Book Review: Midnights with You by Clare Osongco
When I first saw the buzz surrounding Midnights with You, I knew I had to dive in. Clare Osongco, whose writing seems to sing with raw emotion, promises a narrative that not only explores love but also delves deep into painful familial dynamics. As someone who often finds solace in stories that reflect the messiness of life, this book felt like a beacon of hope—and perhaps a little foreboding. Little did I know just how profoundly it would resonate with my own experiences.
Midnights with You introduces us to Deedee and Jay, two relatable insomniacs grappling with their personal demons. Deedee is a girl caught in the tension of wanting to learn how to drive against the backdrop of her mother’s controlling nature, while Jay is desperate to escape the weight of responsibility that his life has thrust upon him. The essence of their connection is beautifully captured in their moments of candid vulnerability, making it clear that their journey could be either a redemption arc or a tale of heartbreak.
Osongco’s prose is haunting yet illuminating. Each page turns like a heartbeat, pulsating with emotions that feel both familiar and staggering. The quote, “I’m sure the things that haunt us wouldn’t be the same. But I kind of wonder if they’d rhyme,” encapsulates the essence of this journey. It’s a reminder that we are all haunted by our pasts, yet our stories find ways to intertwine. For many readers, Deedee’s struggles as an immigrant child will ring painfully true. I found bits of my own life reflected in her experiences, creating an intense pull that made reading feel simultaneously cathartic and heartbreaking.
The complexity of Deedee’s relationship with her mother is portrayed with such nuance that I felt every pang of frustration and the bittersweet ache of understanding. It’s challenging to confront the generational trauma that can shape parental dynamics, but Osongco does this with both a gentle touch and a firm grip on reality. It’s evident how pivotal these relationships are, and as a reader, I often felt torn between empathy for Deedee’s mother and anger at her actions. This duality makes the book all the more powerful as it allows us to navigate the shades of gray that exist in parent-child relationships.
The romance between Deedee and Jay is exquisitely written, encapsulating youth’s blend of passion and uncertainty. They are a tragically beautiful couple, perfect yet imperfect, navigating their own flaws while trying to uplift each other. "It’s not actually an either-or choice," one character wisely reflects, highlighting the complexity of love and self-acceptance. Their bond serves as a reminder that love can catalyze growth but does not always equal resolution, a message that resonates deeply in a world where we often expect love to fix everything.
As I turned the final pages, I found myself grappling with a surge of emotions—grief, hope, and an overwhelming sense of connection to Deedee. Midnights with You is more than just a story; it is an experience that leaves you questioning your own relationships, the unspoken burdens we carry, and the paths not taken. I can’t help but think that this book would resonate with anyone who has ever felt conflicting emotions toward love and family.
To those comfortable with navigating the emotional intricacies of life, Midnights with You is a must-read. It’s a beautifully crafted reminder of how our past shapes our futures, leaving a mark that may just be our salvation—or our damnation. Prepare for a journey filled with heartache and healing, and perhaps, don’t forget your tissues. You might just find a piece of yourself reflected among Deedee’s midnight thoughts.
Overall, Clare Osongco has created a work that doesn’t just tell a story; it whispers to the very soul, making us ponder the complexities of love, family, and self-identity in the most profound ways. Thank you, Ms. Clare, for allowing us to peek into your beautiful, albeit heart-wrenching, world. 🫶