Landline

LANDLINE

by Rainbow Rowell

 

Award: Goodreads Winner 2014

 

Date Read: October 21, 2023

 

I read this on a flight from Barcelona to DC to give some context on the level of difficulty of this one. In summary, a husband and wife’s marriage is on the rocks. When he leaves town at Christmas without her, an old magic rotary phone in her parent’s house gives her access to her husband from when they were falling in love. She subsequently falls in love all over again. A Christmas reunion ensues. You get the idea.

 

What I liked about this novel was the power the wife had in her career, which was handled well and believably. I like that instead of turning elsewhere, the plot was them recommitting to each other again. I was also pleased that Georgie (the wife), didn’t need to give up her powerful career to reach a resolution with her husband.

 

What I didn’t like is first and foremost the main character’s name – Georgie McCool. I didn’t swallow it then and I don’t swallow it now. I also didn’t like that Neil’s life is still basically at sea. Rowell had a missed opportunity to have him find himself and bring a more fulfilled version of himself to their marriage and that did not happen. 

 

Otherwise, a fun and rewarding romp.

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