hannah—and the reader—into the world of his past, where young love, friendship, and tragedy intertwine. What begins as a simple road trip morphs into an intense emotional reckoning, culminating in an earth-shattering revelation at Alice’s gravesite that redefines everything Charles (and the reader) believed to be true.
Why You Should Read This Book
✅ The novel captures the rawness of grief and love with unparalleled depth.
✅ The dual-timeline structure is executed flawlessly, creating a gripping, immersive experience.
✅ The novel goes beyond storytelling; it questions the nature of fiction itself and how deeply it can affect us.
✅ This is not just a book—it’s an experience that lingers, leaving readers with a haunting sense of emptiness and awe.
This is more than just a novel—it’s a journey through time, memory, and the power of love that refuses to fade. The ending, especially with the unexpected author’s note, leaves the reader questioning everything, trapped in the beautiful ache of misreading and rereading. Adam Yakel has crafted a novel that will haunt the readers after reading it. Highly recommended!!
May 18, 2025
Charles Cooper, a brilliant yet troubled novelist, hasn’t visited Alice’s grave in seven years. The regret and emotional weight of this silence have left him restless and sleepless. On May 21st, while traveling with his wife Hannah to deliver a commencement speech at New Hill University, Charles is forced to confront his past. Though married for thirteen years, there is something unresolved in his heart that he hasn’t been able to speak about—or heal from. As they drive, Charles begins to unravel the story of his youth—his deep friendship, innocent first love, and the lingering grief that shaped him. With each memory, we get closer to understanding the cause of his pain. The novel moves gently yet deeply, until it reaches a powerful moment at the cemetery, where a final twist changes everything.
What I really appreciated about this book was the simplicity and elegance in the way the story was told🥰. It didn’t try too hard to impress, but still managed to leave a lasting impact. The bond between Charles and Alice felt pure and honest—two young souls in love, full of hope, only to be separated by fate. The novel reminded me how first love never truly leaves us, no matter how much time passes. The writing style was graceful and quiet, allowing emotions to speak without being overly dramatic. However, I did feel that some scenes could have carried more emotional intensity, especially during the moments of confrontation or realization🥹🌻
What really stayed with me was the final part of the book—it was emotional and deeply meaningful✨The message it delivered about love, memory, and literature was beautiful. I especially loved the line about never forgetting books, no matter how advanced we get. Novelist in Love is a touching, thoughtful novel that reminds us of the power of memories—and the quiet ache of things left unsaid🕊️
What I really appreciated about this book was the simplicity and elegance in the way the story was told🥰. It didn’t try too hard to impress, but still managed to leave a lasting impact. The bond between Charles and Alice felt pure and honest—two young souls in love, full of hope, only to be separated by fate. The novel reminded me how first love never truly leaves us, no matter how much time passes. The writing style was graceful and quiet, allowing emotions to speak without being overly dramatic. However, I did feel that some scenes could have carried more emotional intensity, especially during the moments of confrontation or realization🥹🌻
What really stayed with me was the final part of the book—it was emotional and deeply meaningful✨The message it delivered about love, memory, and literature was beautiful. I especially loved the line about never forgetting books, no matter how advanced we get. Novelist in Love is a touching, thoughtful novel that reminds us of the power of memories—and the quiet ache of things left unsaid🕊️
June 28, 2025
This is a beautifully written novel that follows the story of Charles Cooper, a middle-aged novelist who reflects on his high school days and his first love, Alice. The book takes readers on a journey of love, loss, and nostalgia as Charles recounts his experiences with Alice and the circumstances that drove them apart.
One of the aspects of this book cover is its portrayal of bullying and its effects on individuals. Charles’s experiences with bullying are deeply relatable.
The character of Khalo, Charles’s friend, is particularly noteworthy. Khalo’s support towards Charles are a testament to the power of true friendship.
The love story between Charles and Alice is at the heart of the book. Their deep affection for each other is palpable, and the circumstances that separate them are heartbreaking. I sobbed like a child When i reached At the part Grief of the story. Read this Story Because You will love it. The first love and their connection everything Was perfect.
