I was unprepared for quite how much window-steaming there would be in The End of Romance, a sly subversion and exemplar of the form ... Why this otherwise self-actualized young woman doesn’t simply divorce her abusive husband is a psychological mystery the novel leaves open-ended ... While ostensibly questioning society’s strictures, Meyer is ringing a good old-fashioned love triangle ... It doesn’t mothball the bodice-ripper...but does rejigger its seams.
Meyer pulls from philosophical works without ever teetering into overly academic territory ... The novel starts slow ... A cleverly written modern-day love story that Meyer deftly draws to a satisfying conclusion, inviting readers to revel in Sylvie’s emotions along the way.
A less capable writer would stumble under the weight of the book’s intricate themes, but Meyer’s prose is both graceful and skillful. A charming and complex book full of intellect, humor, and—despite its title—romance.
Sharp and sexy ... Meyer’s writing is propulsive, and Sylvie makes for a believably complicated protagonist as she puts Robbie and Abie through the ringer while exploring her thesis and trying to recover from her marriage. This thought-provoking novel pulls off big ideas and steamy romance all at once.
