Some people might find this a bit of a drag, but I really like Cecelia Ahern and the way she writes, so Where Rainbows End was okay for me. Except for the many moments where I just wanted to shake them and say why can’t you see the love??
Title: Where Rainbows End
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Young Adult
Publication Date: November 8, 2004
Review Date: December 16, 2019 // May 25, 2026
Number of Pages: 585 (paperback)
My Rating: 4.0/5
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Book Blurb of Where Rainbows End:
From naughty children to rebellious teenagers, Rosie and Alex have stuck by each other through thick and thin. But just as as they’re discovering the joys of teenage nights on the town and dating disasters, they’re separated. Alex’s family move from Dublin to America – and Alex goes with them. For good.
Rosie’s lost without him. But on the eve of her departure to join Alex in Boston, Rosie gets news that will change her life forever – and keep her at home in Ireland.
Their magical connection sees them through the ups and downs of each others lives, but neither of them knows whether their friendship can survive the years and miles – or new relationships. And at the back of Rosie’s mind is whether they were meant to be more than just good friends all along. Misunderstandings, circumstances and sheer bad luck have kept them apart, but when presented with the ultimate opportunity, will they gamble everything for true love?
Book Review of Where Rainbows End:
The whole book is told in epistolary fashion, which is basically one of my favorite narrative techniques, so I liked this book from the get go. Alex and Rosie are best friends and get along fabulously since they were in grade school. Everyone close to them seems to realize they’re meant for each other, but Alex and Rosie take way too long to figure it out.
And life keeps happening in between. They get married to other people in the interim, and they’re still amazing friends throughout. Like every friendship, they have their ups and downs and periods of low communication, but it doesn’t put a damper on how good they are with each other, and nor does it dim their feelings – they just don’t tell each other.
Some people might find this a bit of a drag, but I really like Cecelia Ahern and the way she writes, so it was okay for me. Except for the many moments where I just wanted to shake them and say why can’t you see the love?? It was a fun read, and quite heartfelt at times. You grow to know and love Alex and Rosie intimately, as if they were your friends too. It’s a beautiful story, but it goes on forever.
The peripheral characters are great too, especially Rosie’s friend Ruby. She’s a total blast. Rosie’s daughter Katie is also wonderful. In the same vein, Alex’s conversations with his brother Phil are also fantastic, albeit much less in number. I liked how brave Rosie is, and wished that Alex was a bit braver too.
Spoiler in italics ahead!
They don’t tell each other for years. For absolute YEARS. It’s pretty crazy, and this missed connection and hidden feeling goes on for over 500 pages. We obviously go into this knowing that its going to be a Happily Ever After, but there are way too many obstacles in between, and they finally start their lives together at the age of 50! FIFTY. If that isn’t a test of true love, I don’t know what is.
spoiler end
Oh, also this book has two other titles – Love, Rosie and Rosie Dunne. So don’t get too confused. It’s the same book. I have no idea why it has three separate titles.
Do I recommend Where Rainbows End?
Yes, if you, like me, like Cecelia Ahern. I’ve read many of her books, and it’s always a good time. I’m also a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella, so make of that information what you will! Also if you want a very Happily Ever After story, even if (or maybe because?) it takes ages to get there. Read more chicklit here.
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