The author’s writing style is exquisite, with many beautiful quotes and lines that will make you want to underline and annotate.
What I Loved Most About This Book:
• The way the author has woven the story of Charles and Alice’s love is nothing short of perfection. The plot twists and turns, keeping you engaged and invested in the characters’ lives.
Why You Should Read This Book:
• The book is a perfect blend of nostalgia, love, and loss, making it a beautifully written novel.
• The story will make you reflect on your own experiences of love and loss, and lessons learned from it will stay with you long after you finish reading.
Overall, this is a poignant and powerful novel that will capture your heart and leave you feeling nostalgic. With its beautifully written prose and relatable story, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a classic love story.
One of the aspects of this book cover is its portrayal of bullying and its effects on individuals. Charles’s experiences with bullying are deeply relatable.
The character of Khalo, Charles’s friend, is particularly noteworthy. Khalo’s support towards Charles are a testament to the power of true friendship.
The love story between Charles and Alice is at the heart of the book. Their deep affection for each other is palpable, and the circumstances that separate them are heartbreaking. I sobbed like a child When i reached At the part Grief of the story. Read this Story Because You will love it. The first love and their connection everything Was perfect.
The author’s writing style is exquisite, with many beautiful quotes and lines that will make you want to underline and annotate.
What I Loved Most About This Book:
• The way the author has woven the story of Charles and Alice’s love is nothing short of perfection. The plot twists and turns, keeping you engaged and invested in the characters’ lives.
Why You Should Read This Book:
• The book is a perfect blend of nostalgia, love, and loss, making it a beautifully written novel.
• The story will make you reflect on your own experiences of love and loss, and lessons learned from it will stay with you long after you finish reading.
Overall, this is a poignant and powerful novel that will capture your heart and leave you feeling nostalgic. With its beautifully written prose and relatable story, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a classic love story.
April 1, 2025
I recently finished Novelist in Love by Adam Yakel, and it felt like watching a gripping Netflix series. The characters were fresh, relatable, and deeply engaging.
At its heart, the novel begins as a charming high school romance—two young lovers, completely in sync, supporting each other’s dreams, and sharing an unbreakable bond over poetry. It all seems perfect, almost too perfect. And just when you expect a twist, life takes a heartbreaking turn. What starts as a sweet teenage love story soon delves into heavier themes like terminal illness, bullying, and loss.
The story follows Charles Cooper at New Hill University, moving between past and present to paint a deeply emotional portrait of his journey. After Alice’s passing, he dedicates himself to her dream of becoming an author, but the lingering question remains—has he truly forgiven himself for the mistakes of his past?
One of the most captivating aspects of the book is its layered storytelling, weaving together love, friendship, and grief across three distinct parts. Before reading, I assumed it would be a simple story about a writer falling in love. However, it turned out to be much more—a poignant exploration of love, loss, and redemption.
The cover is striking, beautifully reflecting the book’s themes. Adam Yakel’s writing is fast-paced, emotive, and deeply engaging, with a strong narrative voice that keeps you hooked. My favorite character was Hannah, Charles’ wife, who plays a crucial role in the present timeline, offering unwavering support while uncovering her husband's past.
Novelist in Love is a beautifully written, emotionally rich novel that lingers in your thoughts long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended for those who appreciate heartfelt, character-driven storytelling.
At its heart, the novel begins as a charming high school romance—two young lovers, completely in sync, supporting each other’s dreams, and sharing an unbreakable bond over poetry. It all seems perfect, almost too perfect. And just when you expect a twist, life takes a heartbreaking turn. What starts as a sweet teenage love story soon delves into heavier themes like terminal illness, bullying, and loss.
The story follows Charles Cooper at New Hill University, moving between past and present to paint a deeply emotional portrait of his journey. After Alice’s passing, he dedicates himself to her dream of becoming an author, but the lingering question remains—has he truly forgiven himself for the mistakes of his past?
One of the most captivating aspects of the book is its layered storytelling, weaving together love, friendship, and grief across three distinct parts. Before reading, I assumed it would be a simple story about a writer falling in love. However, it turned out to be much more—a poignant exploration of love, loss, and redemption.
