Genre of "If He Would Have Been With Me":
Drama
Pages/Length of "If He Would Have Been With Me":
336 Pages
First Published:
April 2nd, 2013
Recommended By:
Booktok
Favorite Quote:
“And its impossible to say, and even harder to feel”.
Synopsis of "If He Would Have Been With Me":
“The story follows the life of Autumn and Phineas "Finny," childhood best friends who used to be inseparable but who grew apart as they grew up. The story starts with Finny's death, and the book revolves around what Autumn felt growing up about school, her family, and, most importantly, Finny.
Review of "If He Would Have Been with Me"
The more positive aspects of this novel lies in Nowlin’s ability to create realistic portrayal of characters. Nowlin’s attention to detail in characters was highly effective. She had a understanding of the human behavior made the authenticity of the characters more accomplished. Everytime Autumn was frustrated about something Finny did, I was frustrated with her. If she was happy, I felt happy. Autumn is general was a likable character. Perhaps most notably, the novel effectively appeals to the reader's emotions. The author skillfully weaves together moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonates with the reader. The characters' experiences are presented in a way that evokes empathy and understanding, making the reader feel a genuine connection to their struggles and triumphs. I think connecting reader to character is a important skill that writers need to take into consideration.
With all that being said, I felt as if the plot and ending were a tad bit too predictable. Things were going so well once Finny and Autumn got back together that I knew a twist was coming soon. The pacing was really fast in my opinion. For example, one chapter would take place in Fall, then the next would somehow be in Spring. Those gaps were causing ‘reader whiplash” for me. Additionally, the two characters, Finny and Autumn, got into a relationship too late in the novel and the anticipation of the ending was getting lost. Besides Autumn, the depth of other characters seemed too one-dimensional.
Some notable themes that I found in the novel were grief and loss The novel delves deeply into the complexities of grief, particularly the loss of a loved one. It examines the emotional rollercoaster that Autumn experiences as she copes with the tragic death of her boyfriend, Finny. Love and Relationships: The relationship between Autumn and Finny is central to the novel, and it serves as a testament to the enduring nature of love, even in the face of tragedy. It shows how love can both heal and hurt. I think these themes were captured well in the novel.
Rating
I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars.
Recommended
I would recommend this book to drama novel lovers.
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