Review of The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
When I first heard about The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, I was instantly drawn to its premise—an ex-girlfriend reluctantly brought back into the world of her celebrity ex through the chaotic whirlwind of ghostwriting. As a sucker for second-chance romances, I dove in with a smile, ready to be swept off my feet, and oh, what a delightful journey it turned out to be!
In The Re-Write, we meet Temiloluwa “Temi” Ojo, an aspiring author rediscovering herself while grappling with her past love for Adewale “Wale” Bandele. The modern romance is anything but predictable, as Blackburn weaves a charming narrative about healing, self-discovery, and the nuances of love—all set against the backdrop of a reality dating show gone wrong. There’s something incredibly poignant about the way Blackburn explores the couple’s dynamic, particularly through Temi’s reflections: “This is the Wale I fell in love with. The Wale who encouraged me…” It’s a rollercoaster of nostalgia and growth, reminding us of who we were versus who we’ve become.
The use of dual timelines is a clever narrative technique. We, too, are allowed to misjudge Wale alongside Temi, only to peel back the layers of his character as she does. The pacing keeps you engaged; I found myself racing through pages, giggling at witty exchanges while feeling the weight of their unspoken secrets. The awkward humor is expertly balanced with more serious themes around identity, societal expectations, and emotional vulnerability—both of which are articulated beautifully in Wale’s struggles with masculinity and the expectations placed upon him.
Moreover, Blackburn’s unique stylistic choices—like the use of text bubbles for conversations and the typewriter-like font for drafting deadlines—kept the reading experience fresh and vibrant. It’s a refreshing twist that enhances the storytelling and makes you feel part of Temi’s creative journey. One moment I particularly appreciated was when Temi reflects on her insecurities: “Why does being ‘fat’ need to be something derogative?” This kind of honesty is what many readers, including myself, yearn for; it’s a mirror into the mind of someone still wrestling with self-acceptance.
As I flipped through the chapters, I couldn’t help but feel a connection with Temi’s struggle to regain her footing. We often see characters achieving their dreams seamlessly, but the raw, authentic honesty about failures and fears here is what makes The Re-Write so relatable.
While there were moments when I wished for a bit more tension between Temi and Wale—perhaps a deeper exploration of their emotional barriers—I still revelled in the warmth of their eventual reunification.
Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest The Re-Write to anyone seeking a lively, introspective read that marries fun with profound reflections on love and self-identity. Lizzie Damilola Blackburn has crafted a storytelling gem that resonates. I walked away feeling seen and hopeful, and I’m sure many others will too. I’m giving this heartfelt read a solid 4.5 stars—fresh, fun, and fiercely relevant.
If you’re looking for a book that empowers yet entertains, allows for reflection while providing a sense of community, The Re-Write is definitely for you. Happy reading! 🧡💜
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