Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler: Book Review

Adelaide is a story of a young American woman who falls in love with a British man and what happens when her feelings aren’t reciprocated.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Libro.fm on the ALC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

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From The Publisher:

In love . . .

For twenty-six-year-old Adelaide Williams, an American living in dreamy London, meeting Rory Hughes was like a lightning bolt out of the blue: this charming Englishman was The One she wasn’t even looking for. 

Is it enough?

Does he respond to texts? Honor his commitments? Make advance plans? Sometimes, rarely, and no, not at all. But when he shines his light on her, the world makes sense, and Adelaide is convinced that, in his heart, he’s fallen just as deeply as she has. Then, when Rory is rocked by an unexpected tragedy, Adelaide does everything in her power to hold him together—even if it means losing herself in the process. 

When love asks too much of us, how do we find the strength to put ourselves first? 

With unflinching honesty and heart, this relatable debut from a fresh new voice explores grief and mental health while capturing the timeless nature of what it’s like to be young and in love—with your friends, with your city, and with a person who cannot, will not, love you back.

My Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a character to root for, look no further than Adelaide. This twenty-six-year-old American living in the UK is making a name for herself in the world of communications. She wasn’t looking for love but stumbles upon it when she meets Rory.

Mental health plays a strong role in this book. Adelaide herself comes from a family that suffers from various mental health challenges. Luckily, she is surrounded by friends as well as a healthy workplace. This level of support was put to be well-used as her relationship with Rory develops.

Superficially, Rory appears to be a kind and loving boyfriend. But he too has mental health challenges and when tragedy strikes, both his life and Adelaide’s change forever. I won’t say much more about this so as not to give too much away.

The reader should be advised of the following trigger warnings including intimate partner abuse, and the loss of a pregnancy. The impact of this abuse is apparent with choices that are made, and Adelaide’s perception of self.

I tried to like Rory’s character but having known individuals like him I simply could not. His backstory was somewhat limited – perhaps he had a past that impacted the way he treated others. Let it just be said that I was mentally thinking “He’s just not that into you”.

I listened to the audiobook version of Adelaide which was narrated by Caitlin Kelly. Her performance felt authentic as she captured both authentic American and British accents for male and female characters. I enjoyed her tone and cadence. I do not hesitate to recommend this format of the book.

This was an interesting read and one that I’m recommending to those that enjoy Literary Fiction and Romance.

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

Half-Blown Rose by Leesa Cross-Smith

Wahala by Nikki May

Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan