The Book With an Identity Crisis (And Why It Works)

Great Big Beautiful Life Emily Henry

If you're expecting a straightforward rom-com like Beach Read or Book Lovers, you might be in for a surprise. Great Big Beautiful Life is a genre-blending story that mixes a rivals-to-lovers romance with a multi-generational family saga, and it's definitely dividing readers .

Alice Scott, a relentlessly optimistic journalist, and Hayden Anderson, a grumpy Pulitzer-winning writer, find themselves on a small Georgia island competing for the same gig. They’re both vying to write the biography of Margaret Ives, a reclusive heiress and former tabloid princess who has been hidden from the public eye for decades . Margaret can't decide who to pick, so she invites them both for a one-month trial, handing out pieces of her story while forbidding them from comparing notes thanks to an ironclad NDA .

The dual narrator style is the slow-burn, will-they-won't-they tension between Alice and Hayden, which is full of Emily Henry's signature witty banter and sizzling chemistry . But you also get pulled into the mystery of Margaret's past, which unfolds like a historical drama filled with family secrets, old Hollywood glamour, and a tragic love story . It's a ambitious structure, and when it works, it’s really compelling. Alice is a delightful sunshine heroine, and her personal journey dealing with family expectations and her own insecurities is relatable .

The biggest complaint is that the balance can feel off. At times, the detailed history of Margaret's family (think grandparents and parents) can slow the pace down, making you wish the story would hurry back to the present-day dynamics on the island . Some readers also found the romance between Alice and Hayden felt a bit rushed or took a backseat to Margaret's plot, which might disappoint those who come to Emily Henry primarily for the love story . The setup has also drawn many comparisons to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, which can be a pro or a con depending on your perspective .

But honestly, if you go in with an open mind, the emotional payoff is worth it. The story beautifully explores themes of how we tell our own stories, the sacrifices made for love, and the complexity of family bonds .

Verdict:

Definitely pick this up if you're in the mood for a rich, character-driven novel that's more than *just* a romance. It's a heartfelt and ambitious book that proves Emily Henry's range, but maybe temper your expectations if you're craving a classic rom-com. Think of it as a perfect vacation read when you want to get totally lost in a layered story .