The cover is striking, beautifully reflecting the book’s themes. Adam Yakel’s writing is fast-paced, emotive, and deeply engaging, with a strong narrative voice that keeps you hooked. My favorite character was Hannah, Charles’ wife, who plays a crucial role in the present timeline, offering unwavering support while uncovering her husband's past.
Novelist in Love is a beautifully written, emotionally rich novel that lingers in your thoughts long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended for those who appreciate heartfelt, character-driven storytelling.
April 3, 2025
"Love can never be buried"
~Novelist In Love by Adam Yakel.
SYNOPSIS♡
The story starts where a master weaver of words, a renowned writer who has multiple brilliant novels and managed to capture hearts of so many people with his stories named Charles Cooper gets dragged into the unavoidable nature of being a human which is to suffering. The writer in his present life is a captive of sleeplessness which is also called Insomnia. His wife Hannah who's trying to find a cure for her husband's suffering. But then one day Charles decided to unfold his painfull past infront of his wife which made him what he is today.
In the warm, golden lights of nostalgia he remembers the distant past where he fell in love with a girl with luminous soul, who's enchanting beauty and constellations of freckles made him fall in love with her in such a tender age. His Emily Dickinson. She inspired him in a lot of ways, in his monochromatic life, she was colorful butterfly. But fate is cruel. When half of his soul dissolved into the nature, it made him a completely different man. The man who he has became today.
MY THOUGHTS ♡
The book beautifully captures so many human experiences, like the tenderness of love, the devastating experience of loss and hunting experience of longing and grief. It beautifully potrays how love come unexpectedly and sometimes leaves a void inside your heart. But it inspires human in so many ways.
Other then that writer has tried to throw some lights on various other relationships of humans like between child and parents, teacher and students, between friends and raw experience of teenage life.
Words are so simple and story is first paced making it quick and enjoyable experience ♡
~Novelist In Love by Adam Yakel.
SYNOPSIS♡
The story starts where a master weaver of words, a renowned writer who has multiple brilliant novels and managed to capture hearts of so many people with his stories named Charles Cooper gets dragged into the unavoidable nature of being a human which is to suffering. The writer in his present life is a captive of sleeplessness which is also called Insomnia. His wife Hannah who's trying to find a cure for her husband's suffering. But then one day Charles decided to unfold his painfull past infront of his wife which made him what he is today.
In the warm, golden lights of nostalgia he remembers the distant past where he fell in love with a girl with luminous soul, who's enchanting beauty and constellations of freckles made him fall in love with her in such a tender age. His Emily Dickinson. She inspired him in a lot of ways, in his monochromatic life, she was colorful butterfly. But fate is cruel. When half of his soul dissolved into the nature, it made him a completely different man. The man who he has became today.
MY THOUGHTS ♡
The book beautifully captures so many human experiences, like the tenderness of love, the devastating experience of loss and hunting experience of longing and grief. It beautifully potrays how love come unexpectedly and sometimes leaves a void inside your heart. But it inspires human in so many ways.
Other then that writer has tried to throw some lights on various other relationships of humans like between child and parents, teacher and students, between friends and raw experience of teenage life.
Words are so simple and story is first paced making it quick and enjoyable experience ♡
May 17, 2025
It’s about a love that never left, silent pain, and hidden memories.
Charles Cooper is a successful novelist. He’s married. His life looks perfect from the outside. But inside, he’s stuck in a chapter that he never got to finish—Alice. She was once his everything, and even though they are no longer together, a part of him still belongs to her.She was not just a girl from his past. She was his muse, his first love, his emotional home.
When Charles travels with his wife for an event, they visit a place that brings back everything—old memories, feelings, and regrets. The way his emotions come back is not loud or dramatic. It’s soft, quiet, and real—Charles loves his wife, but the presence of Alice is still there. Not in a wrong or cheating way—but in a very human, emotional way. That’s what makes this story different. It’s about emotional loyalty, and how memories don’t fade just because time has passed. “what ifs.”
