Out Of Love

SYNOPSIS:

Out of Love is a bittersweet romance told in reverse. Beginning at the end of a relationship, each chapter takes us further back in time, weaving together an already unravelled tapestry, from tragic break-up to magical first kiss.

REVIEW:

(4 STARS)

I want to start this review off by saying how magnificent Hazel Hayes' writing is. She writes as she talks, so this reading experience felt a lot like watching to one of her Youtube videos. This particular style of unedited, raw writing worked brilliantly because 'Out of Love' is a bit of a memoir. You notice this closeness between the author and the story, and because you know a lot of what you're reading about actually happened, you want the author to narrate it. I wanted to see the cussing, the Irish accent, the smile Hayes' voice carries. I was incredibly happy to have it all. Her writing is passionate, simple (in a way that allows me not to check what a certain word means every two lines) and pure. She poured her heart out into this book and you can see it on every page.

The plot in itself is not original, but it's a story worth telling, as most of our own life stories are. This is a break-up novel written in reverse, so you start at the end, right after our main character was dumped and move backwards from there, until the very point when our couple meets. Even though I loved this idea, it made it impossible for me to be fond of Theo or to enjoy their relationship - not because they broke up, but because Theo is an abuser. I often wondered why Angel was stuck in this unhealthy relationship that had red flags signs from the start, and why she didn't pursue other relationships that we see flourish throughout our journey to the past. But people will be people, and it's easier to judge when you're just a spectator. I couldn't help but feel an intense relief to know that she got herself out of this abusive relationship, which is why I didn't care much about the centrepieces of the story itself.

The chapters and moments I liked the most were the ones where Angel figured out her sexuality and acted on her impulses to be happy, even if these moments were fleeting (because she had a boyfriend). I also enjoyed her reflections on life, depression, writing and love, and my absolute favourite chapter was 'Canadian Geese'. It was all about leaving when you don't exactly want to, moving on when a part of you wants to stay put and giving up guaranteed happiness to pursue the slight chance of finding something better. I loved the vulnerability of it, the intensity.

Lastly, I just wanted to say how happy I was when Hayes announced she would be adding more chapter to the USA book release because I honestly think that would improve our story and the way we connect with the characters. Some chapters feel a bit out of place because there's no continuity. There are a lot of feelings that are not addressed, questions that don't get answers and an overall feeling of something amiss. Like the line of Hayes plot gets tangled at certain points along the way. So I think it can be beneficial to relaunch this book and I can't wait to read version 2.

P. S – if this book ever gets a sequel, I would love if Lena and Angel stay together. THAT WOULD BE GOALS.