Book Review: Not Quite by the Book by Emma Rini
There’s something uniquely enchanting about escaping into a world where bookstores and literary legends intertwine. When I first laid eyes on Not Quite by the Book by Emma Rini, I felt an instant pull not just from the cover—beautifully designed with hints of old-world charm—but also from its premise that promised a mix of family drama and an author I’d grown curious about. Little did I know how the tapestry of family ties and personal growth would lead me on a rather mixed journey.
Emma, our protagonist, finds herself in the all-too-familiar position of being the family’s sacrificial lamb, managing their bookstore while her family flits around on vacations and baby celebrations. With no real break in sight, she decides to carve out a slice of her own freedom and books a six-week stay at a manor once frequented by Emily Dickinson, a sanctuary where she’d hoped to find solace—and perhaps a bit of herself. However, the reality of managing the manor proves to be a greater challenge than she anticipated, especially when a grumpy architect enters the scene.
Rini nails the family dynamics. I thoroughly enjoyed how Emma’s exploration of her relationship with her family—people who love her, make mistakes, and grow just like her—was depicted. Their flaws feel authentic. The way Emma attempts to emulate Emily Dickinson’s storied life is both inspiring and humbling, yet it also reveals that imitation might not lead to the fulfillment she seeks. It’s refreshing to see a heroine grappling with her identity in such a relatable manner.
I found the setting delightful; the descriptions of the old manor created vivid imagery that made me wish I could step right into those stone walls—even if it got a bit chilly! Rini’s writing evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, capturing the timeless allure of literary history, although I did feel there were times when the emphasis on Dickinson overshadowed the story’s other aspects. If you’re not a Dickinson devotee, some of those details might feel like a heavier load to bear.
However, where the book stumbled for me was in the romantic subplot. The chemistry between Emma and the architect felt more like a series of bumps in the road than a smooth journey. Despite an intriguing grumpy vs. sunshine trope, I struggled to feel a genuine connection between them. The miscommunication and secrets that peppered their interactions created a frustrating reading experience. Instead of feeling invested in their love story, I often found myself sighing in annoyance during their scenes, a stark contrast to my delight in Emma’s personal growth.
Ultimately, Not Quite by the Book holds a lot of promise, and though it didn’t fully deliver on the romantic front for me, the family drama and character arcs were touching and relatable. It’s a read I’d recommend for those who appreciate character-driven narratives and are willing to navigate through some missteps in romance. If you’re someone who enjoys explorations of personal identity colored by familial love, this book may just find a cherished spot on your bookshelf.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for providing an eARC of this title. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Here’s hoping Emma’s journey resonates with you, too! #NetGalley #NotQuiteByTheBook