The book is written in three parts—Friendship, Love, and Grief. Each part shows a different emotion and phase of Charles’s life. The writing is very simple but beautiful. Some lines feel like poetry.
This story is not just about love. It’s about letting go. About healing slowly. And about how some people never leave us—even when they’re no longer around.
If you enjoy emotional stories that touch your heart quietly, Novelist in Love is a must-read. It’s short, simple, and full of feelings.
Quotes : Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.
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Happy Reading!!🏷️
#novelistinlove #emotionalstory #silentlove #firstlove #heartfeltreads #loveandloss #emotionalloyalty #healingjourney #literaryfiction #bookrecommendation #lovestories #memoriesneverfade #bookreview
Charles Cooper is a successful novelist. He’s married. His life looks perfect from the outside. But inside, he’s stuck in a chapter that he never got to finish—Alice. She was once his everything, and even though they are no longer together, a part of him still belongs to her.She was not just a girl from his past. She was his muse, his first love, his emotional home.
When Charles travels with his wife for an event, they visit a place that brings back everything—old memories, feelings, and regrets. The way his emotions come back is not loud or dramatic. It’s soft, quiet, and real—Charles loves his wife, but the presence of Alice is still there. Not in a wrong or cheating way—but in a very human, emotional way. That’s what makes this story different. It’s about emotional loyalty, and how memories don’t fade just because time has passed. “what ifs.”
The book is written in three parts—Friendship, Love, and Grief. Each part shows a different emotion and phase of Charles’s life. The writing is very simple but beautiful. Some lines feel like poetry.
This story is not just about love. It’s about letting go. About healing slowly. And about how some people never leave us—even when they’re no longer around.
If you enjoy emotional stories that touch your heart quietly, Novelist in Love is a must-read. It’s short, simple, and full of feelings.
Quotes : Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.
.
.
.
Happy Reading!!🏷️
#novelistinlove #emotionalstory #silentlove #firstlove #heartfeltreads #loveandloss #emotionalloyalty #healingjourney #literaryfiction #bookrecommendation #lovestories #memoriesneverfade #bookreview
May 30, 2025
Rating ⭐⭐⭐.75 /5
The narrative, which is divided into three moving sections—Friendship, Love, and Grief—follows the journey of Charles Cooper, a writer with a tender heart, through love, grief, and healing. Charles is an example of a green flag—he is kind, considerate, passionate, and emotionally mature.
It's been seven years since Charles last went to see Alice's grave, his first love. He is unable to sleep because of the sorrow and emotional burden of this quiet. Charles is forced to face his history on May 21st while traveling with his wife, Hannah, to give a graduating speech at New Hill University.
Despite being married for thirteen years, he hasn't been able to talk about or get past an unsolved issue in his heart. Charles starts to piece together his early years as they drive—his close relationship, his innocent first love, and the lingering pain that molded him. We learn more about the cause of his suffering with every recalling. The book progresses slowly but profoundly until it hits an important turning point in the cemetery, where a final twist changes everything.
This isn't a typical romcom. It's a deeply emotional drama that explores mortality, grief, bullying, and the bravery to fall in love again. It's beautifully written, honest, and raw.
The story's grace and simplicity were what I found most admirable about this book. It left a lasting impression without making an effort to impress. Charles and Alice's relationship felt sincere and pure—two young people in love, full of promise, only to be parted by fate. I was reminded by the book that no matter how much time goes by, our first love never really leaves us.
The novel Novelist in Love serves as a potent reminder that there are many different kinds of love, that mourning has no end, and that healing is about growing rather than dying.
The narrative, which is divided into three moving sections—Friendship, Love, and Grief—follows the journey of Charles Cooper, a writer with a tender heart, through love, grief, and healing. Charles is an example of a green flag—he is kind, considerate, passionate, and emotionally mature.
It's been seven years since Charles last went to see Alice's grave, his first love. He is unable to sleep because of the sorrow and emotional burden of this quiet. Charles is forced to face his history on May 21st while traveling with his wife, Hannah, to give a graduating speech at New Hill University.
