When nature-loving Sylvie moves to LA to be with her film star
boyfriend she finds herself isolated. Jackson’s friends thinly veil their
contempt of her and she realises what a shallow world it is that Jackson inhabits. The
one person who shows her any kindness is Rory, but the comfort found in him
comes with a sting. As she attempts to help him through a crisis she puts her
own wellbeing and relationship at risk. It is uncomfortable watching their
friendship unfold, fearing he will reject her when life starts picking up for
him. It is a sign of the deep-rooted kindness in Sylvie that she loyally
weathers the storm with him. The emotions, the need to help, are visceral and the
reader becomes completely absorbed in this intense friendship.
Landy expertly dissects the challenges of romantic relationships as
Sylvie struggles to carve out a life for herself in a city that is so devoid of
the things that matter to her. Although her situation is not one many of us
will experience, the fundamentals of a relationship are relatable regardless of
who it’s with. The challenges and triumphs are realistically drawn and the
characters feel very real from the start, making for an absorbing read.
An impressive debut that you won’t want to put down.
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