Book Review: The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

The Idea of You

by Robinne Lee

Synopsis:

Solène Marchand, the thirty-nine-year-old owner of an art gallery in Los Angeles, is reluctant to take her daughter, Isabelle, to meet her favorite boy band. But since her divorce, she’s more eager than ever to be close to Isabelle. The last thing Solène expects is to make a connection with one of the members of the world-famous August Moon. But Hayes Campbell is clever, winning, confident, and posh, and the attraction is immediate. That he is all of twenty years old further complicates things.

What begins as a series of clandestine trysts quickly evolves into a passionate and genuine relationship. It is a journey that spans continents as Solène and Hayes navigate each other’s worlds: from stadium tours to international art fairs to secluded hideaways in Paris and Miami. For Solène, it is a reclaiming of self, as well as a rediscovery of happiness and love. When Solène and Hayes’ romance becomes a viral sensation, and both she and her daughter become the target of rabid fans and an insatiable media, Solène must face how her romantic life has impacted the lives of those she cares about most.

Review:

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee follows Solene Marchand, a 39-year-old art gallery owner. She had just divorced and was excited to spend more time with her 12-year-old daughter Isabelle. Her ex-husband persuaded her to take her to a concert by a popular boy band called August Moon in order for her to grow closer to her daughter. They were fortunate to be invited to an after-party with the band, and it was then that she met one of the band members, Hayes Cambell, an intriguing, inquiring, and charming 20-year-old who took an instant liking to her. What follows is a series of covert encounters, flirtation, and trysts. How long can she maintain up with Hayes' popularity? Will she be able to manage how the public perceives her? Solene now has to deal with the consequences of her actions.

I'm a big fan of books-turned-movies, so when I found out that this novel will be made into a film starring none other than Anne Hathaway, I instantly took it from the library and read it. After reading the summary, I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read it.

I'm divided about how much I appreciated the full narrative of Solene and Hayes after completing this book. It's fiery, charming, and perplexing. These are some of the words I use to define myself and this book. It's fiery because Solene and Hayes' love for each other is so intense that it burns. Charming because their approach to their relationship is wonderful until it isn't. Confusion arises from the topic of whether it is ethically acceptable for an older woman to date a younger man or for a younger man to date an older woman. This book has really opened my eyes.

It's an important theme in this novel because Solene is debating whether or not to continue her connection with Hayes. I understand her point of view; she has a daughter, was just divorced, and being in a relationship with a younger man has ramifications. Her pain is real and understandable, yet it was inevitable.

To summarize, I believe our culture is so harsh that we are condemned regardless of whether we do the correct thing. This book handles a sensitive subject in a way that I feel is flawlessly executed. If you're seeking for a book that will catch your curiosity, I recommend this one. 

That’s all for now ~

- Jay xx

P.S.

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