Subtitled "a rom-com about love told by Love," The Romantics is narrated by the Love. And, he has a job to do with Gael Brennan, a total romantic, who is clueless about what Love has planned for him. Gael's parents are getting a divorce. His girlfriend is about to dump him for his best friend, and he is about to fall for the wrong girl. It's as if Love needs a refresher course on how to do his job.
I despise gimmicky plots and narration, so I had to read this novel just to prove why those gimmicks never work. I was wrong. Love was definitely NOT sappy and neither was the story or characters. Gael was a romantic but avoided being a pathetic looser. His conflicts were authentic. His confusion and frustration with the choices of those around him captured the struggles teens face. I had to look past his nearsightedness when it came to his best friend and girlfriend, but that was kind of minor.
Konen obviously understands young adults. She catches the dynamics of their relationships, situations, and emotions. I like that the novel had an elevated message; it was a bit too neatly summed up in the end, but for a light summer read I enjoyed it enough to forgive the pushy conclusions by Love about love.
Am easy, funny and romantic comedy-romance, go for it, if you're in the mood for lighted hearted distraction with a point to be made.
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