7 out of 10 For some of you who have been following this blog for some time you might remember my previous review of the Rainbow Rowell novel “Eleanor and Park.” If not, I plead with you to go check that out right now if you haven’t had the chance to yet! I would also like to recommend that you begin your adventure in the words by Rowell with “Eleanor and Park” just as my delightful work colleague suggested. Anyway, on with the review! On the surface I truly believed that I would have so many things that I could relate to in this book. The title “Fangirl” alone got my Harry Potter loving, Supernatural obsessed heart pumping. On another personal level, I could also relate to the main characters of Wren and Cath as I am also blessed in having a twin in my life and all the joys and other “joys” *cough* that that may bring. |
Though I do recognize that this view of “Fangirl” isn’t what the majority of the readers saw. On contrary, the depiction of the fandom in this novel was mostly widely praised as it was seen as a realistic representation of fan culture. I did enjoy, however, reading the way in which Cath’s family interacted.
The different social dynamics between then Avery’s were intricate, beautiful and captivating! I also enjoyed following Cath around as she struggled to make it out on her own without her sister (Wren) to lean on. Cath’s biggest problem is that she finds herself having to choose between her comfortable fangirl lifestyle in order to fit in and be heard in the crazy college life.
This is made harder by her sarcastic roommate and her surly boyfriend, her fanfiction-hating professor and a particularly cute boy named Levi. Likewise to her novel “Eleanor and Park”, Rainbow Rowell has a unique writing style that both engages and develops her characters throughout the storyline. I know I’ve been a tad negative about this book but I have one thing to say, I do believe that Rowell has fleshed out her characters much more than in “Eleanor and Park.”
Even Reagan feels like a real person that you could just bump into on the street and enjoy a sarcasm filled chat with over two lattes. Overall, “Fangirl” was a satisfying addition to Rainbow Rowell’s collection of novels. Although I occasionally struggled to find the effort to persist in the sometimes slow storyline, the characters are what kept bringing me back.
So if you are a fangirl or even a fanboy at heart, why not give this book a go?
I promise you won’t regret it.
Sophie :) xx