I feel like 50 pages could easily be edited out of Henry's 410 but, that quibble aside, it's a breeze to read, with nuanced characterizations, brisk setpieces... and Henry's deft wit.
Funny Story is classic Henry. It’s a meet-cute in a non-patronizing way. It’s a modern love story, and one that you won’t be mad is slightly predictable — because it makes you feel good and makes you believe in a thing called love.
Henry creates a world that is charming, beautiful, and welcoming without being Hallmark saccharine ... But where Funny Story fails to deliver is on the pretend-lovers front, and the book ultimately amounts to another friends-to-lover story ... As always, Henry knows what she’s doing with Funny Story, but in making Daphne, Miles, and Waning Bay feel real and poignant, she misses out on the opportunity for a few more shenanigans.
Reliable bestseller Henry has written another surefire hit that manages to be dramatic, sexy, and fun. Miles and Daphne have chemistry that leaps off the page, and their will-they-or-won’t-they energy propels the story to its satisfying conclusion. Daphne is an immensely likable character, one whose past realistically informs her current relationships. The world of Waning Bay is charmingly quirky, and Daphne’s co-workers at the library are endearing. As always, Henry’s biggest strength is the sharp, often hilarious dialogue that makes the story a joy to read.
