A Journey Worth Taking: My Thoughts on Anywhere You Go by Bridget Morrissey
I was drawn to Anywhere You Go not only because I always love a good romance, but also due to its intriguing premise—a sapphic retelling of The Holiday! As someone who has watched that classic rom-com more times than I can count, I was eager to see how Bridget Morrissey would weave a modern twist into this story. The sunny backdrop of New York City mixed with the charm of a small-town diner promised a delightful adventure. Sadly, while there were many moments of potential, I found myself longing for a bit more depth and emotional resonance.
At its core, Anywhere You Go tells the story of two very different women: Tatum Ward, a waitress caught in a cycle of unrequited love for a regular customer named June, and Eleanor Chapman, a high-profile New York publicist navigating the fallout of her very public job loss. The idea of these two swapping lives was a clever nod to the original film, but I felt it lacked the magic of its inspiration. Tatum’s struggle to connect with June, despite the obvious chemistry, felt frustratingly superficial. Conversely, Eleanor’s escape to the quieter life of Tatum’s small town seemed a bit too simplistic; the stakes felt low, leaving me craving greater tension and growth.
Morrissey made some bold choices with her characters, particularly with Tatum’s non-binary sibling, Carson, who adds a burst of energy and complexity to the narrative. Their interactions with Eleanor are some of the most sizzling and compelling moments in the book. However, while the chemistry between Carson and Eleanor felt palpable, the swiftness of their romance verged on the unrealistic, lacking the depth that often accompanies true love stories.
As I ventured from Tatum’s diner to the hustle of New York City, I was struck by a strange resemblance between the two narrators. Despite their distinct worlds, their voices often blended together, making transitions between their chapters a bit jarring. I craved more divergence in their perspectives and a deeper dive into their backgrounds. Morrissey touches upon their past traumas but never fully draws me in; I wanted to feel that emotional connection, to see their growth unfold with each page.
The writing style, while accessible, sometimes leaned too heavily on telling rather than showing—a classic pitfall in storytelling. This left me feeling like I was skimming over deeper currents of emotion and experience; instead of experiencing their growth, I was simply told about it. The plot points felt more like cardboard cutouts meant to echo The Holiday without having the same evocative essence.
Though I was left wanting more, I appreciate the authentic queer representation at the heart of the novel. Morrissey’s thoughtful inclusion of diverse characters adds a richness to her storytelling, fostering a sense of belonging for readers who often feel overlooked in mainstream literature.
In conclusion, Anywhere You Go has the heart and charm to resonate with those seeking a lighthearted romance, especially fans of queer narratives. However, it may not hold up under the comparison to its celebrated film inspiration. If you’re looking for a cozy escape with likable characters and a dash of steam, this book is worth your time, though you may find yourself wishing for just a bit more emotional depth and narrative tension.
Overall, I rate it 3 stars and hope Morrissey’s future works journey towards deeper connections and richer landscapes in love stories. 💖