This refreshingly contemporary novel is more than simply a romantic comedy – it effectively covers what it means to be a modern celebrity, a writer and expectations of the media.
Filled with humour, insight and excellent writing this is an excellently balanced light read combined with thoughtfulness that knows how to pack a punch.
Beginning in 2018, the story is narrated by Sally a divorcee who is a writer on a New York TV sketch show and works so many hours that apart from an occasional hook-up doesn’t have a lot of time for dating. That is until the show’s guest host Noah, a huge pop star seems to start flirting with her which offers a different perspective on a sketch that she is writing: about why gorgeous women end up with men are average looking. Taking the reader through COVID and how it affected and developed relationships from afar, it is a witty and believable romance that captures the attention from start to finish.
What is smart about Sittenfeld’s book is that throughout there is a frankness and believability about all of the characters and the conversations that they have that keep the story so very well grounded – as is the insights into the world of writing.
There is a really love pace and structure to the way in which the story unfolds from the perspective of Sally and then the emails that her and Noah send each other during COVID mixes things up in a nice way that gives it an intimate feel as well. There is also a lovely tension between Sally and Noah that leaves the reader feeling ‘will they, won’t they’ that keeps us in suspense.
But on a deeper level, it also looks deeper at insecurities that humans have in terms of relationships as well as the power of social media feeds off our inner fears – particularly in terms of celebrities who choose to be in a relationship with someone outside the industry that they work in. It is really interesting to see how Sally and Noah navigate this.
Seeing them interact via email, while slightly slower than the pace from the 2018 segment before they are able to meet in person again, reveals how sally in particular feels more comfortable unveiling herself and feelings, showcasing the power of the written word.
A love of writing also forms an important part of the story and of Sally’s development in wanting to write screenplays adds an additional level to the plot to ensure that it doesn’t seem to flimsy: these characters have individual lives as well as what they mean to each other.
Overall this is a vibrant, smart and sharp book that will delight anyone who enjoys a modern romance.
By Emma Clarendon
Romantic Comedy is available to buy now.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