August has been quite eventful! For my Book Reflections August 2024, I focused on just one book this time. What?! Yes! I dedicated much of my time to watching the Olympics in Paris with great enthusiasm and joy every day. It was so magical. Alongside that, I’ve been back to my regular training routine, busy creating content, and working on new projects while also carving out time to spend more time in nature. So, unfortunately, there wasn’t much time to read novels this month.
Time. Time. Time. lol
FOREVER, INTERRUPTED by Taylor Jenkins Reid
(first published: July 9, 2013; Publisher: Washington Square Press; 328 pages, Paperback)
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
(read book: August 17, 2024)
(Attention, attention: This review contains spoilers)
But let me tell you about Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid, because OMG, Reid’s done it again: she totally hooked me in.
This book left such an impression on me that I’m still thinking about it days and weeks later.
The Plot: A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Romance and Grief
Oh, let me tell you: there I was on a Friday morning on the Berlin U5 (subway), starting the book, and within the first three pages, it was clear that the love story between Elsie and Ben would end in Ben’s death. I had a hard time not crying on a packed subway. My heart! It took me some time to collect myself before I could go meet my friend for coffee and a cinnamon roll.
Wow, I’m truly impressed how we can hold so many emotions all at once. It’s absolutely fascinating to me. But I’m digressing.
So, if you’re looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you reflecting on life, love, and loss, this is the one. It’s hard to believe that this is Taylor Jenkins Reid’s debut novel because she writes with such wisdom and empathy, capturing the complexities of human emotions like a seasoned pro.
Now, let me give you a quick rundown of the plot. Forever, Interrupted follows the story of Elsie Porter, a young woman living in Los Angeles who meets Ben Ross in a charmingly unexpected way—while picking up a pizza.
What starts as a chance encounter quickly turns into a whirlwind romance. Ben is everything Elsie never knew she wanted: spontaneous, funny, and head-over-heels in love with her. They’re one of those couples who just click, you know? In only a couple of months, they’re married, blissfully happy, and dreaming of a future together.
But then, just as they are at their happiest, a heart-wrenching tragedy strikes. Only nine days after their wedding, Ben is killed in a sudden accident. Elsie’s world is shattered, and she finds herself drowning in grief. As if that’s not enough, she meets his mother, Susan, at the hospital. Ben never told his mother about Elsie or their marriage, so Susan’s initial reaction is filled with shock and disbelief. Overwhelmed by her own grief, she reacts with anger, unable to reconcile this stranger with the son she’s just lost.
What follows is a deeply emotional journey as Elsie and Susan, both grappling with their own grief, learn to lean on each other and navigate their shared loss. Through a series of flashbacks that switch between the present and Elsie’s memories of her life with Ben, Reid gradually unfolds their love story and the devastating impact of his death. The story’s structure adds layers to the narrative, slowly revealing the full picture of Elsie and Ben’s relationship and making the emotional moments hit even harder.
Elsie Porter: A Journey Through Love and Loss
Elsie Porter is the heart and soul of Forever, Interrupted. At the beginning of the novel, Elsie is portrayed as a carefree and somewhat impulsive young woman. She’s enjoying her life in Los Angeles, going through the motions of a routine existence, until she meets Ben, who unexpectedly changes her life. Elsie is relatable in her imperfections—she’s someone who falls head over heels for love, throws caution to the wind, and lives in the moment.
—Drawing from my own experience, this “head-over-heels” kind of love isn’t something I’d generally recommend. In most cases, it can lead to a trauma bond and become unhealthy. Personally, I’m not as fond of these whirlwind romances as I used to be. However, Taylor Jenkins Reid has a way of making Elsie and Ben’s love story feel authentic and believable. There are exceptions, certainly. But as a mentor and coach for women, I always say, “Ladies, go for the slow burn!”
After the tragic loss of Ben, Elsie’s character shifts dramatically. She is thrust into a world of grief for which she is entirely unprepared, and Reid doesn’t shy away from showing every painful facet of Elsie’s mourning. Grief changes us, shapes us, and is incredibly hard to navigate.
I love how Reid masterfully portrays the challenges, pain, and utter despair that come with grief through Elsie’s character. She experiences intense emotional swings, moving from moments of deep despair and sadness to flashes of anger and frustration. This raw and realistic portrayal of grief showcases Elsie’s vulnerability, making her a character that readers can empathize with deeply. Personally, I could feel every bit of it, and it helped me process some of my own grief from losing someone I loved dearly through a tragic event.
I grew along with Elsie as I turned page after page. I love how, throughout the novel, Elsie’s growth is evident. Stories like these can help people who have gone through similar experiences or are currently navigating loss and grief see that there is hope. They remind us that while nothing will ever be the same again and our loved ones cannot come back, there is still the potential for something new to grow—a new life without our loved ones, filled with new people and experiences.
In Forever, Interrupted, Elsie starts off as someone who sees herself primarily through the lens of her relationship with Ben. But as she navigates the painful journey of losing him, she learns to find strength within herself. Her grief journey is not linear; it’s marked by back-and-forth steps that reflect the real, often chaotic, and utterly messy process of healing. The writing style, with its back-and-forth progression, reflects this all the more.
By the end of the novel, Elsie emerges as a more introspective and resilient individual, having found a way to carry Ben’s memory with her while also rediscovering her own identity and joy for life.
