I read this book in two days. Totally gripping, wonderful and heart-warming. This book for me was the most real and true book that I have read in a long time, a story about love and how life gets in the way.
Recently made into a film (Love,Rosie), Where Rainbows End is different to any book I have ever read, split into 5 part with an epilogue, the novel is simply letters, notes passed in class and emails, between Rosie, Alex, family members and Ruby. When I first started the book I thought how on earth am I going to have any clue of what is going on, surely I won't connect with any of the characters because all I am reading is quick instant messages and emails?! I was quickly proven wrong.
The story made me feel really nostalgic, as it begins when Alex and Rosie are only 7 years old, passing notes to each other in class and getting sent out, having silly fights and laughing at the what they call their teacher "Big nose smelly breath Casey". It's pretty obvious from the beginning that although they are best friends, they are destined for each other, the love they have for one another is irreplaceable and totally unique. But when Alex moves to Boston when they are 18 and Rosie becomes pregnant with "Brian the Whines" baby, their worlds are turned upside down.
The story takes place over roughly 47 years and in the time there are 3 marriages, 3 children and 2 deaths, its a roller-coaster and really pulls on your heartstrings. You almost have to read it in one go because your brain is working so hard to keep up with everything that is happening, you just want to finish it- 2 years go past in the turn of a page.
The ending, the best part. For me the ending 100% lived up to all expectations. For one, it ended in 3rd person, you really get to take the back seat and just watch this beautiful moment. Alex and Rosie are 50 years old and for me that made it even more special, who would have thought it would take that long? The message it sends out to anyone reading is one of hope and actually says, you know what? some books make out that love happens young and that if you haven't found someone by the time your 30, you never will. But this book proves everyone wrong in this truly wonderful love story, about friends and loyalty.
If I say anymore I will give everything away.
Quotes:
"Today I love you more than ever; tomorrow I will love you even more"
"You deserve someone who loves you with every single beat or his heart, someone who thinks about you constantly, someone who spends every minute of every day just wondering what you're doing, where you are, who you're with and if you're ok"
"Now Alex has that life and I'm so proud of him. I'm so happy that he's found his best women and his best friend in Sally"
"We've only been married ten days so we've had lets see...ten fights"
