Review of The One That Got Away

I love all things Jane Austen, so a retelling of Persuasion that reunites two exes at a wedding in England sounds like just my cup of tea! Here’s my Review of The One That Got Away!

The One That Got Away by Melissa Pimentel

To be published on August 22, 2017 by Thomas Dunne

Source: copy for review from publisher

Synopsis: Ruby and Ethan were perfect for each other. Until the day they suddenly weren’t.

Ten years later, Ruby’s single, having spent the last decade focusing on her demanding career and hectic life in Manhattan. There’s barely time for a trip to England for her little sister’s wedding. And there’s certainly not time to think about seeing Ethan there for the first time in years.

But as the family frantically prepare for the big day, Ruby can’t help but wonder if she made the right choice all those years ago. Because there’s nothing like a wedding for stirring up the past…

Review of The One That Got Away:

I’ve always thought of Persuasion is one of the quieter Jane Austen’s books. (That said, I haven’t read the book in some time and don’t remember all the details, so am not sure how literal the retelling.)

The One That Got Away reunites Ruby and Ethan at the wedding of Ruby’s sister to Ethan’s friend. Ruby and Ethan parted awkwardly ten years before and now have to make the best of things during the wedding.

The story is told in a then/now format that did take me some time to get used to. The “now” is first person from Ruby’s point of view, and the “then” is third person and takes place ten years prior, switching between Ruby and Ethan’s perspective.

At first I felt a little reluctant to rehash the story of their ten year-old failed relationship, but that part of the story definitely grew on me. I ended up liking the fact that the story didn’t just predictably focus on the wedding and the possible rekindling of their romance, but really let me get to know the characters and show the mistakes they’d made in the past. It also allowed some side plots about Ruby’s parents and a big career decision that Ethan is making during the wedding. (There’s also a hilarious minor character who keeps popping in with plates of British food. What can I say? The word “veg” just cracks me up.)

If you’re an Austen fan or a chick lit fan up for a second-chance-at-love romance with a more leisurely pace, you might want to check it out as well.