Despite being married for thirteen years, he hasn't been able to talk about or get past an unsolved issue in his heart. Charles starts to piece together his early years as they drive—his close relationship, his innocent first love, and the lingering pain that molded him. We learn more about the cause of his suffering with every recalling. The book progresses slowly but profoundly until it hits an important turning point in the cemetery, where a final twist changes everything.
This isn't a typical romcom. It's a deeply emotional drama that explores mortality, grief, bullying, and the bravery to fall in love again. It's beautifully written, honest, and raw.
The story's grace and simplicity were what I found most admirable about this book. It left a lasting impression without making an effort to impress. Charles and Alice's relationship felt sincere and pure—two young people in love, full of promise, only to be parted by fate. I was reminded by the book that no matter how much time goes by, our first love never really leaves us.
The novel Novelist in Love serves as a potent reminder that there are many different kinds of love, that mourning has no end, and that healing is about growing rather than dying.
July 15, 2025
“NOVELIST IN LOVE” is a beautiful book written by the Author Adam Yakel, even though i have mentioned a few words above in the name of genre but this book is way…. Beyond those words, it’s not just about Friendship, Romance or Grief, it’s about LIFE- life of a young guy named Charles Copper.
So the story starts with Charles getting invited into an Institution as a guest to speak to the young graduates and motivate them, but the problem is Charles is insomniac, so he is sleep deprived, tired and scared that if he doesn’t get enough sleep he might not be able to speak properly in front of everyone, during this whole thing when he was preparing for his big day, he took out an old shirt to wear and in that shirt he found a long blond hair and all he could think about was how to save this hair and keep with him FOREVER, thousand ideas cross his mind and then he comes across a picture, a picture of a girl he couldn't stop looking at and suddenly his wife enters the room and he hides the picture, the question is whose picture was it? Why did he hide it? And what happened to the person in that picture? IKR I had all those questions too.
I love how the characters are written so beautifully not just the main characters but the side characters like -Khalo as well, I was really intrigued by her story and would love to know more about her and Ivan, other than that this book broke me into thousand or maybe million pieces by the end, I wanted to cry but my heart felt so heavy I was not even able to cry, i don’t even know if that makes any sense but ya that’s how I felt while reading it.
If you are someone who is looking for something that will destroy them in the most poetic yet brutal way possible than this book is for you.
So the story starts with Charles getting invited into an Institution as a guest to speak to the young graduates and motivate them, but the problem is Charles is insomniac, so he is sleep deprived, tired and scared that if he doesn’t get enough sleep he might not be able to speak properly in front of everyone, during this whole thing when he was preparing for his big day, he took out an old shirt to wear and in that shirt he found a long blond hair and all he could think about was how to save this hair and keep with him FOREVER, thousand ideas cross his mind and then he comes across a picture, a picture of a girl he couldn't stop looking at and suddenly his wife enters the room and he hides the picture, the question is whose picture was it? Why did he hide it? And what happened to the person in that picture? IKR I had all those questions too.
I love how the characters are written so beautifully not just the main characters but the side characters like -Khalo as well, I was really intrigued by her story and would love to know more about her and Ivan, other than that this book broke me into thousand or maybe million pieces by the end, I wanted to cry but my heart felt so heavy I was not even able to cry, i don’t even know if that makes any sense but ya that’s how I felt while reading it.
If you are someone who is looking for something that will destroy them in the most poetic yet brutal way possible than this book is for you.
July 22, 2025
OVERVIEW
Novelist in Love by Adam Yakel is a debut novel that begins with the story of Charles Cooper, a famous writer who is going through deep sadness. Because of this, he suffers from insomnia—he can’t sleep—and he is constantly haunted by memories from his past. The main reason behind his pain is Alice, his high school girlfriend, whom he lost.
Charles is invited to give a speech at a college graduation, and during that journey, he opens up to his wife Hannah about his past. The story moves between past and present, and it is divided into three parts: Friendship, Love, and Grief. These parts show how Charles and Alice’s friendship turned into love, the tragedy that followed, and how Charles is still struggling with the pain years later
WRITING STYLE
The story also includes beautiful poems and quotes that add to the emotional depth and can really touch your heart. There are many emotional moments in the story that can make you feel deeply moved.
