I have been seeing The Last Romantics all over, and people raving about it… but you know that feeling of everyone is loving something, so you think I’m not going to be the person who jumps on the bandwagon. That’s how I felt… until my cousin mentioned that she was reading The Last Romantics, and I got a mad case of book envy. I’m so glad that I got a little green, and decided to dig into this book. This is a 5 star book all around!
Fiona Skinner, renowned poet, is speaking to an audience when a woman named Luna, stands up and asks her some questions that delve into her family life. This starts Fiona into telling her families story, one that begins with a death, and sets off the four siblings lives into their own directions. You slowly get to know Renee, Caroline, Joe, and Fiona, and their deep sibling connection. Their connection helps them all battle through all sorts of tough times sometimes together, sometimes forcing a divide between them.
This novel was a beautifully told story, and the minute I finished it, I felt the need to pick up the phone and check in with my brothers! The thing that is so beautiful about this story is it reminds a reader of their childhood, and the small moments that you will forever remember, and one day cherish. The Last Romantics is a multi-generational tale that explores what binds a family together, and the obligatory duty of being a family member. I think what is so special about this novel is the way it’s told. It flashes back and forth from where Fiona, at 102, is speaking to an audience of fans, and to the past.
The quote below is from the last page, and it was just too beautiful not share. Conklin just captured exactly what love really is, and the fact that there are all different kinds of love, but none of them are always easy.
I was wrong to tell you that this is a story about the failures of love. No, it is about real love, true love. Imperfect, wretched, weak love. No fairy tales, no poetry. It is about the negotiations we undertake with ourselves in the name of love. Every day we struggle to decide what to give away and what to keep, but every day we make that calculation and we live with the results. This then is the true lesson: there is nothing romantic about love. Only the most naive believe it will save them. Only the hardiest of us will survive it.
One last thing to share… Jenna Bush Hager did this novel as a book club pick, and had the opportunity to interview Tara Conklin. If you have read this book, check it out. It even tells you what who Tara Conklin believes that “Luna” is. Anywho, if you are looking for a big that will give you some big feelings, The Last Romantics did this to me!
Until next time, happy reading!