The Her.ie book club is back and this month’s pick is Rainbow Rowell’s Landline, published last year.
The book focuses around Georgie McCool whose marriage has been under strain for some time.
When a job opportunity presents itself, she makes a decision that she fears may have ruined her marriage once and for all.
That is until she finds a means of communicating with a younger version of her husband Neal. But will she change their future?
A few members of the Her.ie team give their thoughts on the book…
Marie says: A book like this can live or die on the strength of its characters and luckily, Rainbow Rowell has excelled in creating a cast that the reader is immediately invested in. The author's decision to give a glimpse into Georgie's marriage in the very first paragraphs is a very clever move as the couple are very relatable and you instantly want to know more about their situation. Most books with a romantic theme focus on one love story but
Landline juxtaposes Georgie's relationship with Neal against her enduring friendship with Seth and this creates an interesting dynamic that adds depth to the story.
There are definitely pacing issues in certain sections of the book, with Rowell tending to drive home certain plot points for longer than she should, and this is the biggest weakness of the novel. However, her flair for creating a world that will strike a chord with many ensures that readers will hang on until they reach the very last page.
Rebecca says: Rainbow Rowell writes in a way that captures the imagination from the very beginning. For the majority of the book, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are engaging, flawed and incredibly relatable which is refreshing for a novel of this genre. It explores a concept which is by no means new, the idea that something minor in the past can dramatically affect the present, but in a refreshing and unique way, giving the reader an insight into the thought processes and emotional turmoil that Georgie goes through.
I have to admit that about three quarters of the way though the book, I did grow a tiny bit impatient but overall I really enjoyed it. I loved the dialogue between the characters, particularly between the ambitious Georgie and the charming Seth, and the way the narratives flits between the present and the past, filling in the gaps. I was eager to reach the end (I say that in the best possible way) and was satisfied when I got there. I’d describe
Landline as a thoroughly entertaining read. It’s got a lot of heart and bags of personality, just like its protagonists. If I got a second chance to read it? I’d definitely lend it to one of my friends.
Mary says: They say a reader’s decision about a book can be determined from the very first page and for me, I was sucked into the plot of this book from the opening few lines. Immediately, the reader is able to engage with the characters as Rainbow Rowell takes you on a meandering stroll through the couple’s relationship. The lead character Georgie is someone readers can identify and empathize with from the offset and the idea that the past will always shape the present is an interesting angle to take for the telling of the story.
However, with less than a quarter left in the book things do start to get a small bit repetitive and the reader becomes slightly impatient to see how it will all turn out. That’s the only small complaint though from a book that is full of bright ideas and interesting dialogue and builds you up to an interesting ending. Entertaining to read and hard to put down, this book will definitely be one that I will be recommending to friends.
If you want to get involved in our book club, keep an eye out on site. If you've read this book, we'd love to know what you think. Get in touch with us on Facebook here, on Twitter here and via email to hello@her.ie. 