Alice is no longer alive, but her memories still haunt Charles even today. His wife, Hannah, is loving and supportive. She tries her best to help her husband heal from his past pain and trauma.
Charles was never really able to move on from Alice’s memories. The pain of losing her still lived deep in his heart. As they say, "PEOPLE MAY LEAVE, BUT THEIR MEMORIES NEVER DO".
FINAL THOUGHTS
After finishing the book, I didn’t react for a while—I just sat there quietly and held the book close to my heart. Novelist in Love is a powerful debut with simple writing and deep emotions. It shows how young love, dreams, and regrets shape our future—and asks if it’s ever too late to make things right. If you enjoy emotional, character-focused stories with a touching twist, this book is worth reading.
Novelist in Love by Adam Yakel is a debut novel that begins with the story of Charles Cooper, a famous writer who is going through deep sadness. Because of this, he suffers from insomnia—he can’t sleep—and he is constantly haunted by memories from his past. The main reason behind his pain is Alice, his high school girlfriend, whom he lost.
Charles is invited to give a speech at a college graduation, and during that journey, he opens up to his wife Hannah about his past. The story moves between past and present, and it is divided into three parts: Friendship, Love, and Grief. These parts show how Charles and Alice’s friendship turned into love, the tragedy that followed, and how Charles is still struggling with the pain years later
WRITING STYLE
The story also includes beautiful poems and quotes that add to the emotional depth and can really touch your heart. There are many emotional moments in the story that can make you feel deeply moved.
Alice is no longer alive, but her memories still haunt Charles even today. His wife, Hannah, is loving and supportive. She tries her best to help her husband heal from his past pain and trauma.
Charles was never really able to move on from Alice’s memories. The pain of losing her still lived deep in his heart. As they say, "PEOPLE MAY LEAVE, BUT THEIR MEMORIES NEVER DO".
FINAL THOUGHTS
After finishing the book, I didn’t react for a while—I just sat there quietly and held the book close to my heart. Novelist in Love is a powerful debut with simple writing and deep emotions. It shows how young love, dreams, and regrets shape our future—and asks if it’s ever too late to make things right. If you enjoy emotional, character-focused stories with a touching twist, this book is worth reading.
May 14, 2025
“Falling in love is easy, you know what’s hard? Holding onto it.”
A past with Alice casts a long shadow over Charles Cooper, a middle-aged novelist now battling sleepless nights.
The narrative unfolds through a dual timeline. The story shifts between present and past as Charles shares memories of friendship, love, and loss with Hannah.
The past Charles shared with Alice plays a crucial role in shaping his current relationship with Hannah.
Charles’s insomnia worries Hannah, leading him to reveal his regret over not visiting Alice’s grave for seven years. He then tells her about his high school love for Alice, his friends, teachers, and family. The detailed flashbacks gradually reveal the underlying cause of his emotional turmoil.
The story explores how Charles navigates the complexities of grief and seeks a path toward healing and a renewed sense of purpose.
The novel explores the lasting influence of the past on the present, highlighting how memories profoundly affect our emotions.
While the writing remains clear and easy to understand, it’s beautifully enriched by thoughtfully placed quotes and poems that deepen its emotional impact.
The narrative hinges on its authentic and relatable characters and their genuine emotional journeys.
The book is also described as a relatively quick read due to its pacing and accessible language.
Beyond the realm of a conventional love story, “Novelist in Love” seems to be a thought-provoking and heartfelt story that explores the complexities of love, loss, and memory.
If you appreciate novels that delve into deep emotions and inner thoughts, this will be a compelling read.
A past with Alice casts a long shadow over Charles Cooper, a middle-aged novelist now battling sleepless nights.
The narrative unfolds through a dual timeline. The story shifts between present and past as Charles shares memories of friendship, love, and loss with Hannah.
The past Charles shared with Alice plays a crucial role in shaping his current relationship with Hannah.
