A not-a-book-review review
Ever start a story and immediately know it’s going to break your heart? That’s Willa & Hesper, but it does so in the best/worst possible way – by making you empathize with both characters as they struggle to figure out who they are.
Willa and Hesper are two young women, both studying creative writing at the post-graduate level at Columbia. They become quickly involved, and then, just as quickly, separate in an absolutely heartbreaking scene.
The relationship may have been short-lived, but it (and its demise) affect each woman deeply. Author Amy Feltman tells the story by alternating between Willa and Hesper’s perspective, adding a lot of emotional weight to the novel. I mean, how can you not recall your first real heartache when you read Willa’s lament that “loving [her] has an expiration date?” Or fail to identify with Hesper when she worries that she is “radioactive with depression” and destined to be alone as a result?
Of course, the romance and its demise are incredibly compelling, but the real story begins as each woman tries to move on. As Willa and Hesper try, separately, to heal, they return to their roots – seeking answers in family and history. Here, questions about identity, faith, sexuality, and what it means to be happy are raised. Feltman may not give us any answers, or the ending we want, but she does brilliantly capture what it means to be loved, to have lost, and to understand that you can love again.
Why You’ll Love This Book: The prose is beautiful, with Feltman describing emotions and events in a way that makes you feel as though you are right there with each character. Willa & Hesper is also a story with queer protagonists that isn’t a love story or a coming out story. While those certainly have their place in literature, it is sometimes refreshing to see queer leads in a different type of work.
Why This Book Will Break You: You need patience. A lot of patience.Since the story is told through alternating perspectives, it can be tempting to rush through or even skip a chapter to get back to one particular character’s narrative.
Feltman paces the story well, with each chapter lending emotional weight to the one that follows. Taking your time and giving each chapter the attention it deserves makes for a more immersive, emotional read.
Content Warnings: There is a sexual assault very early on. The scene is written well, without being gratuitous. Feel free to DM me on Twitter for more details if you need. No pets or children are harmed.
Rating: 5 Crying Rainbows out of 5
