Eleanor & Park in Overdue Podcast

Jul 03, 2017 Liz rated it liked it

Updated 3 star review: Three years ago I read and reviewed Eleanor & Park. This is a book that I thought about a lot after reading it. There were certain aspects that have stuck in my mind and almost all pleasant memories have faded. I might re-read this one again to see how it fares in its entirety, but from just my memories I can confidently rate it down to 3 stars. In short, the things that I thought were not great reading it the first time I now find very problematic. The stereotypical descr Updated 3 star review: Three years ago I read and reviewed Eleanor & Park. This is a book that I thought about a lot after reading it. There were certain aspects that have stuck in my mind and almost all pleasant memories have faded. I might re-read this one again to see how it fares in its entirety, but from just my memories I can confidently rate it down to 3 stars. In short, the things that I thought were not great reading it the first time I now find very problematic. The stereotypical description of Park and his family members. The lack of insight and sincerity about a realistic Korean family. For ex, Park is actually a common Korean last name. The strange power dynamic between Eleanor and Park. The theme that Eleanor hates her body and herself until a boy loves her. The constant degradation of her body is apparently a personality trait but it isn't exactly fun to read about. I noted below but I will say again that Eleanor finding Park attractive with bruises on his face is sick and disturbing. The one liners I originally thought were creative and clever I now find strange and bizarre. The random and forced perspective changes I felt were a badly developed writing technique.
I found the level of abuse in this book unsettling. How can I enjoy their romance when I am worried about her siblings and family? I think the author has her Dad specifically target her so that we "aren't worried about" him abusing her siblings, but he treats her mom like crap and that just doesn't "comfort" me. This book is supposed to be a romance but the chilling premeditated psychological abuse makes me feel gross. I also think the bad home life is specifically used as a plot device to make Park seem more attractive. Of course she wants to get away with the one person who doesn't degrade her. I know that the book doesn't quite end this way, but I can't help being reminded of women who marry young not because they are in love but because it is the only way to escape their abusive home. I wonder where a sequel would find Eleanor after going through some counseling and living in a nurturing and loving environment. Would she still find that she doesn't breathe when Park isn't around? That is a sad way to live.
This book is also incredibly boring and flat. What character growth do they go through? Where is the contrast and texture in their life and personalities? Is there more to this book than one sentence? I can literally tell the plot of this book in one sentence. This book is almost entirely about their relationship and I find that quite frankly sad. I have had many people ask if I would recommend this book and every time, I have said no. That isn't something you do with a 4 star book. I don't feel like I had any connection to this book. Read at your own risk.

Original 4 star review: This books is pure romance. It is the epitome of high school young love struggling to survive. I really enjoyed how their relationship developed from a chance meeting into a strong connection. I also liked how neither person had a perfect life; they each had outside forces that affected their choices. (Very relatable for teenagers.)
This was my first experience with a true romance and to be honest I was left a little bored plot wise. Basically nothing happened that wasn't part of their relationship so in this aspect I much preferred Fangirl where college and other family things were also happening.
I also think that Rowell walks a fine line when it comes to stereotyping teenage girls. It is normal to be insecure and it is normal for other people to encourage you to move past your insecurities. However, as a strong feminist I felt Rowell got dangerously close to the trope of a female character with insecurities accepting them only with the appreciation from a male love interest. I would have liked a little variety there. Maybe she learns to accept them on her own, or maybe there is more mutuality in her encouraging him to be confident in himself too. In any case I thought this was a fairly well rounded book.
Random- I didn't like how Eleanor thought Park looked more beautiful with bruises and swelling on his face. That is creepy and weird and disturbing.
Rowell is certainly excellent at one liners. My favorite being, "His eyes were so green they could turn oxygen into chlorophyll." ...more

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