Ben Ross: The Heartfelt Charm of a Lost Love
Although Ben Ross is not present for much of the story, his character profoundly impacts the narrative and the lives of those he left behind. Through flashbacks, readers get to know Ben as a man who is full of life, warmth, and love. He’s the kind of person who lights up a room, charming everyone with his infectious enthusiasm and spontaneity. Ben is deeply romantic and isn’t afraid to take risks for love, which is beautifully illustrated in how quickly he falls for Elsie and decides to marry her.
I adore that about Ben’s character: he knows what he wants and goes all in. He’s not the typical guy who, in the back of his mind, thinks the grass is greener somewhere else. He is sure about his love for Elsie and claims her in the way a woman wants to be claimed—a masculine trait that makes a woman feel safe and deeply loved.
Ben’s character serves as both a symbol of Elsie’s deep loss and the catalyst for her growth. Despite his early death, Ben’s presence is felt throughout the novel, not only in Elsie’s memories but also in how he influences the people around him, particularly Elsie and his mother, Susan. The flashbacks reveal a layered personality—someone who had his own fears and insecurities but was ultimately defined by his capacity for love and his commitment to the people he cared about. There’s nothing more beautiful than a man caring and loving with all of his heart.
Ben’s sudden death adds to the tragedy because it feels like he is taken away just as we’re getting to know him.
Reid uses Ben’s character to explore themes of love and loss, emphasizing how the impact of a person’s life can extend far beyond their physical presence. His role in the story is a testament to the idea that love, once given, never truly disappears; it remains, shaping and changing those who experienced it.
My heart is deeply in love with Forever, Interrupted
And I repeat, Forever, Interrupted was Reid’s debut; she has gotten even better at portraying the complexity of her characters. I’m in awe of her.
Susan: From Grieving Mother to Unexpected Ally
Susan, Ben’s mother, is a character who undergoes significant development throughout the novel. Initially introduced as a grieving mother in shock, Susan’s reaction to Elsie’s sudden appearance in her life is understandable but harsh. Her grief is compounded by the discovery that her son had a secret life she knew nothing about—a new wife and a whole chapter of his existence that was hidden from her. This revelation creates a complex emotional landscape for Susan, who feels betrayed, lost, and angry, understandably so!
At first, Susan’s disbelief and anger towards Elsie are palpable. She cannot fathom how her son could have married someone without telling her, which makes her feel even more isolated in her grief. Reid paints a vivid picture of a mother who is not only mourning the loss of her only child but also grappling with the realization that she did not know him as well as she thought.
As the story progresses, Susan’s character softens, and she begins to see Elsie not as an outsider but as someone who is suffering just as much as she is. This shift is gradual and feels authentic, reflecting the complexity of human emotions and the unpredictability of grief. The more readers get to know Susan, the more they can empathize with and understand her.
Susan’s evolution from a defensive, heartbroken mother and widow to a source of support for Elsie is, in my opinion, one of the novel’s most compelling arcs. Through her relationship with Elsie, Susan finds a way to keep Ben’s memory alive while also forging a new, unexpected bond. I believe this is Susan’s opportunity to start a new chapter in her life, as she now has a friend and daughter-in-law who is experiencing the same loss. Together, they help each other navigate a new way of life.
By the end of the novel, Susan has grown to accept Elsie as part of her life. Her transformation highlights the redemptive power of empathy and connection, and it shows that even in the darkest moments, there is room for understanding, healing, and ultimately new beginnings.
Narrative Style and Storytelling
What I loved most about Forever, Interrupted is how Reid tells the story. She has a way of pulling the reader in from page.
The chapters jump back and forth between the past and the present, slowly peeling back the layers of Elsie and Ben’s relationship, revealing their complex characters but also the intensity of their love.
This back-and-forth style adds so much depth to the narrative, and I personally love, when authors use this type of structer and storytelling.
It’s like getting to know a friend by hearing all their stories out of order, making each revelation feel even more intimate. This way of storytelling lets you feel the full weight of Elsie’s loss while also showing you the beauty of the love she and Ben shared. It actually is intesified by using the back-and-forth-structure.
This novel is a beautiful, poignant reminder that even the shortest of loves can leave a lasting impact.
Elsie’s Grieving Process
I think we don’t talk enough about grief, and that’s why I have to talk about Elsie’s grieving process because Reid really doesn’t hold back here, which I appreciate a lot.
Elsie’s journey through grief is messy and unpredictable, just like in real life. She goes through all the stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and eventually, acceptance—but not in a neat, linear way. There are days when she feels like she’s moving forward and others when she’s pulled right back into her sorrow. I found this portrayal so realistic and relatable. It’s not often you see grief depicted so authentically in fiction. Reid doesn’t sugarcoat it or rush Elsie’s healing; she lets her character feel every emotion fully, which makes her eventual steps toward acceptance and healing all the more meaningful.
Why You Should Grab A Copy
Honestly, Forever, Interrupted is one of those books that just stays with you. It’s about love and loss, yes, but also about the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Taylor Jenkins Reid has written a debut that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful, a story that makes you appreciate every moment of love and reminds you that even in the darkest times, there’s a path forward. If you haven’t read this one yet, please do. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably want to hug someone you love right after. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.
Beyond Forever, Interrupted: Reviews of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Books
Book Picks for September 2024
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt
- Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
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Other Book Recommendations
- Daphnis and Chloé by Longus
- By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho
All Lost In Pages Posts
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- LOST IN PAGES: BOOK REFLECTIONS, APRIL 2024 – THE HEROINE’S JOURNEY
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