Title: Landline
Author: Rainbow Rowell
First published July 8, 2014
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250049377 (ISBN10: 1250049377)
Rating: 3.54
Overview
Georgie McCool has always known her marriage is in trouble, but it takes her husband Neal leaving her on Christmas to force her to confront the issue. Heartbroken and desperate to make things right, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past.
With the chance to fix her mistakes and change the course of their relationship, Georgie is faced with a difficult decision – should she try to save their marriage or let it go? Landline is a poignant and witty novel about love, marriage, and the power of second chances.
About the Author
Rainbow Rowell is a versatile writer who dabbles in various genres. Her writing caters to different age groups, including adults through novels like “Attachments” and “Landline,” and teenagers through works such as “Eleanor & Park” and “Fangirl.” However, she also delves into the fantastical with her “Simon Snow Trilogy,” which features lovesick vampires and winged men.
Recently, she has expanded into the world of comics, creating her first graphic novel called “Pumpkinheads,” and even writing for Marvel’s “She-Hulk” series. Currently, she resides in Omaha, Nebraska.
You can learn more about her and her work at rainbowrowell.com.
Editoral Review
Rainbow Rowell, known for her critically acclaimed novels, delivers yet another hit with her 2014 novel, Landline. With her signature wit and impeccable storytelling skills, Rowell delves into themes of love, marriage, and communication, weaving a tale that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
The novel follows Georgie McCool, a comedy writer based in Los Angeles, as she navigates the complexities of her marriage with her husband, Neal. When she decides to stay home for Christmas to work on a script instead of accompanying her husband and children to his mother’s house in Omaha, Georgie finds herself alone and unable to communicate with her estranged husband.
However, after discovering an old landline phone in her childhood bedroom that mysteriously connects her to Neal in the past, Georgie is given a chance to fix the mistakes that led to their separation. Rowell’s writing is simply stunning.
She masterfully captures Georgie’s voice, giving readers a deep insight into her thoughts and emotions. Her use of humor and pop culture references adds to the overall charm of the novel, making it both relatable and entertaining.
The pacing is on point, with the mystery surrounding the landline phone keeping readers engaged and invested in the story. The characters in Landline are the strongest aspect of the novel.
Georgie is a flawed yet realistic protagonist, struggling with the pressures of balancing work and family. Neal is equally complex, with his own set of insecurities and issues.
The dynamic between the two characters is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, with their love for each other shining through even in their darkest moments. One of the major themes of Landline is the importance of communication in relationships.
Rowell explores this theme in depth, highlighting the ways in which miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings and ultimately, separation. In today’s world where communication technology dominates our lives, the novel serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the need to make time for our loved ones.
While the novel is a beautiful exploration of love and marriage, it does have its flaws. The resolution of the story feels rushed and lacks the depth and complexity present throughout the rest of the novel.
Furthermore, the use of time travel may not appeal to all readers. Overall, Landline is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and anyone who values the importance of communication in relationships.
Rainbow Rowell has once again proven herself as a master storyteller, delivering a novel that is both heartwarming and insightful. The novel receives 4 out of 5 stars from The Washington Post.
