Out of Love: A Novel

I feel some books written by millennials, such as this one, are very different than what Gen Xers and Baby Boomers write, and they take some adjustment. First, you're hit with a lot of identity and mental issues most people are supposed to be conversant with now, so there's not much elaboration when dealing with anxiety or depression, for instance--just a few quick token scenes. That's okay if, indeed, the reader is familiar with the issues, but I personally prefer Matt Haig's approach, which is more balanced, and gently leans the writer into both story and comment on identity or mental issue. Here the story seems to have actually been less important than the point(s) made in the various scenes in each chapter. I would have preferred a more flowing story line, but at the same time I have to admit that the narrative did seem solid somehow. But it was more like steps in a story than a flowing story. All in all, though, I feel it was an important narrative that dealt deftly with the issues presented (except for one mental diagnosis mentioned toward the end, which wasn't explained in any way).

This book tore me up. I finished it weeks ago but could not fathom writing a review. My heart broke for “Angel“ (we never find out her name) watching how Theo fell out of love. Basically this book is a reverse love story where we view the couple five years into the relationship as it unravels. Well Angel has her demons that have shaped her insecurities, feel is equally affected by people in his life.I read this book from the first chapter to the end and then read the book from the last chapter to the first. It is heartbreaking to watch Angel experience the break up and infuriating, but predictable, too view Theo’s callousnessI truly got wrenching book I would suggest to those contemplating moving in together.Hazel Hayes your book speaks to us on many levels.I look forward to your next read.

For a book about a break up to be about so, so much more than a break up while maintaining focus on said breakup is incredible in itself. Im not actively going through a heartbreak, nor can I say I've had my heart broken in a similar way, yet this story gripped a core in me.Hazel's unique story lay out allows for a display of what feels like irrelevant, slice of life details that eventually root into a feeling and experience directly connected with the rise and downfall of the relationship, stirs my lust for the human experience of life.The unashamed use of topics of love, depression, existential anxiety, and passion reminded me in these dull and bleak times that I am a complex person, with a complex story, just as the rest of humanity is, trying to figure life out.A much needed reminder in such a captivating story format, easy to follow once you get a-hang onit.

At first I didn’t know if I would be able to finish the book. I was burdened by the description of the relationship and it’s never ending focus. But somehow, about a third of the way in, I fell into the story. The author’s beautiful and must of all honest words lured me. I could not wait to get into bed at night and read the interwoven story of the characters. Time traveling back and forth w tidbits of glimpse into why things ended the way they did. I fell in love w out of love. Looking forward to her next novel. I’m a fan!!

This book was wonderful. Impressive as a debut novel. Very much enjoyed her writing style. I found myself appreciating so many of her descriptive sentences. Never felt like someone had a thesaurus at their elbow, just an evocatively pleasant flow. I took off one star because I don’t like the insertion of gratuitous same sex stuff for the sake of it, or to appease the masses. Very relatable otherwise.

Hazel Hayes has always had a way with words - her past endeavours in film and YouTube have made that very clear - and her skill as a storyteller is put on show in "Out of Love".The story structure - telling a love story in reverse - is simultaneously heartbreaking and hopeful. I read each page intentionally, highlighting and reacting (sometimes emotionally) as I went.Hazel has said that she went to her own dark places to tell this story and consequently the protagonist's emotional journey is raw and real. One chapter in particular absolutely broke me and provoked an almost visceral reaction.Ultimately, "Out of Love" is a reminder that while we may sink into the depths of darkness as we grieve and process traumas, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The route may not be clear but the destination is always a possibility - and that's reason enough to get up and keep moving.(Also, everybody needs a Maya.)

SUCH a good book. It will rip your heart out but worth it.

Too much use of the F and C word for my liking. I get the sense that the authors favorite show is Fleabag. Some sexy girl on girl scenes. Nothing against her style, still an entertaining read.Other reviews comment on the dull boyfriend, but I think that's the point: that we all build our lives around someone who isn't extraordinary, just to still find ourselves morning the loss of the parts of ourselves and lives we created with somone. A fresh sense of honesty

Me gustó mucho el libro.

I have been looking forward to reading this book and it did not disappoint!What a clever way of laying out a love story, there is hope in the end. xx

This is a really beautifully written, the story is extremely capturing (read through it in 2 days) and so heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time!

The book arrived with super greasy cover on both sides

I really wanted to give this book a chance as I like the author but it feels like reading what could be a blog post.