Emily's Reviews > Love May Fail

This was never getting more than 3 stars after the Albert Camus business near the beginning, but I was interested enough in the story to continue, even after that plot decision. I saw what the author was doing with it, but I do not forgive.
Matthew Quick, in my short experience with him, strikes me as a fan of the redemptive tale, and since I too am a fan, I enjoy what I've experienced so far. I really liked the ending of this book. It made me cry, and I do love a good book cry.
The audio book was well-performed by multiple actors. I picked up the book when there were about 60 pages left, and found myself getting sucked back into the story and blowing through it. I had been at a point where I just wanted it to be over. I thought he was juggling too many plots, and I didn't like Danielle's fate any more than I liked that of Albert Camus. And I didn't think either was necessary.
A lot of people have a problem with Portia, and I agree, she's not very likeable. But I don't see her as some representation of Quick's view of women, as some have. I think she's just a flawed character with a lot of baggage. I didn't love her, but I still wanted a happy ending for her.
I liked the nuns, except for the constant references to Jesus as "my husband". I wasn't sure if that was supposed to be a character quirk or if nuns actually talk that way. I suspect it's the former.
The constant references to heavy metal became tiresome, mainly because I couldn't relate to that level of devotion to it after high school (OK, and maybe a bit in college).
I plan to check out more of Quick's work. I liked The Good Luck of Right Now more than this, and Silver Linings Playbook too (even though I haven't read the book yet). I wouldn't recommend picking this up first if you've never tried any of his other books.