Book Review of Nobody in Particular
Book Review: Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales
When I saw the title Nobody in Particular pop up in my feed, I could hardly resist the pull of a sapphic romance set in the enchanting world of royalty and elite boarding schools. As someone who’s always been drawn to tales where the heart and the crown collide, this latest offering from Sophie Gonzales had my curiosity piqued from the very first announcement.
In this delightful novel, we follow Rose, the crown princess of a small country, and Danni, a spirited immigrant navigating the treacherous waters of a prestigious boarding school. It’s a beautiful backdrop for a story about love blooming in secret, social pressures, and personal growth. The theme of finding one’s place in an unfamiliar world resonated deeply with me, especially as we watch Danni grapple with her stage fright and her prior bullying experiences. Her journey into self-acceptance while backing away from the mocking, fake niceness of her new peers made her incredibly relatable.
Rose, with her sharp wit and undeniable charisma, shines as a character trapped between her royal duties and her authentic self, desperately wanting to embrace her identity as a lesbian. The tension of her secret life becomes even more compelling when contrasted with her complicated relationship with her ex-friend Molly. Their conflict, rooted in unaddressed feelings and trauma, is expertly crafted and undeniably relatable. I appreciated how Gonzales made their eventual reconciliation feel authentic, allowing them to air grievances in a way that was both tender and tragic, a favorite aspect of the book for me.
The chemistry between Rose and Danni is electric, characterized by playful banter and light-hearted teasing that made their growing friendship feel natural. The texts exchanged between them had me giggling, and I was pleased to see both characters represented as equals in their witty exchanges. However, while I enjoyed their budding romance, I did wish it had unfolded more slowly. I found myself craving deeper emotional connection and build-up, especially as their feelings escalated towards declarations of love that felt a tad premature.
Sophie Gonzales’s writing flows smoothly, making it an easy read, though there were moments of telling rather than showing. I encountered a few continuity hiccups, such as a character’s name switch that made me chuckle rather than detract from my reading experience. But I know these things will be polished in the final version.
While there are minor quibbles about pacing in the romance and the handling of side characters like Harriet, I appreciate that the plot avoids the typical miscommunication trope that often drags stories down. The more substantial conflicts—Danni’s outing and Rose’s decision to defy her royal expectations—felt significant, with resolutions that left me feeling hopeful.
Ultimately, Nobody in Particular is a charming exploration of love, identity, and friendship that left me both satisfied and reflective. I wholeheartedly believe that readers drawn to queer romances filled with wit, emotional turmoil, and the complexities of youth will find themselves enchanted by Danni and Rose’s story. Thank you, Sophie Gonzales, for inviting us into this world where love knows no bounds and where the true nobility lies in being true to oneself.
If you’re ready to indulge in a sweet escapade into royalty and romance, this book is calling your name! 🌈📚
