This book started off a bit slow for me but then I got quite into it as it went along. With the title I was expecting a more dramatic incident sooner in their story but it did fit in the end. My friend specifically recommended the audio book to me and I think hearing the accents elevated it. 

I obviously really enjoyed her friendship with James (although how did they not have ANY other friends?) and the realistic dynamic of that age. I really liked the Irish perspective and learned a lot about the country at that time, which I think enhanced the experience for me. 

Ultimately the plot and their journeys were very interesting. I related to James’s romantic struggles and the pain of Carey 1.0.

Rachel did drive me crazy with how she treated Carey  the 2nd time around but I’m glad the narrator was self aware about that when telling it in hindsight. Also bothered me how she treated James regarding the affair but again, glad she realized that later. 

 

It was interesting and enjoyable how well both Rachel and James’s characters were developed since their stories were so intertwined. Glad they stayed close. Also I liked the

representation of authentically bi men with both Fred and her brother. And I’m glad Deenie figured it (mostly) out by the end and that she found happiness