Synopsis

Rosie is ready for her life to begin, because nothing says new life like going to university. After years of waiting and working hard, she’s finally on the road that will secure her future.

Except university turns out to be not what she hoped or imagined, and although she’s not exactly unhappy – really! – she might be a little bit worried that she doesn’t really like her course much. Or her flatmates. Or really… anything? But it’s normal to be homesick (right?) and everything will have settled in a month or two, and it’s totally fine that her friends seem so much happier than she is, and that the doctors don’t seem to know what’s wrong with her mother.

But then she meets Jade, and everything starts to look a little brighter. At least, it does if she’s only looking at Jade. But is first love enough when everything else is falling apart?

Review

University is often hailed as ‘the best time of your life’. In reality, it’s often fraught with anxiety, forced friendships and freshers’ flu.

Sara Barnard is well aware of this fact, making the difficulties of leaving home for a new location a central theme to this college romance.

This decision brings depth to what could have been nothing more than a cute sapphic romance. Instead, it reminds us all that university isn’t for everyone and that when you’re 18 you don’t have to have your entire life planned – it’s OK to take some time to figure it out.

It’s a strong message for students and adults. But at its heart is an adorable love story between Rosie and Jade. Rosie is immediately likeable and although at times you want to shake some sense into her, she isn’t overly pathetic or irritating. Jade is brilliant – feisty and smart, but also subject to the usual concerns one has when in love with someone younger.

Watching their romance blossom makes for a great read and their little arguments and tiffs make it all the more realistic, as do the issues between Rosie’s friends and their different lifestyles.

An excellent fast-paced read that’s cute, poignant and funny.

Thanks to PanMacmillan and BookBreak for my copy. Opinions my own.

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