The trouble with The Trouble with Henry and Zoe was that I didn’t like the characters of Henry and Zoe enough to care about their troubles. I was disappointed by this novel, as I’ve generally enjoyed the other Andy Jones books I’ve read.
The story follows two hipsters (guess their names?) who, through various coincidences, eventually get together. However, each of them has a secret that will possibly put a spanner in the works, if the other was to find out. Although it’s a contemporary romance, it’s as much about loss, anger and confusion than finding love. All the Andy Jones trademarks are there: dry humour, complex relationships, credible characters, family tension, realistic dialogue. It just didn’t work for me, mainly because I wasn’t keen on Henry and Zoe themselves but also quite a lot of the narrative was describing past relationships rather than what was happening in the present. Moreover, I found the descriptions of Henry’s jobs (he is both a dentist and a hairdresser) a little too unpleasantly detailed.
If you want a realistic novel about the complexities of modern relationships, with a good helping of humour, this book is worth a read, but it doesn’t compare favourably to Andy Jones’ others.
First published in 2016 by Simon and Schuster.
Aw man, sorry to hear that this doesn’t stand up to other novels by this author. Great honest review though. 🙂
Thanks 😀 I was kind of disappointed as I liked his other ones, it makes me more cautious about reading any more that he writes.
I like romance better when it’s not just about romance 🙂 great post!
Thanks 🙂 The romance as such was very down to earth and more emotional agony than anything else.
Sounds like fun, actually. Thanks!
Well, it’s fun at some parts but not others. Whether you like the book generally depends on if you like the characters!
That first line though! 🤣
I am sooo sorry that you didn’t enjoy this one as much as the previous ones by this author, whom I hadn’t heard about before today! AND NOW I FEEL LIKE READING ONE OF HIS BOOKS, because you enjoyed them so! 😍
I agree though, it spoils the whole reading experience if you find yourself being indifferent towards the characters!
But hey..AT LEAST THE COVER’S CUTE! 🤷🏻♀️😉
Loved the review, AS ALWAYS, N! 😘❤️
Genius first line, right?! 😉 If you want to read Andy Jones, you could try Just the Two of Us or Girl 99. Agree the cover is cute, in fact that’s what I like most about this book! Thanks :)♥
Just the Two of Us sounds cool! That’s the one! Going to look it up now! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH DOR THE REC, N! 😘😘❤️