Discovering the Heart of Ordinary Love
When I first heard about Ordinary Love by Marie Rutkoski, I was instantly intrigued. The stunning note from Knopf painted a vivid picture of a story spanning decades, exploring love’s many forms in an evolving cultural landscape. As a reader who thrives on tales that delve into the complexities of identity and relationships, I knew I had to witness this narrative for myself. Little did I know, diving into this book would consume my thoughts for days, leaving an indelible mark on my heart.
Ordinary Love is a poignant exploration of growing up in a small town where being anything other than heterosexual feels taboo. Rutkoski weaves two timelines together, offering us Emily’s journey as a limited omniscient narrator. Her character exudes a raw, relatable authenticity, navigating her identity as a survivor of abuse, a devoted mother, and a young woman discovering love in its myriad forms. What struck me most about Emily was how her thoughts revealed a depth of insight, reflecting desires and struggles that felt deceptively simple yet resonated profoundly.
Rutkoski’s writing style is nothing short of enchanting. It flows with an airy elegance, peppered with the kind of long sentences that make you want to linger over every word. I found myself swept away, losing track of time as I flipped through the pages late into the night, inhaling the beauty of her prose. It’s reminiscent of classics like Annie on My Mind and Last Night at the Telegraph Club, yet undeniably Rutkoski’s own. Each turn of phrase felt like a gentle caress, unfurling as one vividly atmospheric scene after another.
The themes of class, ambition, and bisexuality are woven seamlessly into the narrative. At first, the subtlety of these topics caught me off guard; it wasn’t until I reached the end that I fully realized the profound journey these characters undertook. Emily and Gen’s relationship, blossoming from teenage romance to something richer in adulthood, is beautifully rendered. Their conversations, while simple, felt grounded in years of shared history, delivering both laughter and heartache. When I found myself unexpectedly weeping during their reunion, I knew I was witnessing something deeply special.
There’s an unmistakable warmth in Rutkoski’s story, touching on serious themes without losing compassion. The depiction of struggles, including intimate partner violence, is handled with a gentle hand that refrains from becoming overly graphic. Instead of feeling heavy, the narrative felt like a hug—firm yet comforting, revealing the resilience of its characters.
In the days following my reading, I found myself spellbound by Emily’s love for her children and captivated by the soft textures of her life. It’s rare for a book to linger so strongly in your mind long after you’ve put it down. This one did—leaving me eager for a signed copy to return to again and again.
I wholeheartedly recommend Ordinary Love to anyone who cherishes intricate character studies and the transformative power of love. Whether you find echoes of your own experiences within its pages or simply want to immerse yourself in a narrative that celebrates the diverse spectrum of human affection, you will walk away feeling changed. It’s a book that beautifully encapsulates what it means to navigate love in all its forms, and I can assure you, it will linger in your heart for months to come. Thank you, Knopf and NetGalley, for this e-ARC—it has undoubtedly become one of my favorite reads of the year!