Book Review: One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
When I first picked up One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid, I was lured in by its intriguing premise: a woman grappling with the return of a husband she thought dead while engaged to someone new. The author is already known for her knack for weaving complex emotional truths into her storytelling without veering into melodrama. Having enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, my expectations were high, and I was eager to dive into this tale of love, loss, and the meaning of truly loving someone.
One True Loves follows Emma Blair, whose life takes a cataclysmic turn when her husband, Jesse, disappears on their first anniversary. The emotional depth of Emma’s journey is palpable; she spends years navigating grief, only to rediscover joy and love with an old friend, Sam. Just as she begins to envision a future with Sam, Jesse returns—alive, after all this time. This clever setup raises poignant questions about love: Can one truly have multiple soulmates? What does it mean to move on, to grieve, and to love again?
Jenkins Reid’s writing is fluid and captivating, blending humor with heartbreak seamlessly. The pacing of the book kept me engaged, drawing me into Emma’s world as she struggles between her past with Jesse and her difficult decisions about the present. The prose feels almost conversational, allowing the reader to connect deeply with Emma’s internal dilemmas. One of my favorite quotes sums up the essence of the story beautifully: “I don’t think that true love means your only love. I think true love means loving truly. Loving purely. Loving wholly.”
The characters feel authentically real, particularly Emma, whose growth is the heart of the novel. I found myself empathizing with her choices—rooting for her happiness, yet mourning for Jesse’s loss. Sam brings a refreshing warmth and stability to Emma’s life, making the love triangle feel less like a cliché and more like a profound exploration of human emotions. Reid does an incredible job of making both men appealing, successfully navigating the intricate web of human relationships.
The ending struck a chord with me, providing a rich tapestry of resolution that left me contemplating the complexities of love long after I turned the last page. Jenkins Reid challenges us to rethink our own beliefs about love—do we really have to choose one path, or can our hearts hold space for more?
I wholeheartedly recommend One True Loves to anyone who enjoys heartfelt contemporary fiction filled with love, complexity, and the realities of human relationships. It’s particularly perfect for readers who appreciate emotional depth in stories, exploring themes of second chances and the essence of true love. Reid has certainly crafted another poignant novel that will resonate with many, making me eager to explore more of her work in the future.
In the end, One True Loves is more than a love story; it’s a reflective journey about what it means to love and be loved, making it a must-read for any romantic at heart. Whether you find solace in Emma’s struggles or hope in her choices, there’s something for everyone in this beautifully written tale.