Eleanor & Park: A Love Story for the Ages
Eleanor & Park is a young adult novel written by Rainbow Rowell. It was first published in 2013 and has since gained a cult following because of its heartwarming story and relatable characters. As a book reviewer, I had the pleasure of reading Eleanor & Park, and I must say, it is a love story for the ages.
The Plot
The novel takes place during the 1980s in Omaha, Nebraska. Eleanor, an overweight and bullied 16-year-old girl, meets Park, a half-Korean boy who loves listening to punk rock music. They start sitting beside each other on the bus, but they don't speak. Eventually, they bond over their mutual love for music, comic books, and mixed tapes. As they spend more time together, they fall in love. However, their relationship is fraught with challenges: Eleanor's abusive stepfather, Park's father's disapproval of Eleanor's appearance, and society's prejudice against a mixed-race couple.
The plot of Eleanor & Park is simple but effective. It's a classic tale of two people from different worlds falling in love, but it's told in a way that's sweet, emotional, and realistic. The novel has a slow burn romance that's built through the characters' shared experiences and conversations. It's a refreshing change from the typical insta-love stories that are prevalent in young adult literature.
The Characters
The characters in Eleanor & Park are the heart and soul of the novel. They're flawed, relatable, and fully realized. Eleanor is a girl who's been dealt a bad hand in life. She's poor, overweight, and has a dysfunctional family. Her self-esteem is rock bottom, and she's constantly bullied at school. Despite her tough exterior, she's sensitive, creative, and has a wicked sense of humor. Park, on the other hand, is a boy who's struggling to find his place in the world. He's half-Asian, which makes him a target for racism. He loves music, comics, and is a bit of a loner. He's shy, kind, and fiercely loyal to the people he cares about.
The chemistry between Eleanor and Park is undeniable. They have a deep understanding of each other, and their relationship is built on love, trust, and respect. They're not perfect, and they both make mistakes. However, they learn from their mistakes and grow as individuals throughout the novel. Their journey is a beautiful exploration of love, friendship, and identity.
The Themes
Eleanor & Park is a novel that deals with several themes: love, friendship, family, bullying, body image, and prejudice. However, the central theme of the novel is the power of love. Love is shown to have the ability to heal wounds, transcend societal barriers, and make people feel seen and appreciated. The novel also explores how love can be a transformative force that can help people realize their true selves and overcome their fears.
The Writing Style
Rainbow Rowell's writing style is beautiful, lyrical, and emotive. She has a talent for capturing the essence of teenage angst and heartbreak. Her writing is also incredibly witty and funny, which makes the novel a joy to read. She creates a vivid and immersive world that's easy to get lost in. Her descriptions of the characters, settings, and music are so vivid that you can almost hear the songs and smell the scents.
The Verdict
In conclusion, Eleanor & Park is a love story for the ages. It's a beautifully written novel that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with the characters. The novel deals with several heavy themes, but it does so in a way that's sensitive, insightful, and uplifting. It's a coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers of all ages. Rainbow Rowell has created a masterpiece that will stand the test of time. If you haven't read Eleanor & Park yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You won't regret it.