Book Review: Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales
When I first stumbled upon Nobody in Particular, I was instantly drawn in by the enchanting premise of a crown princess falling for a charismatic outsider at a prestigious boarding school. I mean, who can resist a blend of royalty and sweet sapphic romance? Sophie Gonzales is already known for weaving intricate stories with relatable characters, and this book certainly lives up to that charm.
At its heart, Nobody in Particular beautifully explores themes of identity, love, and the struggles of being true to oneself in a world that often demands conformity. We follow Rose, a young princess who embodies wit and confidence while grappling with the heavy burdens of royal expectations—essentially, a closet full of beautifully tailored dresses but heartbreakingly trapped in societal norms. On the other side, we have Danni, an immigrant navigating a new country, a new school, and crippling stage fright. Her experience of being a "fish out of water" resonated with me, reminding me of the universal awkwardness of stepping into unfamiliar spaces.
What I loved most about their journey was the richness of their character development. Danni’s maturity amidst her struggles was refreshing. Watching her grow from a timid newcomer to a budding self-assured individual was inspiring. Rose’s character arc dealt with trauma and suppression, especially her fraught relationship with her ex-friend Molly—a thread woven seamlessly into the narrative. The tension between Rose’s desire for authenticity and her obligations as a royal made for some compelling reading. Discovering the backstory of Rose and Molly was one of my favorite aspects; their conflict was both relatable and poignantly real.
Gonzales has a knack for creating well-rounded characters, and the supporting cast didn’t disappoint either. Molly was intriguing, and I appreciated her role in highlighting Rose and Danni’s development. Eleanor and Alfie, too, contributed depth to the story. However, I wouldn’t have minded more time with Danni’s mother or her best friend, as those relationships could have added another layer of nuance.
Now, let’s dive into the romance! Can I just say that their witty banter made my heart flutter? The playful back-and-forth between Rose and Danni had me grinning like a lovestruck fool. Their dynamic felt natural, equal, and delightful. Still, as much as I enjoyed their chemistry, I couldn’t help but wish for a touch more slow-burn tension; their declarations of love felt a bit rushed given the complexity of their situations.
One memorable moment, when Molly told Rose, “Your life is bigger than Danni, and hers is bigger than you,” really struck a chord with me. It encapsulated the essence of self-worth and autonomy that echoed throughout the book. Yet, despite the engaging writing and pacing, I found myself slightly detached from the depths of their romance at times.
Gonzales’s writing flowed beautifully and was mostly error-free. There were minor grammatical hiccups, but they didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. It would’ve been nice to see a more generalized epilogue though— rather than a strict year mentioned.
In conclusion, Nobody in Particular is a delightful read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who enjoys LGBTQ+ narratives filled with humor, emotional growth, and engaging friendships. It’s a heartfelt reminder that love takes many forms—royal or not. Gonzales has once again proven her prowess in crafting stories that resonate with authentic emotional depth. If you’re in for a sweet and reflective journey, I encourage you to pick up this book—you might just find a piece of yourself in its pages.