Fangirl: A Relatable Story of Fandom and Love
Introduction:
"Fangirl" is a young adult novel by Rainbow Rowell which was published in 2013. It is a coming-of-age story that follows the life of a college freshman named Cath who is an introvert and a devoted fangirl. Cath is struggling to adjust to her new life at college after leaving behind her twin sister Wren, who wants to experience college life in its entirety. The story is a relatable representation of fandom and love that many young readers will find appealing.
The Plot:
The story of "Fangirl" revolves around Cath, a college freshman, who is more at home in the world of Simon Snow, a fictional story world. As the narrator of Simon Snow fan fiction, Cath has a worldwide following and a reputation to maintain. However, her world is turned upside down when she arrives at college along with her sister, Wren. Wren wants to experience the complete university life, which includes parties, drinking, and boys. However, Cath is not at all comfortable with this idea and prefers to remain in her comfort zone.
Cath is assigned a writing partner, Levi, who is the complete opposite of her. He is open and personable, while Cath is introverted and reclusive. Despite their differences, they work well together and start to become close friends. Meanwhile, Cath is also dealing with several other challenges, including a strained relationship with her father, who has bipolar disorder and a mother who abandoned them when they were young.
As the story progresses, Cath's writing partner Levi turns out to be her love interest, and their relationship develops gradually over time. We see Cath coming more out of her shell as their friendship grows, and her love for Simon Snow, her writing, and her fanfiction help her cope with the stress of her life and enable her to find happiness in the world around her. The story comes to a close with a bittersweet ending that will linger in the hearts of readers for a long time.
The Characters:
"Fangirl" has a range of well-written characters that are relatable and realistic. Cath, the protagonist, is a socially awkward and introverted girl who is passionate about writing fanfiction. We see her struggling to adjust to college life, deal with her relationship with her family, and her newfound feelings towards her writing partner Levi. Her twin sister Wren, on the other hand, is outgoing and more interested in the social aspects of college life. Cath's struggle to fit in and find her place in the world is something that many young readers will identify with.
Other characters in the book, such as Levi, Reagan, and Nick, are also well-developed and add depth to the story. Levi is charming and friendly, while Reagan is sarcastic and witty, and Nick is complex and difficult to read. There is also an established fanfiction writer that Cath admires and is inspired by named Professor Piper, who has a huge impact on Cath's writing and helps her improve her skills.
The Themes:
"Fangirl" deals with several themes that young adults can relate to. The theme of identity is central to the novel, and we see Cath struggling to find her place in the world and balance her love for writing with her social life. The novel also explores the relationship between siblings, with Wren and Cath's relationship being strained. Additionally, the novel highlights the challenges of dealing with mental illness and how it affects the individual and their loved ones.
The Writing Style:
Rainbow Rowell's writing style is engaging and easy-to-read. The book is primarily written in the first person from Cath's point of view, giving readers a personal connection to the character. The writing style is also simple and accessible to young adult readers. The use of fanfiction within the book adds a unique element to the story, which many readers will find intriguing.
The Verdict:
"Fangirl" is an excellent young adult novel that is relatable, well-written, and entertaining. The story is engaging, and the characters are well-developed. Rowell's writing style is simple and accessible, making the book suitable for young adult readers. The book deals with several themes that young readers will relate to, including identity, relationships, and mental health. Overall, "Fangirl" is an enjoyable read that is highly recommended for fans of young adult contemporary fiction.