Book Review: Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
From the moment I heard Colleen Hoover was releasing a new novel, Reminders of Him, I was drawn in. Hoover’s ability to weave emotional narratives that pluck at our heartstrings is unparalleled, and I found myself eagerly anticipating this exploration of love, loss, and redemption. However, as I dove into the story, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something felt—well—off.
At its core, Reminders of Him follows Kenna Rowan, an ex-convict grappling with the consequences of a tragic accident that claimed the life of her boyfriend and the subsequent loss of her daughter. The premise is compelling, laden with potential for suspense and poignant moments of reconnection. Yet it quickly became evident that this was perhaps one of CoHo’s blandest offerings.
Character Exploration and Themes
Kenna’s struggles are heartbreaking and deeply relatable. Her longing to reconnect with her daughter, whom she gave birth to while in prison, is painted against a backdrop of the harsh realities facing ex-felons—especially women. Hoover dives into the complexities of forgiveness and societal bias, inviting readers to empathize with Kenna’s plight. However, I couldn’t help but feel that her attempts to fight for her daughter fell flat. At one point, I found myself yearning for more persistence and grit from her character, as her lack of action around such a pivotal relationship felt underdeveloped.
Ledger Ward, Kenna’s love interest and the best friend of her deceased boyfriend, added an interesting layer to the story. Their immediate connection is palpable, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps Ledger was more of a consolation prize than a true romantic match for Kenna. Their relationship, sparked under such tragic circumstances, felt fraught with complications that were never adequately resolved. I found myself pondering whether their love could flourish independently of the shared grief that initially bonded them.
Writing Style and Pacing
Hoover’s writing style remains impactful, capturing emotions through evocative language. However, the pacing often felt uneven, leading to moments where the narrative dragged or, conversely, rushed through crucial plot points, especially toward the end. The absence of a signature plot twist—something I had been eagerly waiting for—was a letdown, leaving me pondering whether the subtle tensions and revelations throughout were meant to serve that purpose instead.
One of the quotes that lingered with me was: “Maybe the best way to cope with the loss of the people we love is to find them in as many places and things as we possibly can.” This sentiment encapsulates the heart of the story, yet it also highlighted the lack of explosive moments that usually accompany Hoover’s novels.
Final Thoughts
Despite its shortcomings, Reminders of Him still evokes a range of emotions and provides a fair amount of food for thought regarding second chances and societal judgments. This isn’t a must-read for die-hard CoHo fans, but it can be a worthwhile pick for those who enjoy poignant women’s fiction with a focus on deep, albeit flawed, character journeys.
In conclusion, while Reminders of Him didn’t leave me as shaken as some of Hoover’s earlier works, it sparked enough introspection about forgiveness and moving forward that I walked away with something. So if you’re diving into this novel, perhaps brace yourself with tempered expectations, and you might find it resonates in ways you didn’t anticipate.