The second novel from author Jessica George promised to be an exploration of true friendship. Love by the Book follows Remy and Simone as one of them wonders if she will survive the changes to her close-knit friend group, and the other is not sure if anything will ever go back to normal once a secret has been revealed.
The Situation: For Remy, her three best friends are nearly everything to her. She even wrote about them in her book, which turned into an instant best-seller. Of course, instant best-sellers result in an agent constantly emailing and messaging for ideas for the next book...ideas that Remy does not have. But that is not even her greatest concern right now. It seems one best friend is leaving for an exciting job opportunity in another country; one is about to have her first child and move away from London with her family; and the third has decided to withdraw and go back to a caustic relationship, leaving poor Remy a little lost. And then she meets Simone, a school teacher who likes her own company and is clearly keeping a secret, but the two start up an unlikely friendship.
The Problem: In her need for connection after no longer being as close as she would like to her friends, Remy makes a regrettable decision that has now altered her life. She is separated from her friends; still does not have a book idea; and has a big decision to make. Simone knows all about how everything can change, and quickly. In the course of a few minutes during one family dinner, Simone manages to lose contact with them, and must acknowledge how alone she truly is. That could be why she eventually concedes that she and Remy are friends, despite her initial instinct to keep her distance. But there is something there between them, and despite her reluctance, Simone may be able to help Remy make her decision, and Remy may help Simone regain the life she wants.
Genre, Themes, History: This book is a work of fiction set in and around modern-day London, focusing on Remy and Simone. In alternating chapters, each character tells their own story, including how they quite literally bumped into each other at a book event, and what they think of the other. Remy is open and giving, as well as a little hurt and lost as the dynamics have changed within her formerly close group of friends. Simone is guarded and a bit stern, but she knows what she wants, even though what she wants has led to a separation from her family. Naturally, friendship is at the core of the novel, along with family relationships, and the debate around having children.
My Verdict: What I love about George's writing is the simplicity of it, while still dealing with complex relationships and themes. The premise could not be more straightforward, with Remy adoring her three best friends and being sad about how things have changed, and Simone feeling adrift after losing connection with her family. And yet, what is included in the 300+ pages is not only insightful and thought-provoking, but also manages to look at all of Remy and Simone's relationships from multiple angles. The ending may be somewhat predictable, but it is also realistic, with the choices Remy and Simone make fitting with their characters.
Favorite Moment: I am always fascinated with the constant ask for 'more' that content creators deal with. Remy turns dodging her agent into an art form, as she is hounded for more book ideas. And of course, the one she does not really want to pursue is the one her agent is insistent on. Of course...
Favorite Character: Lin is one of Remy's three best friends. She is honest, ambitious, and loving in her own way, as she is not big into the touchy-feely stuff.
Recommended Reading: George's first novel, Maame, was one of my favorites of 2023.
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