Phew, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve laid crying in my bed having stayed up way too late to finish a book only to be destroyed by said book.

This is the first work of Lily King’s that I’ve read, and I must admit that her style has hooked me. Following “Jordan” through almost three decades of her life (college, early-mid twenties, and forties), King employs such a command of language that accurately portrays not just the passage of time but the growth and development of our character.

Without saying enough to spoil any of the plot, the only reason this loses marks in my opinion is that our narrator is so much more than these men that occupy the narrative. I understand the premise of the title, and frequently enjoy the concept executed by other authors, but after having heard the full story, “Jordan” deserves so much more than these lousy men who treat her terribly (Silas, you’re the exception). I found myself frustrated when she lost all concept of what was going on in her family while she was in the hospital. I think both can (and should, fwiw) coexist, and knowing what an incredible person she is made me mad that they didn’t in those moments. Like girl, please stand up and consider your children (especially given that the circumstances there are high stakes!!!).

The narrative was natural and beautiful apart from my issues with minutiae and the struggles experienced by the characters; I never once felt like I was reading a story, but instead being told one by a friend. The name reveal at the end was so heartbreaking I cannot put it into words. The literary references, though mostly going over my head, were beautiful and have prompted me to add a lot more books to my TBR.

I’ll definitely be exploring Lily King’s other works after this! And hopefully I’ll be learning to stand tf up when it comes to men like Yash and Sam (no matter how much I love them).