Book Review: Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella
Call Ava romantic, but she thinks love should be found in the real world, not on apps that filter men by height, job, or astrological sign. She believes in feelings, not algorithms. So after a recent breakup and dating app debacle, she decides to put love on hold and escapes to a remote writers' retreat in coastal Italy. She's determined to finish writing the novel she's been fantasizing about, even though it means leaving her close-knit group of friends and her precious dog, Harold, behind.
At the retreat, she's not allowed to use her real name or reveal any personal information. When the neighboring martial arts retreat is canceled and a few of its attendees join their small writing community, Ava, now going by "Aria," meets "Dutch," a man who seems too good to be true. The two embark on a baggage-free, whirlwind love affair, cliff-jumping into gem-colored Mediterranean waters and exploring the splendor of the Italian coast. Things seem to be perfect for Aria and Dutch.
But then their real identities--Ava and Matt--must return to London. As their fantasy starts to fade, they discover just how different their personal worlds are. From food choices to annoying habits to sauna etiquette . . . are they compatible in anything? And then there's the prickly situation with Matt's ex-girlfriend, who isn't too eager to let him go. As one mishap follows another, it seems while they love each other, they just can't love each other's lives. Can they reconcile their differences to find one life together?
★★★★☆
When was the last time you laughed out loud or even cried laughing while reading a book?
Maybe it was because Ava, the main character, reminded me so much of someone I know, or maybe because it was just funny (it is Sophie Kinsella, after all). I laughed out loud so much throughout this entire book, and I enjoyed the humor. I did cry laughing at the part where she plays Mexican spirit power music for Matt, probably because I googled to listen, which made the scene so much more alive (and funny). Not because Mexican spirit power music is funny, but her expectation of how much he would love it set it over the top. She was shocked.
I wondered throughout the book why Matt loved Ava so much. I know the reason exists because she’s lovable, quirky, kind, but I never really understood why HE thought so. After Italy, he does a 180, and without spoiling anything, he doesn’t communicate, like at all, and he isn’t thoughtful. He seems annoyed by her most of the time, and then they hug or have sex, and all would be good again. He never really tells her why he loves her so much.
All the characters are pretty well developed and likable in their own quirky ways. I enjoyed every aspect of the friendships and their individual storylines.
I didn’t give this book five stars because as Ava finally decides to finish writing her book, it takes her six months to do (which is realistic), but when she’s done, she says it’s a "shitty first draft." Yet she gets a TWO BOOK DEAL without even having to try. Once she's finished writing the book, she has this idea that her whole life will be different based on that single accomplishment, but she’s not at home, in her natural environment, or with her people. I’d like to have seen a few more examples of how she’s changed while back in her home life. Except, when she gets home, Matt is there welcoming her back, again, without any effort to rebuild the relationship.
I like a good HEA, but this seemed a bit too, “happiness comes a little too easily” for me.
I adore Sophie Kinsella books, and this book had a lot of wit and charm. I’d recommend it to anyone who like rom coms, for sure.