Review of If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin
As an avid reader with a penchant for emotionally charged young adult fiction, I was immediately drawn to If Only I Had Told Her. The premise of a love story that "both breaks and heals us" piqued my interest, setting the stage for what I hoped would be a captivating exploration of love, regret, and the inevitable complexities of growing up. Given that this book is a companion novel to Laura Nowlin’s If He Had Been With Me, I felt compelled to dive in, even though I hadn’t read the first.
The narrative revolves around Finn, a character who has harbored deep feelings for Autumn for years while navigating his relationship with Sylvie, his girlfriend. The emotional weight of the story is felt immediately; Finn’s internal struggle captures the essence of young love beautifully. Nowlin’s writing style is immersive, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters. Finn’s perspective resonated with me—as many readers noted, it’s rich and relatable, even poignant.
One of the standout features of this novel is its multi-perspective approach, showcasing not just Finn but also his best friend Jack and Autumn herself. This narrative technique added layers to the storytelling, helping me understand each character’s unique struggles and emotions. Particularly, Jack’s perspective infused some much-needed humor and balance amidst the heartache, but like some readers pointed out, there were moments where his POV felt a bit repetitive. Still, I found his insights engaging and, at times, profoundly moving.
Another positive aspect is how Nowlin tackles themes of grief and healing. As I read through the characters’ journey, I could see how they grappled with loss and love—an experience beautifully encapsulated by one reader who described the book as "beautifully heartbreaking." The way the characters sought to honor the memory of Finn lent a healing aspect not just to them, but to me as a reader. It echoed a sentiment I often carry, that love doesn’t fade away but transforms even after loss.
However, like many others, I felt some elements of the storyline faltered towards the end. Without giving too much away, the conclusion left me with mixed emotions. Some readers found it abrupt and lacking resolution, which I can understand. While I appreciated the bittersweet nature of the ending, a clearer closure could have enhanced the overall experience.
Additionally, while the dialogue felt authentic to teenage voices, I did find the occasional cursing somewhat unnecessary, though not overly done. It felt real, yet I wondered if it distracted from some of the deeper emotional moments.
Overall, If Only I Had Told Her exceeded many of my expectations with its heartfelt exploration of love and loss. The character development was rich and complex, and I genuinely felt an emotional connection to their journeys. The writing was immersive, and as a reader, I truly “grieved” alongside the characters, which speaks volumes to Nowlin’s ability to tap into raw human emotion.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of contemporary YA fiction and appreciate depth in character-driven stories, this book is definitely worth a read. While it has its flaws, particularly towards the end, the emotional impact and character depth left me with much to reflect on. I would recommend this book, perhaps with a tissue or two on hand, as you might find yourself shedding a few tears while immersed in this beautifully written narrative.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)