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silentrequiem's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is my first Lily Chu but will definitely not be my last! I have been in a bit of a reading slump, but picked this up after work and finished it well past my bedtime. I was hooked! I fell in love with Ari and Jihoon, and rooted for them the entire time. This was an engrossing and engaging contemporary romcom that also touches on finding your own voice and place in life, belonging, and self-advocacy. This book made me laugh, grit my teeth in anger, and ultimately cheer as Ari and Jihoon find their own HEA with each other and in their own lives. Highly recommended!
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Body shaming and Misogyny
nebulous07's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Comeback by Lily Chu is a delightful, engaging and comprehensive read. This is my second Lily Chu book. Her writing style is growing on me, and I especially enjoyed the balance between detail and punch. The cherry on top is the element of reliability. Ari Hui has nearly ticked off everything on her list; a successful lawyer eying the title of partner at her law firm, a dutiful daughter and acing mediocrity. Until a catalyst named Jihoon, a cousin of Hana, Ari's roommate, shows up unannounced, which causes friction to her head and heart. Coupled with this inner torment, her long-lost sister returns to Toronto, bringing up years of resentment and unresolved issues. The author has developed a comprehensive plot that spans choices, family relationships, work dynamics, and romance. I resonated with and resisted the lead characters across different chapters. Ari is special because I connected with all her fears and choices. Although the ending tugged at my heartstrings, it appeared too far-fetched. It felt rushed, in addition to the need to correct all the wrongs and challenges faced. However, the wisdom and character growth made this read enjoyable and comforting.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Netgalley for this e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Netgalley for this e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Body shaming
planreadrepeat's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I listened to this with Audible. The narrator was amazing and added a lot to the story. Ariadne is a lawyer working towards being a partner in a Toronto law firm. She's the "perfect daughter" compared to her sister who lives a bohemian lifestyle. Her roommate goes on a business trip and has her male cousin, Jihoon, move in to escape some drama in Seoul. Sparks fly but things are not all what they seem and they have a lot of roadblocks in their budding romance.
I liked how the characters explored who they wanted to be through the book. Especially Ariadne who is trying to decide if she wants to be a lawyer or if just her parents want her to be a lawyer. Racism is touched on as she is Canadian born and raised but still seen as an Asian-Canadian. Despite her and her parents not speaking any language than English! This is a romance novel but no graphic details. All fade-to-black scenes.
I liked how the characters explored who they wanted to be through the book. Especially Ariadne who is trying to decide if she wants to be a lawyer or if just her parents want her to be a lawyer. Racism is touched on as she is Canadian born and raised but still seen as an Asian-Canadian. Despite her and her parents not speaking any language than English! This is a romance novel but no graphic details. All fade-to-black scenes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
onemorepagecrew's review against another edition
4.0
I was excited to receive a copy of The Comeback by Lily Chu after reading the author’s prior book (The Stand-In) and really enjoying it. I saved it for when I was in the mood for an easy, clean, rom-com knowing that’s what her last book felt like. It hit the spot and was a fun and playful read that wove cultural identity in with the romantic plotline, much like her prior book. I need a little character depth with my romance, and this got just below the surface without going too deep that it gets heavy.
In this story we meet Ariadne and her cousin Hana, who are roommates in Toronto, Canada. Ariadne has a high-pressure job at a law firm and is thrown off her routine when Hana’s cousin, Jihoon, comes to stay in their home for a few weeks. They hit it off and start a little flirtmance, until one day it all comes crashing down and they are both tossed into the worldwide media spotlight.
I had a few frustrations with the miscommunication and lack of empathy for others that Ariadne displayed, but overall this was an enjoyable read. It’s great for anyone who enjoys a slightly improbable romantic comedy plotline that they can lose themselves in, with squeaky clean scenes that stay in the PG zone.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book to read and review, I appreciate you!
Content warnings: Racial Discrimination, Microaggressions
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
mkenn's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It's a little long, and per usual could be spicier, but otherwise I loved it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
literarylocd's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
The premise in itself is interesting and quite captivating given the way in which K-pop has blown up in Western cultures. To see a romance between an idol and a “normal” woman makes for very complex and quirky interactions. This was just not the case.
The characters had little to no depth about them. Their main identities were idol and woman who is doing nothing in life. Ari had no real desire. She didn’t want anything strongly and as a result, it was extremely difficult to care about the things happening to her. Her reactions to things were so muted and minimal that it didn’t give off the emotional impact I believe the author was intending.
There was an interesting dynamic between her and her sister. Ari had some lingering feelings of resentment and abandonment which weren’t explored fully. Her relationship with both her parents and sister obviously shaped the way in which she navigated romantic relationships but we didn’t get to see any of that. Ari was lost in a vat of nothing and honestly, she was her own biggest enemy. None of the characters stuck out to me and I could not give you even one quote that shone through.
Now onto the writing. There were so many words that said absolutely nothing. There was no real pacing to the story and the characters didn’t seem to move anywhere. Even the romantic developments felt rushed or cheap because you could not get any sense of emotions from them.
Also, there was a racist scene right at the beginning of the book. Whilst I appreciate the author was trying to depict racism in the workplace, it just didn’t seem right. There was some depth missing and again, the mc seemed to not FEEL much about it.
The characters had little to no depth about them. Their main identities were idol and woman who is doing nothing in life. Ari had no real desire. She didn’t want anything strongly and as a result, it was extremely difficult to care about the things happening to her. Her reactions to things were so muted and minimal that it didn’t give off the emotional impact I believe the author was intending.
There was an interesting dynamic between her and her sister. Ari had some lingering feelings of resentment and abandonment which weren’t explored fully. Her relationship with both her parents and sister obviously shaped the way in which she navigated romantic relationships but we didn’t get to see any of that. Ari was lost in a vat of nothing and honestly, she was her own biggest enemy. None of the characters stuck out to me and I could not give you even one quote that shone through.
Now onto the writing. There were so many words that said absolutely nothing. There was no real pacing to the story and the characters didn’t seem to move anywhere. Even the romantic developments felt rushed or cheap because you could not get any sense of emotions from them.
Also, there was a racist scene right at the beginning of the book. Whilst I appreciate the author was trying to depict racism in the workplace, it just didn’t seem right. There was some depth missing and again, the mc seemed to not FEEL much about it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
melaniesummer's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, and Sexual content
alysereadsbooks's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Such a fun listen! Loved the Asian representation and the overall plot. I also liked that the problems in the relationship felt realistic (at least in the context of the plot). Satisfying and lighthearted
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Medical content