As someone whose dating experiences happened in a pre-digital world, I’m sure I fall outside the target-readership for this exploration of a modern-day search for lasting love and must admit that, as I initially found myself feeling irritated by most of the characters, I did begin to wonder whether I’d be able to tolerate spending 338 pages in their company! However, I’m pleased that I did persevere because once I’d ‘tuned-into’ the satirical nature of her reflections, I found Tory Henwood Hoen’s debut novel much more insightful and thought-provoking than the rather lightweight ‘chick-lit’ story I’d feared it was going to be. Her convincing portrayal of Ursula and Rafael’s developing relationship, and how they both reacted when they faced their first disagreement, demonstrated a perceptive awareness of how unresolved emotional conflicts from past relationships can trigger irrational responses in the present. These are issues which arise and need to be resolved in any new relationship, but how can you do that if you’ve bought into the promise that technology can guarantee a perfect match? Her at times very humorous, but always compassionate, explorations of how each of them reacted were convincing and well-judged.
Although I did become more interested in the rom-com aspects of the story than I’d expected to be, what I enjoyed most (in a rolling-of-eyes, lifting-of-eyebrows sort of way!) was the author’s satirical portrayal of Ursula’s New York/Manhattan lifestyle. The corporate world, male-dominated venture capitalism, conspicuous consumption, the ‘health and wellness’ industry, the ever-increasing use of technology in our day-to-day lives, turning to ‘experts’ to provide solutions, modern feminism … none of these aspects of modern-day life escapes Hoen’s laser-like insights and reflections! Alongside my eye-rolling and eyebrow-lifting, there were moments when I found myself laughing out loud at some of the pretentious absurdities, particularly the names given to the various treatments, drinks and food available at the health club! However, at its heart this is a story about the universal human need for love, emotional connection and the search for a soulmate and the lengths we’re prepared to go to satisfy these needs. Whether technology and a hefty $90,500 fee helped or hindered Ursula and Rafael in their search for love is something you’ll need to decide for yourself when you read their story!
Although I did become more interested in the rom-com aspects of the story than I’d expected to be, what I enjoyed most (in a rolling-of-eyes, lifting-of-eyebrows sort of way!) was the author’s satirical portrayal of Ursula’s New York/Manhattan lifestyle. The corporate world, male-dominated venture capitalism, conspicuous consumption, the ‘health and wellness’ industry, the ever-increasing use of technology in our day-to-day lives, turning to ‘experts’ to provide solutions, modern feminism … none of these aspects of modern-day life escapes Hoen’s laser-like insights and reflections! Alongside my eye-rolling and eyebrow-lifting, there were moments when I found myself laughing out loud at some of the pretentious absurdities, particularly the names given to the various treatments, drinks and food available at the health club! However, at its heart this is a story about the universal human need for love, emotional connection and the search for a soulmate and the lengths we’re prepared to go to satisfy these needs. Whether technology and a hefty $90,500 fee helped or hindered Ursula and Rafael in their search for love is something you’ll need to decide for yourself when you read their story!