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Vesper
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26360 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 26, 2026
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 5, 2026
This is not a romance novel. And that, to me, is the most fascinating thing about this book.
When I got the message that my request to read an advance copy of this book was granted, I realized I'd simply presumed (without giving it any thought) the author to be a woman. What I thought was going to be a literary exploration of navigating life as a single woman and the dating scene in NYC, actually turned out to be a man's exploration of writing about life as a single woman and the dating scene in NYC. A man in finance, too. I felt challenged by all of this, and couldn't stop thinking about what it means to me and my experience of the novel. Deciding to give it an honest shot, I wondered if I could even enjoy a work like that – and what that says about me.
Our main character, the contemporary woman whose lifestyle and social circle definitely evoke Sex and the City vibes in deuxmoi times, lives in an Instagram depiction of New York City bustle that seems lovingly put together. I cannot imagine anything but earnest enjoyment being had while painting this picture, and the result is largely a very light-hearted, easy read. It's the New York where yellow cabs and Chinese takeout have been replaced with DoorDash and Uber, the New York where paparazzi and 'IG update accs' camp outside restaurants for hours waiting for Taylor Swift to emerge with her friends. It feels familiar and endearing, the accurate references kept pleasantly surprising me, but it also left me feeling detached at times.
Try as I did, I'll never be able to conclusively answer whether my bias was too much to overcome or whether my experience honestly reflects the quality of the book. There are large chunks of the book that just never came to life for me, never felt real. A lot of interesting ideas felt hinted at, mentioned, but not deeply explored. Female greetings always being a hiii! and never a hi! threatened to send me over the edge. I worried I would go away saying the whole book fell flat for me, but was ultimately rewarded for my determination to see it through the end.
While the philosophical notes sometimes rang hollow for me, other times they sung brilliantly. I see what it's trying to do, and I don't mind it. Where it truly sparkled and blazed, however, was the romance. The chemistry was stunning, it gave me butterflies, it swept me off my feet. And that, that changed everything for me. This is not a romance novel, and the romance is excellent, before it forces you back to reality and demands you reflect on how you got swept up, exactly. Nearing the end you're handed a simple but profound reflection on self worth, and it concludes with a reason to return to and re-evaluate the main character's changes of heart rather than dismiss them.
The way the book ends might prove to be polarizing, but I urge other readers to consider how the book puts you in a position where you cannot disregard any of the realities you're presented with about Vesper's relationship to relationships. There is value and truth to each perspective she experiences, and there is no single right answer to be drawn from her story.
The whole time I read this book, I kept asking myself who is this guy? Why is he writing this? What is he basing this on? And my questions were answered extensively upon reaching the acknowledgments. A list of works he used as inspiration for the voice of his female narrator, a list of male authors whose exploration of the female voice he found encouraging or inspiring. It confirmed a feeling I'd built as I progressed into the novel: that there is a real sincerity to Vesper, and a real vulnerability in deciding to create it. Something I can only appreciate, and something worthwhile.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I got the message that my request to read an advance copy of this book was granted, I realized I'd simply presumed (without giving it any thought) the author to be a woman. What I thought was going to be a literary exploration of navigating life as a single woman and the dating scene in NYC, actually turned out to be a man's exploration of writing about life as a single woman and the dating scene in NYC. A man in finance, too. I felt challenged by all of this, and couldn't stop thinking about what it means to me and my experience of the novel. Deciding to give it an honest shot, I wondered if I could even enjoy a work like that – and what that says about me.
Our main character, the contemporary woman whose lifestyle and social circle definitely evoke Sex and the City vibes in deuxmoi times, lives in an Instagram depiction of New York City bustle that seems lovingly put together. I cannot imagine anything but earnest enjoyment being had while painting this picture, and the result is largely a very light-hearted, easy read. It's the New York where yellow cabs and Chinese takeout have been replaced with DoorDash and Uber, the New York where paparazzi and 'IG update accs' camp outside restaurants for hours waiting for Taylor Swift to emerge with her friends. It feels familiar and endearing, the accurate references kept pleasantly surprising me, but it also left me feeling detached at times.
Try as I did, I'll never be able to conclusively answer whether my bias was too much to overcome or whether my experience honestly reflects the quality of the book. There are large chunks of the book that just never came to life for me, never felt real. A lot of interesting ideas felt hinted at, mentioned, but not deeply explored. Female greetings always being a hiii! and never a hi! threatened to send me over the edge. I worried I would go away saying the whole book fell flat for me, but was ultimately rewarded for my determination to see it through the end.
While the philosophical notes sometimes rang hollow for me, other times they sung brilliantly. I see what it's trying to do, and I don't mind it. Where it truly sparkled and blazed, however, was the romance. The chemistry was stunning, it gave me butterflies, it swept me off my feet. And that, that changed everything for me. This is not a romance novel, and the romance is excellent, before it forces you back to reality and demands you reflect on how you got swept up, exactly. Nearing the end you're handed a simple but profound reflection on self worth, and it concludes with a reason to return to and re-evaluate the main character's changes of heart rather than dismiss them.
The way the book ends might prove to be polarizing, but I urge other readers to consider how the book puts you in a position where you cannot disregard any of the realities you're presented with about Vesper's relationship to relationships. There is value and truth to each perspective she experiences, and there is no single right answer to be drawn from her story.
The whole time I read this book, I kept asking myself who is this guy? Why is he writing this? What is he basing this on? And my questions were answered extensively upon reaching the acknowledgments. A list of works he used as inspiration for the voice of his female narrator, a list of male authors whose exploration of the female voice he found encouraging or inspiring. It confirmed a feeling I'd built as I progressed into the novel: that there is a real sincerity to Vesper, and a real vulnerability in deciding to create it. Something I can only appreciate, and something worthwhile.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Author
A character study with a sharp wit, vivid prose, and a male lead I found myself unexpectedly rooting for.
The author writes with real flair — there were moments I laughed out loud. The descriptions are alive and their voice has a sardonic edge that keeps the pages turning.
Caspian in particular is a joy whenever he's on the page. The standout moment is a chapter told from his perspective — the most alive the book's ideas felt.
A promising, enjoyable read with a distinctive voice. Just don't go in expecting a love story.
The author writes with real flair — there were moments I laughed out loud. The descriptions are alive and their voice has a sardonic edge that keeps the pages turning.
Caspian in particular is a joy whenever he's on the page. The standout moment is a chapter told from his perspective — the most alive the book's ideas felt.
A promising, enjoyable read with a distinctive voice. Just don't go in expecting a love story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When this book was described as an anti romance book about independence, I knew I would love it. It’s like a modern day Sex and the City vibe with an empowering undertone that reminds us it’s okay to love ourselves and our lives more than anything else. This was such a unique plot but it was so relatable and I have never read a book like this. When I finished it, I was smiling ear to ear. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Highly entertaining and a fun read
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews