Navigating the world of young adult literature, especially the rom-com genre, often promises relatable characters facing realistic challenges, ideally with some growth and valuable takeaways along the way. However, some stories falter, leaving readers pondering a crucial question: When Will You Learn Your Actions Have Consequences? This sentiment echoes strongly after reading Dani Jansen’s The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life, a book that, despite initial promise, ultimately feels like a missed opportunity for meaningful character development.
While anticipation was high for this eARC, hoping for a lighthearted and engaging romantic comedy, the experience turned out to be underwhelming. Let’s delve into why this book struggled to resonate, despite a diverse cast and a hint of budding romance.
Initial Spark and Representation
To begin with the positives, The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life deserves credit for its inclusive representation. Protagonist Alison Green identifies as a lesbian, her romantic interest is pansexual, and the narrative includes several gay side characters, along with a Korean-American character. This effortless diversity is a commendable aspect, reflecting a more inclusive world within the pages.
Furthermore, the initial romance between Alison and Charlotte held a certain charm. Their interactions were undeniably cute, and even though the relationship faces obstacles – without giving away spoilers – the brief moments of connection were a highlight. However, these positive elements are overshadowed by more significant shortcomings.
The Downfall: Flat Characters and Missing Accountability
The core issue lies in the characters themselves. They come across as remarkably flat and their dialogues feel equally artificial. Lacking depth and complexity, they resemble caricatures rather than believable individuals. This flatness makes it difficult to connect with anyone in the story, hindering the emotional impact. Attempts to address relevant issues fall short, feeling superficial and failing to provoke any real thought.
More critically, The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life lacks a sense of resolution and, crucially, any demonstration of learning from mistakes. Alison, the protagonist, repeatedly falters and makes questionable choices, yet there’s no significant moment of realization or growth. This absence of character development is a major drawback. She fails in various aspects – managing the play, navigating family relationships, and treating her best friend and romantic interest poorly – and seemingly faces no real consequences that lead to meaningful change.
Alison’s self-destructive tendencies are also a significant point of frustration. She consistently pushes away those who care about her and then appears surprised when they react negatively. Whether in the context of the play, her family, friendships, or romance with Charlotte, a pervasive selfishness and self-sabotaging behavior are evident. While some level of internal conflict is common in rom-coms, here it becomes excessive, weighing down the narrative and making Alison increasingly unsympathetic. This begs the question: when will she learn that her actions have consequences on those around her and herself?
Final Verdict
Ultimately, The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life presents itself as a rom-com with fleeting positive attributes, particularly in representation and initial romantic sparks. However, it is significantly undermined by flat characters, unrealistic dialogue, and a glaring lack of character development. The most prominent flaw is the absence of consequences for Alison’s actions and her failure to learn from her mistakes. This leaves the story feeling unresolved and less impactful than it could have been. Much like the disastrous play within the novel, the book itself ends up feeling somewhat chaotic and ultimately disappointing.
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars.
