Over a month ago, I finished reading Emily Giffin’s latest novel, First Comes Love. It’s been on a mind to post a review ever since, but because I am the queen of procrastination, I’ve left it to today. Better late than never, right?
I discovered Emily Giffin a few years ago, and have since read everything that she’s written. One thing that I love most about Giffin’s writing is that it is relatable, funny, but most of all it’s smart. Because of her subject matter, it’s generally lumped in with chick-lit, and while I wouldn’t completely disagree, I don’t think it deserves any of the negative connotations associated with that genre. Don’t get me wrong, I love chick-lit, but unfortunately books in that genre don’t generally get as much critical acclaim. I think that is the difference between Emily Giffin’s writing and many of her contemporaries.
Much like her other novels, First Comes Love tells the story of women at a time of crossroads in their lives. Meredith and Josie are sisters who could not be more different. Meredith is married with a daughter, and works as a lawyer, while Josie is single, living with her best friend and is a fun-loving elementary school teacher. Years after a family tragedy, these women are still dealing with the trauma in their own ways. While Meredith has the perfect cookie-cutter life, she’s unhappy and restless with the life she’s chosen, Josie yearns for the day when she too can have the joys of being a mother, and is ready to do it all on her own.
The writing is honest, and so relatable. I loved how Giffin shares the perspectives of both women, demonstrating how we all have a side to the same story. I definitely found myself siding more with one sister than another, and feeling like I was a part of their story — which is the true test of a well written novel.
If you love anything written by Emily Giffin, you’ll love this. If you want a book with heart, you’ll love this.
Have you read First Comes Love? What did you think?
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