Book Title: Eleanor and Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
An excessive use of crude language in a book, maybe for the purpose of believability is not my cup of tea. That is what I initially got from the book. It has done its purpose though, the dialogues become more down to earth and honest. I mean, bullies have to swear, right?
The story goes deeper and deeper as it progresses. The two protagonists, Eleanor and Park, have their own personal struggles. School and family. Love and hate. And yet, it seems, they don’t share similarities. No common ground on which they could explore together. But the start of awkward encounter between the two might just be the start of friendship or even more…a good-looking asian boy falls in love with a weird chubby “redhead” girl.
Eleanor’s family situation is far from perfection, even from decency. The physical and emotional pain they endure (especially her mom) from her stepfather is afflicting to read. It’s sad going back home from school and feeling not okay. Even sadder going to school from home thinking of the bullies on the school bus. And house, never a home.
Their love story starts so sweet and genuine. Simple and pure. This might bring back some of the readers’ memories when they first fell in love. It’s delicate and reminiscent of high school romances. Rainbow Rowell always surprises me with her dialogues. They seem [interestingly] authentic.
The story, some of its parts, makes me giggle while actual tears start to form on the edges of my eyes. That’s how impacting it is. The love that they both share begins to blossom like flowers in Spring. It’s beautiful. This is everything I need in a love story. It doesn’t matter if it’s a teenage romance.
🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌 bananas. A special book. A gem.
Eleanor hadn’t written him (Park) a letter, it was a postcard.
Just three words long. (The end)
–Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
One can only guess what those three words are. And “I love you” is the top assumption. That would be the first time Eleanor said that to Park. Makes sense. But what other three words are better than I love you? Atleast in their situation. I can only think of “Come visit me”.
Nollan’s Bookhouse 