Dearest Josephine

This book threw me into a pool of feels and left me to drown. Okay, Im being dramatic, but I truly did have to let Dearest Josephine sink in for nearly a week before I could form a coherent enough thought to write an actual review. This book is just so many things!

The format is unlike anything Ive read before. I do own Attachments by Rainbow Rowell, which I believe is in the same format of telling the story through emails, but I havent read it yet so I cant compare it properly, which makes Dearest Josephine a first for me. HOWEVER, Dearest Josephine is so much more than just emails. Its letters to swoon over, a freaking book written by the man who fell in love with our Josie two hundred years ago (just, ughhhhhhhh *cries*), and the text messages that interrupt Josies reading, which was both entertaining and super annoying (but not in a bad way, it just made you want to shut off your phone and maybe pitch it across the room to be left alone with Elias).

I was concerned that this format would leave out something and that, as a reader, I would miss out on a large portion of the story, but honestly, this worked SO WELL. It gives you the feeling that youre eves-dropping on someone elses life and trying to piece together mysteries by reading their communicationwhich, I personally enjoy doingnot to sound weird or anything For example, Ive come across old Bibles at garage sales before and they had letters and pictures inside them, and I adore trying to weave together a story of the previous owner based on those items. So, Dearest Josephine fueled my love for mystery and storytelling by instead of telling me a story, giving me one to try to tell myself, and as a reader, that was just so special and I cant describe how much I enjoyed it (even my husband got in on the speculations as I loudly exclaimed each new plot twist and read him snippets throughout the book).

I cant talk about the story or characters without spoiling anything (sorry, Ive tried and its just not gonna happen), so I will instead talk about how I see this book to be both a swoon-worthy romance that anyone who loves romance must read, but also how Dearest Josephine is a love-letter to readers from the author. There were SO many places that I felt like the author was straight-up identifying with what its like to be a reader. What its like to fall in love with fictional characters (I now have Elias, Oliver, and Arthur on my list of fictional boyfriends, thanks Dearest Josephine). What its like to have a manuscript change the way you think. How a story can alter your reality. And, how connections made through literature forge unbreakable bonds. There is just so much depth in this book that would fill hours of conversation at a book club, I am simply in awe. Dearest Josephine is beautiful.

To bring this obsessive rant to a close, I shall simply state that if you are a lover of romance, exquisite writing, mystery, and unpredictable plot-lines, then Dearest Josephine should be in your hands without further hesitation. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

I read up to 46%, really hoping that both the modern and historical characters would grow to become less melodramatic and self-indulgent in their pain.

I would be much more empathetic toward genuine people who are experiencing hardships, but I just couldn’t get any enjoyment out of slogging through fictional people wallowing in all their emotions… out loud (or in writing) to other fictional people. I feel like that’s what a journal is for, as much as possible: the sorting through thoughts and feelings and editing it all down into a few specific things that you need other people’s help to figure out.

I also probably reacted pretty strongly toward the historical characters espousing many ideas that are completely modern, which kept interrupting the flow of the story for me.

All in all, I couldn’t finish it, which is rare for me. I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re already depressed or suffering loss. Instead, grab yourself a journal, and pour out your heart, and then go talk to someone trustworthy with what you discover. I don’t think these characters have very helpful advice.

Dearest Josephine–it’s a good and sweet story. I couldn’t put it down! I began it on a Saturday and finished it the following Wednesday (that’s fast for me!) and there were several things that I could relate to in the story. Concerning Josie’s texting exchange with her ex (even though it was in the beginning of the book), I was immediately drawn back to when my boyfriend and I broke up and our communication with each other afterward. Rashad’s texts were very similar to my ex’s. If not the same! Josie and Faith have such a strong friendship. In their arguments, I could see Josie’s perspective–since I’d experienced similar–and I saw Faith’s perspective (a little more strongly). Some of Josie’s messages made me want to go back in time and shake some sense into my younger self.

Oliver is loveable and funny dude. He’s not annoying or creepy. Norman and Martha are such a sweet couple. I love how Norman says “‘eye up, Josie dear!” Faith is there for Josie and notices her own faults. She also knew that she didn’t HAVE to have a boyfriend at that moment. She wanted to pursue her own goals. I had a big smile as I read that part, for more people need to understand this. You don’t need to be in a relationship immediately. You need room to grow and pursue your dreams.
I also enjoyed the historic sections of the book. Josephine is such an interesting individual. Elias is a heartbroken and lost man. He needs help. There were times I got annoyed with him, and then times when I sympathized with him. I love the food descriptions. It all made me hungry! A quote that I definitely agree with that is unfortunate, but true–“we love to know the morbid details of what’s going on in society” (or, at least, along those lines). Bad news travels fast . . . which is very accurate. Especially when you consider everything that’s been going on this year and last year of 2020.

There are several quotes that are very good! For one, marriage doesn’t change a person–they have to change themselves (does that make you fidget?) Saying you love someone doesn’t change you. You must make that choice yourself to change.

The similarities between Josie De Clare past and Josie De Clare present . . . whoo! Caroline George does very well with connecting them. There are some things I wish were more resolved . . . but overall, it’s a really good book! The “ba” word is said rather often. Yes, it’s said in context (and who knows how often they said it then?) The romance is wholesome and the ending . . . I won’t give anything away!

I definitely recommend giving this book a whirl!

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member