Book Review: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Ah, the thrill of summer vacations! They conjure images of sandy beaches, warm breezes, and unexpected reunions. Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation swept me right into that dreamy realm, and I couldn’t resist its charm. As a fan of the author’s previous work, I was eager to explore another slice of her vibrant storytelling. Yet, what caught my attention wasn’t just the enticing premise of friendship and adventure; it was the promise of that sweet tension between friends that often lingers just below the surface.
At the heart of the novel are Poppy and Alex, two characters whose dynamic feels both familiar and refreshing. The wild child versus the homebody setup should feel clichéd, yet Henry spins it with such finesse. Poppy, with her insatiable wanderlust and zest for life, is the yin to Alex’s yang—steady, bookish, and exquisitely relatable. Their summer vacations over a decade become a canvas for exploring their complex friendship, with echoes of love lurking beneath their banter. But what happens when that bond is shattered?
The book brilliantly alternates between past vacations and the present-day fallout after their relationship derailed two years prior. This back-and-forth technique intrigued me; at times, it felt like a delightful puzzle, keeping me guessing about the pivotal moment of their falling out. I munched through the chapters with the rhythm of a beach tide, even as I patiently waited for the waves of emotional revelation to crash upon me.
One of the most striking aspects is Henry’s writing style. Her prose is light yet insightful, evoking the essence of summer without feeling overly sentimental. Memorable quotes flood the pages, but one line, in particular, resonated deep within: “Like a good book or an incredible outfit, being on vacation transports you to another version of yourself.” Isn’t that the truth? Henry encapsulates the magic of travel, the way it alters our perceptions and connections, and imbues it into her characters.
While the pacing does slow at times, allowing for deeper emotional exploration, I found myself invested in the journey. The quirkiness of Poppy and Alex’s interactions—filled with witty banter—brought out giggles and awe. Yet, some moments felt overly scripted, as if the dialogue were crafted for a rom-com rather than real life. Still, these touches didn’t subtract from my enjoyment; rather, they added to the whimsical charm that makes romantic comedies delightful.
I wholeheartedly recommend People We Meet on Vacation to anyone who treasures slow-burn romances wrapped in humor and friendship. It’s perfect for readers looking for that ideal beach read, yet it holds a deeper significance about navigating relationships, heartbreak, and the brave leap of opening oneself to love.
In the end, just like those treasured summer trips that linger sweetly in our memories, this novel left me with a warmth that beckons me to revisit its pages again. If you haven’t taken the plunge yet, grab your sunscreen and a comfy chair—this journey with Poppy and Alex is well worth it!