How to End a Love Story, screenwriter Yulin Kuang’s debut novel, is a modern romance that succeeds on each degree, from her characters’ compelling emotional journey to the distinctive plotline to Kuang’s recent authorial voice.
Helen Zhang is the profitable writer of a younger grownup collection that’s been optioned for tv. Her work targets readers the identical age she was when her sister, Michelle, died by suicide. Helen’s life, as one would count on, is break up between the earlier than and the after.
Grant Shepard’s life broke alongside the very same fault line. A good-looking, affable homecoming king and soccer star who went to the identical college because the Zhang sisters, he was out driving late the night time Michelle ran in entrance of his automotive. In the 13 years because the incident, Grant’s change into a profitable, sought-after screenwriter in Los Angeles. Imagine his shock when he’s requested to lead the author’s room on Helen’s new present. And then think about her shock when he says sure.
Yulin Kuang is a lot greater than Emily Henry’s screenwriter.
A romance between two folks on reverse ends of the identical tragic occasion, How to End a Love Story is a mature, compelling and relatable story of therapeutic that resists simplifying its characters at each flip. Helen’s Chinese American heritage is richly depicted, and it shapes the relationships she has along with her household (her mom, particularly), however it’s not her sole defining trait. And whereas Grant might wrestle with panic assaults and feeling worthy of love, he additionally works to persuade Helen that it’s OK to transfer on along with her life. Their relationship develops at an natural, practical tempo: Helen should first come to phrases with the truth that she’s working with Grant in any respect earlier than she will be able to come to grips with liking him and, ultimately, loving him.
Kuang’s personal experiences as a screenwriter shine by way of on each web page. Her depictions of author’s rooms and conferences with executives are lush, good and visible, with every sentence packed full of insightful nuances and quiet moments of reflection. These are characters who’ve battled their demons and are available out the opposite facet, stronger than earlier than. Were this a film, it will be Oscar-worthy.
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