Love Me, Love Me Not is the second novel written by Kirsty Capes. Her debut novel, Careless, was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2022.
I really enjoyed Careless, I liked Kirsty Capes’ writing style and I thought it was a fantastic debut. I was therefore excited to read her latest novel, Love Me, Love Me Not.
The book was published in 2022 and is available to buy now.
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Plot
Lucy Banbury, a woman who thrives on order and secrecy, seems to have her life perfectly organised. She maintains a strict routine, swims regularly, and is on the brink of a significant promotion at work. Additionally, she is dating someone who appears to be the ideal partner on paper.
However, everything changes when she uncovers the truth at a family wedding: she is adopted. The revelation shatters her carefully constructed world, and the cracks in her façade begin to emerge. With her secrets unravelling and her true identity at stake, Lucy grapples with the challenge of maintaining her carefully crafted persona while facing the inner turmoil of her hidden past.
Love Me, Love Me Not Book Review
I really enjoyed this book. Kirsty Capes seems to have a real talent of capturing modern life and I love how authentic her characters are. I really liked how she highlighted the illusion of social media perfection and Lucy’s desire to be seen as thriving.
Lucy was a fantastic character – flawed, infuriating at times but ultimately really relatable. She was socially awkward, prickly and defensive as she tried to mask her vulnerability and insecurity. I enjoyed being on that journey of self-discovery with Lucy as she realised she didn’t have to constantly pretend to be somebody she wasn’t.
I felt fully immersed in the story and Lucy’s world. Her friends and family felt authentic and real, as did her struggles to communicate with them. Lucy is someone who craves organisation and so when her life becomes increasingly chaotic I could completely emphasise with her panic and anxiety.
The narrative delved into sensitive topics like mental health, abuse, and alcoholism, and I appreciated the thoughtful handling of these themes.
I enjoyed the tentative steps Lucy took when opening up to flatmate Cam and how patient he was with her. The reader grows to love Lucy alongside her flatmates and friends as she began to reveal more of her true self.
What to read next
If you enjoyed Love Me, Love Me Not I’d recommend you also read Careless by Kirsty Capes. It was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and was really brilliant.
If you’re looking for books with a similar theme to Love Me, Love Me Not, I’d suggest Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors and Another Life by Jodie Chapman.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.