Charles’s insomnia worries Hannah, leading him to reveal his regret over not visiting Alice’s grave for seven years. He then tells her about his high school love for Alice, his friends, teachers, and family. The detailed flashbacks gradually reveal the underlying cause of his emotional turmoil.
The story explores how Charles navigates the complexities of grief and seeks a path toward healing and a renewed sense of purpose.
The novel explores the lasting influence of the past on the present, highlighting how memories profoundly affect our emotions.
While the writing remains clear and easy to understand, it’s beautifully enriched by thoughtfully placed quotes and poems that deepen its emotional impact.
The narrative hinges on its authentic and relatable characters and their genuine emotional journeys.
The book is also described as a relatively quick read due to its pacing and accessible language.
Beyond the realm of a conventional love story, “Novelist in Love” seems to be a thought-provoking and heartfelt story that explores the complexities of love, loss, and memory.
If you appreciate novels that delve into deep emotions and inner thoughts, this will be a compelling read.
June 11, 2025
“Novelist in Love” by Adam Yakel is a book that lingers long after the last page is turned.
“I wish I could share my sleep with you. You’re already sharing your life with me, and I am eternally grateful for that.”
🌟 Rating: 4.9/5
This book makes you feel every emotion—starting with friendship that blossoms into love, the kind of love that feels like a warm hug. Every chapter is deeply moving, and the way it closes each one is simply unforgettable. This story will always hold a special place in my heart.
If you’re struggling with how to move forward, how to accept without expecting, or trying to heal from a tangled past—and if there’s someone in your life who wants to hold your hand and help you out of that darkness—then you should definitely give this book a try.
The story begins with a condition: Charles can’t sleep. His beautiful partner, Hannah, is doing everything she can to help him heal. But what if it’s not just a disease? What if it’s about a grave he hasn’t visited in the past seven years—and the girl buried there? The mystery behind this will stay with you for a long time.
My personal favorite—and the most underrated—character is Hannah. She’s the one who chooses to share her life and Charles’ pain in every possible way. Every morning, she wakes up with a smile and hope that one day, everything will be okay.
Reading Novelist in Love feels like being embraced by words. It’s a story that gently touches your heart and teaches you that sometimes, the most precious people come into our lives at the wrong time. It’s not just about love or effort—it’s about what’s meant to be.
“I wish I could share my sleep with you. You’re already sharing your life with me, and I am eternally grateful for that.”
🌟 Rating: 4.9/5
This book makes you feel every emotion—starting with friendship that blossoms into love, the kind of love that feels like a warm hug. Every chapter is deeply moving, and the way it closes each one is simply unforgettable. This story will always hold a special place in my heart.
If you’re struggling with how to move forward, how to accept without expecting, or trying to heal from a tangled past—and if there’s someone in your life who wants to hold your hand and help you out of that darkness—then you should definitely give this book a try.
The story begins with a condition: Charles can’t sleep. His beautiful partner, Hannah, is doing everything she can to help him heal. But what if it’s not just a disease? What if it’s about a grave he hasn’t visited in the past seven years—and the girl buried there? The mystery behind this will stay with you for a long time.
My personal favorite—and the most underrated—character is Hannah. She’s the one who chooses to share her life and Charles’ pain in every possible way. Every morning, she wakes up with a smile and hope that one day, everything will be okay.
Reading Novelist in Love feels like being embraced by words. It’s a story that gently touches your heart and teaches you that sometimes, the most precious people come into our lives at the wrong time. It’s not just about love or effort—it’s about what’s meant to be.
June 21, 2025
I started reading this book expecting it to be a love story, but it was so much more, and I wish I had read a book like this before.
For good or for bad, first love is something we never forget, especially if we lost our lover because of untimely death. It took a huge part of our heart and left a hollow behind. We move on with time, but that hollowness never goes away fully. This story begins as a high school romance where two young lovers, Charles Cooper and Alice Jonas, fell in love and supported each other while navigating through the final year of high school. Exactly when they thought everything was going to be okay, tragedy struck, and Charles lost Alice to terminal sickness. The story continues with Charles becoming a brilliant middle-aged novelist. He gets an offer to give a graduation speech at Newhill University, his alma mater. On the day of the event, Charles visited Alice's grave after 7 years, but he wasn't expecting the twist that awaited him there.
