Red, White & Royal Blue is a fun-filled, emotionally intelligent, romantic comedy, stand-out. It’s great. I’m a huge fan! I’ve read it at least 3 times, and each time I have found it just as enjoyable as the last.
I haven’t read any of the negative reviews for this book, because frankly I’m not willing to take criticism on it. It is exactly what it purports to be, and if people take issue with realism, or the language, or the characterisation I would suggest those people take a moment to ask themselves ‘why am I reading books I know I won’t enjoy?’
This novel is beautifully penned, and whilst in so many places it is funny, and light, and simply a story of two people falling in love, it also engages deeply with grief, societal pressure, mental health, family relationships, betrayal, and the painful trials and tribulations of being a 20-something; unsure and constantly searching for the moment . The moment when you know who, and what, and where you’re meant to be.
Alex and Henry are intimately rendered and carefully fleshed out, so too are their families and friends. This is a book for those who genuinely like romance novels, for those looking for escape and willing to give McQuiston the authorial licence necessary to successfully pull off a story like this. RW&RB is also a book for anyone who thinks their love language might be ‘obscure historical and literary quotations’ and/ or those who think the fair youth sequence is Shakespeare’s best.
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