Oxford Setting
As the MC Ella shares, Oxford is considered by some to be a magical place where dreams come true. Having spent some time there as a student, I was intrigued to see how the author Julia Whelan portrays it.
Characters Who Know Their English Lit
Much of the banter between different characters involves references to and quotes from literary works, both poetry and prose. English lit fans will enjoy seeing these references.
Character Dilemmas
Though there is a strong romance focus, romance is not the only issue they’re dealing with. For example, as the synopsis says, Ella has to choose between her political dreams and being there for the man with whom she’s falling in love.
Moral Questions are Raised
Various things from political issues to relationship issues raise moral questions for consideration. These questions will get the readers thinking about their their beliefs on these issues.
Note of caution: controversial political issues are raised, and the author takes a clear stance on them through Ella’s responses to them.
Flat Characters
The characters fit easily into stereotyped roles. Though the MCs do find themselves taking a different path than they initially envisioned, I wasn’t made to feel for the characters and the changes they go through. Their stories are fairly straightforward; the characters lacked a real sense of complexity.
Predictable Plot
I felt like I was reading another soap opera romance. The plot was predictable; it never made me feel like the characters were in any real problem.
Heavy on the “Romance”
In the end, it felt like the book was all about the romance or, rather, the physical relationship and ensuing problems it causes when things get serious (in various ways). The situation in which the characters find themselves seems only to be like the backdrop to the romance.
The Oxford Year felt like a Harlequin romance novel reworked to target a younger audience with an interest in political issues, particularly those on the topics of education and women. This wasn’t what I was expecting going into the novel and didn’t end up being for me. However, readers who enjoy romance novels with a foreign setting and a goodly sized dose of politics may want to pick up a copy of this novel. If you’re interested, scroll down to enter for a chance to win a copy!
CONTENT
- Language
- Alcohol
- (Premarital) Sex (frequent)
- Terminal Illness
- Political content
CHAT WITH ME
If you were to spend a year abroad, where would you go?
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Bube says
England or Scotland 🙂