Review of Loved One by Rena Rossner
There’s something deeply resonant about stories that explore love and loss, especially when they intertwine so seamlessly that they reflect our own experiences. When I first picked up Loved One by Rena Rossner, I was immediately drawn in by the premise—a poignant tale of grief wrapped in a mystery, centered around the unforgettable bond between Julia and Gabe. I found myself eager to uncover the depths of their connection, not just as lovers but as lifelong friends whose paths took them in different directions.
At its core, Loved One is a heartfelt exploration of grief, memory, and the intricate tapestry of relationships we weave over time. Following Julia, a thriving jewelry maker in her thirties, we journey back to her past with Gabe, her first love. Their summer romance in Barcelona feels blissfully innocent, a bright point in an otherwise complicated adulthood. But the narrative takes a heartbreaking turn when Gabe dies unexpectedly at only 29. This tragedy sends Julia spiraling into her memories and truths, leading her on a haunting trip to London to confront Elizabeth, Gabe’s ex, about a cryptic remark made at his funeral.
What struck me most about this book was how authentically Rossner captured the complexity of grief. The line, “I know that grief takes practice,” resonated deeply with me. It’s a reminder that, despite its permanence, grief is not something we can simply master; it’s an ongoing process filled with waves of emotion. Julia’s journey to understand her own grief, juxtaposed with her evolving relationship with Elizabeth, showcases the myriad ways we cope with loss. Their dynamic, oscillating between shared sorrow and explosive conflict, felt strikingly real and relatable.
Rossner’s writing style is both lyrical and intimate, pulling the reader into each character’s emotional landscape. The weaving of flashbacks into the present narrative allowed me to experience Gabe’s essence alongside Julia. The pacing kept me engaged, oscillating deftly between reflecting on cherished memories and unraveling the present-day mystery surrounding his death. One touching moment is when Julia reminisces about hearing Gabe sing for the first time, a memory that lingers throughout the book, serving as a testament to the beauty of fleeting moments.
The novel also raises meaningful questions about love, regret, and the truths we carry. As Julia and Elizabeth navigate their shared loss, their confrontation is not just about Gabe; it’s a deep dive into their individual griefs and what they truly mean to one another. It left me pondering my own relationships and the energy we invest in holding onto grudges—an inevitable conclusion that they don’t serve us.
In conclusion, Loved One is a beautifully crafted narrative that will resonate with anyone who has loved deeply and lost painfully. It’s a story for readers who appreciate a blend of emotional depth with a hint of mystery. Rossner has created a narrative that not only explores the complexities of human connection but also invites introspection about our own lives. If you’ve found beauty in stories of love tinged with grief, this one might just be a treasure you hold close. I know it will stay with me long after I’ve closed the book.