For fans of graphic novels and historical fiction, you’ve got to read I Shall Never Fall in Love. This queer historical fiction is about celebrating the presence of queer stories and love throughout time. We have always been there. It’s a story which honors the challenges of the past, and living with the limited options, while also celebrating love. Keep reading this book review of I Shall Never Fall in Love for my full thoughts.
Summary
George has major problems: They’ve just inherited the failing family estate, and the feelings for their best friend, Eleanor, have become more complicated than ever. Not to mention, if anyone found out they were secretly dressing in men’s clothes, George is sure it would be ruination for the family name.
Eleanor has always wanted to do everything “right,” including falling in love—but she’s never met a boy she was interested in. She’d much rather spend time with her best friend, George, and beloved cousin Charlotte. However, when a new suitor comes to town, she finds her closest friendships threatened, forcing her to rethink what “right” means and confront feelings she never knew she had.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Inspired by Jane Austen, I Shall Never Fall in Love is like The Prince and the Dressmaker meets historical fiction regency era. Featuring queer representation, I Shall Never Fall in Love balances the opportunities for these queer characters in the past, while also celebrating love. With precious moments, I Shall Never Fall in Love is a delight. There are some beautiful scenes of George finding others, to know we aren’t alone, to find a community. For queer folks to figure out how to survive, to make compromises, and to also find their own happiness.
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For these characters, they have to all examine their images of what their future could be like. In a world that limits our opportunities, what kind of future can we make for ourselves? With a gorgeous color palette, witnessing George come into their own is equally gorgeous. Find I Shall Never Fall in Love on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, & Blackwells.