Review of Looking Glass Friends
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Mads1
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Review of Looking Glass Friends
[Following is a volunteer review of "Looking Glass Friends" by E L Neve.]
"Looking Glass Friends" by E. L. Neve has to be one of the most intriguing books I have had the pleasure of reading. The book is following the lives of protagonists Neil and Ellie alongside secondary characters including Jake, Ellie's husband; Johnny, their 5-year-old son; and Fay, Neil's wife. Ellie meets Neil in a bakery where Neil happens to work, and suddenly she gets the urge to bring him one of her favorite books, which marks the beginning of a long and passionate journey of friendship, love, and betrayal.
These two married individuals, who also happen to have vague memories of one another's appearance, begin exchanging emails and letters at the beginning of the novel and eventually engage in late-night phone calls. Each feeling dissatisfied in their own marriages, they begin to recognize themselves in each other, as if they are two souls reflecting one another, unable to release the bond they share. If you're expecting your average romance novel, then you will be mistaken. This is a deep story that will alter your point of view as it progresses. Poetry and philosophy are also integrated into the reader's experience, which makes it even more fascinating.
Personally, romance is a genre I have come to enjoy, but I usually don't prefer any borderline infidelity or complete infidelity as a whole. However, I would admit that it contributes significantly to the story's identity, and after reading it, I would not alter it in the slightest. The characters all have extremely unique personalities, and this book gives perfectly detailed imagery of each one. There are moments where I adored a specific character, and then on the next page, I'd start wondering how to feel again, but despite that, it gives an accurate view of reality. Normally, characters are portrayed to be the epitome of top-quality people, especially in the romance department, but having that more accurate portrayal gives this book the edge I and many others want to see more often.
This book would be considered a slow-burn romance, and in some parts it will be slower or not have much excitement, but that did not affect it in any way for me. It still held my attention in every chapter, and for all the reasons I gave before, I would give this book a 5 out of 5. While reading, I did not find any grammatical errors. Fair warning: this book does include a bit of sexual content, both consensual and not. Due to how it's written, it also seems like a book for more mature readers who can keep up with a lot of information as well as handle potentially triggering topics and light profanity. Given all the metaphors, the intricate writing style, and the numerous poetry excerpts included, this book might be difficult to read for some. In conclusion, I would recommend this book wholeheartedly and will personally be buying a physical copy to add to my library to read again.
******
Looking Glass Friends
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"Looking Glass Friends" by E. L. Neve has to be one of the most intriguing books I have had the pleasure of reading. The book is following the lives of protagonists Neil and Ellie alongside secondary characters including Jake, Ellie's husband; Johnny, their 5-year-old son; and Fay, Neil's wife. Ellie meets Neil in a bakery where Neil happens to work, and suddenly she gets the urge to bring him one of her favorite books, which marks the beginning of a long and passionate journey of friendship, love, and betrayal.
These two married individuals, who also happen to have vague memories of one another's appearance, begin exchanging emails and letters at the beginning of the novel and eventually engage in late-night phone calls. Each feeling dissatisfied in their own marriages, they begin to recognize themselves in each other, as if they are two souls reflecting one another, unable to release the bond they share. If you're expecting your average romance novel, then you will be mistaken. This is a deep story that will alter your point of view as it progresses. Poetry and philosophy are also integrated into the reader's experience, which makes it even more fascinating.
Personally, romance is a genre I have come to enjoy, but I usually don't prefer any borderline infidelity or complete infidelity as a whole. However, I would admit that it contributes significantly to the story's identity, and after reading it, I would not alter it in the slightest. The characters all have extremely unique personalities, and this book gives perfectly detailed imagery of each one. There are moments where I adored a specific character, and then on the next page, I'd start wondering how to feel again, but despite that, it gives an accurate view of reality. Normally, characters are portrayed to be the epitome of top-quality people, especially in the romance department, but having that more accurate portrayal gives this book the edge I and many others want to see more often.
This book would be considered a slow-burn romance, and in some parts it will be slower or not have much excitement, but that did not affect it in any way for me. It still held my attention in every chapter, and for all the reasons I gave before, I would give this book a 5 out of 5. While reading, I did not find any grammatical errors. Fair warning: this book does include a bit of sexual content, both consensual and not. Due to how it's written, it also seems like a book for more mature readers who can keep up with a lot of information as well as handle potentially triggering topics and light profanity. Given all the metaphors, the intricate writing style, and the numerous poetry excerpts included, this book might be difficult to read for some. In conclusion, I would recommend this book wholeheartedly and will personally be buying a physical copy to add to my library to read again.
******
Looking Glass Friends
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper
