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A review by elementarymydear
My Own Worst Enemy by Lily Lindon
5.0
Reading an author’s second novel is always fun, seeing what stands out as consistent strengths, and trying to work out what the author’s signature themes might be.
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One thing that stood out for me in both of Lindon’s books, but especially in this one, is how good she is at writing an unreliable narrator. A lot of the tensions and conflicts in My Own Worst Enemy, we as the reader can solve within a few seconds, and yet Emmy cannot see what’s right in front of her. To keep that going (convincingly) for an entire novel is a skill in and of itself, and it makes for an incredibly compelling story and a very satisfying conclusion.
As with many of the best romances, the romance acts as a vehicle for the characters to realise so much more about themselves. Emmy and Mae push each other, rile each other up, and force each other to confront their own insecurities.
The book also deals with some heavier issues, particularly unhealthy relationships. The relationship that Emmy is in for the majority of the story is a toxic one, and at times upsetting and frustrating to read. I do wish her girlfriend had a bit more of a comeuppance, but it was still good to see Emmy find the confidence to firmly show her the door.
I was gripped from the very beginning of this book, and was desperate to see what would happen next the whole time. I’m excited to see what Lindon writes next – safe to say I’m a fan of her work!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
One thing that stood out for me in both of Lindon’s books, but especially in this one, is how good she is at writing an unreliable narrator. A lot of the tensions and conflicts in My Own Worst Enemy, we as the reader can solve within a few seconds, and yet Emmy cannot see what’s right in front of her. To keep that going (convincingly) for an entire novel is a skill in and of itself, and it makes for an incredibly compelling story and a very satisfying conclusion.
As with many of the best romances, the romance acts as a vehicle for the characters to realise so much more about themselves. Emmy and Mae push each other, rile each other up, and force each other to confront their own insecurities.
The book also deals with some heavier issues, particularly unhealthy relationships. The relationship that Emmy is in for the majority of the story is a toxic one, and at times upsetting and frustrating to read. I do wish her girlfriend had a bit more of a comeuppance, but it was still good to see Emmy find the confidence to firmly show her the door.
I was gripped from the very beginning of this book, and was desperate to see what would happen next the whole time. I’m excited to see what Lindon writes next – safe to say I’m a fan of her work!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.