Something Blue by Emily Giffin: A Disappointing Dive into Darcy’s World
When I first picked up Something Blue, Emily Giffin’s sequel to Something Borrowed, I was curious to see how Darcy’s journey would unfold. The first book left me intrigued, with its clever twists and engaging characters. But little did I know, my initial excitement would soon give way to frustration. It’s been a while since I read this book—half a decade, in fact. Yet, here I am in 2014, finally penning down my thoughts. Spoiler alert: my feelings haven’t changed, and honestly, they’ve become a bit clearer after a second go-round.
Having enjoyed Something Borrowed, I found myself bewildered by Darcy’s transformation—or lack thereof. In this narrative, we dive deeper into the complexities of her character, yet the results are far from compelling. Darcy’s storytelling felt grating, even more so than Rachel’s, leaving me wishing for a more relatable voice. Her self-absorption quickly became exhausting, especially since the supposed growth arc felt rushed and unrealistic.
Key themes that emerged were entitlement and the consequences of poor choices, yet the way these themes were explored left much to be desired. Throughout the book, Darcy oscillates between pettiness and bitterness, especially regarding her ex, Dex, and his new relationship with Rachel. While some might argue that her feelings of betrayal are justified, I found it tough to muster any sympathy, mainly because she never quite acknowledges her own cheating in a meaningful way. This made it difficult to connect with her, and I often found myself groaning at her antics rather than cheering her on.
Another point of contention was the representation of relationships and the way infidelity was handled. The balance was skewed toward melodrama without the mature depth that could have offered a thoughtful exploration. The book opens with some iffy moments around sexual shaming and even suicidal jokes—elements that felt jarring and out of place in what could’ve been a more whimsical narrative. Giffin’s writing style here grated rather than flowed, lacking the light, conversational tone that might have saved some sections from feeling heavy-handed.
Characters like Ethan, who I initially found likable in the first book for his no-nonsense attitude towards Darcy, underwent an about-face that left me incredulous. Their sudden romantic angle felt forced, leaving me questioning the foundation of their relationship. Character development across the board felt manipulative, lacking the organic growth I was hoping for. By the time I reached the predictable ending, I felt more exasperated than satisfied.
So, who might enjoy Something Blue? Perhaps those who revel in stories of flawed characters embroiled in messy situations will find it intriguing. If you don’t mind a strong dose of melodrama and are looking for a light read lacking in depth, this may tickle your fancy. But for me, revisiting this novel solidified my belief that there are far better chick-lit offerings out there—stories that not only entertain but also evoke genuine care for the characters involved.
In the end, my experience with Something Blue felt bittersweet. It was a chance to explore a character I once found appealing, only to realize that sometimes, sequels might not deliver on their promise. With a disappointing score of 0.5/5 stars, I feel ready to close the book on this particular series and seek out narratives that resonate on a more meaningful level.
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