This story starts as a teenage romance but soon the story delves into a more layered storytelling about love, connections, friendship, bullying and grief, and poems a lots of poems. I love the way everything unfolded, like watching a movie. The story was fast-paced, but I was hooked until the very end. At the end, you think you are done with grief, that you have moved on, but the grief of losing the most precious person will stay with you even unconsciously. This story is going to stay with me for a while. I highly recommend this book if you are into emotion and character-driven storytelling, and also if you like poetry, you will like this book.
Happy reading ❣️
For good or for bad, first love is something we never forget, especially if we lost our lover because of untimely death. It took a huge part of our heart and left a hollow behind. We move on with time, but that hollowness never goes away fully. This story begins as a high school romance where two young lovers, Charles Cooper and Alice Jonas, fell in love and supported each other while navigating through the final year of high school. Exactly when they thought everything was going to be okay, tragedy struck, and Charles lost Alice to terminal sickness. The story continues with Charles becoming a brilliant middle-aged novelist. He gets an offer to give a graduation speech at Newhill University, his alma mater. On the day of the event, Charles visited Alice's grave after 7 years, but he wasn't expecting the twist that awaited him there.
This story starts as a teenage romance but soon the story delves into a more layered storytelling about love, connections, friendship, bullying and grief, and poems a lots of poems. I love the way everything unfolded, like watching a movie. The story was fast-paced, but I was hooked until the very end. At the end, you think you are done with grief, that you have moved on, but the grief of losing the most precious person will stay with you even unconsciously. This story is going to stay with me for a while. I highly recommend this book if you are into emotion and character-driven storytelling, and also if you like poetry, you will like this book.
Happy reading ❣️
April 27, 2025
The Novelist in Love is the story of Charles Cooper and his first love. The kind of love that defines him all along the story.
The novel is written in three parts: Friendship, Love & Grief. Three of the most important things that define human life. The story has a very mediocre, subtle setting encompassing the lives of two neighbors, Charles and Alice, who end up being friends to lovers. When I say lovers, a very good one at that. I loved how the author portrayed Alice in the eyes of Charles. I felt it was a bit cringe, but what’s first love without a fair amount of cringe?
Along the lines of finding your first love, there are themes of bullying and how one deals with it when they become the subject of an unfair act. The “Love” part of the book was pretty mediocre, with Charles and Alice exploring their relationship, especially when Alice’s father hated Charles for being close with his daughter.
But this is not a love story. The portrayal of grief is what made it real. After Alice’s death, what happens to Charles is something straight out of life. He is in denial for most of his life and never visited Alice’s grave for so many years because the grief was too much. But in the end one can say that Charles ended up receiving the closure he deserved in a not-so-expected way. For him as well as for the readers.
If you like something that explores grief and how everyone processes it in their own way and the realizations that come along with it, you will end up liking this book.
The novel is written in three parts: Friendship, Love & Grief. Three of the most important things that define human life. The story has a very mediocre, subtle setting encompassing the lives of two neighbors, Charles and Alice, who end up being friends to lovers. When I say lovers, a very good one at that. I loved how the author portrayed Alice in the eyes of Charles. I felt it was a bit cringe, but what’s first love without a fair amount of cringe?
Along the lines of finding your first love, there are themes of bullying and how one deals with it when they become the subject of an unfair act. The “Love” part of the book was pretty mediocre, with Charles and Alice exploring their relationship, especially when Alice’s father hated Charles for being close with his daughter.
But this is not a love story. The portrayal of grief is what made it real. After Alice’s death, what happens to Charles is something straight out of life. He is in denial for most of his life and never visited Alice’s grave for so many years because the grief was too much. But in the end one can say that Charles ended up receiving the closure he deserved in a not-so-expected way. For him as well as for the readers.
If you like something that explores grief and how everyone processes it in their own way and the realizations that come along with it, you will end up liking this book.
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