Hvis det er os
by Adam Silvera, Becky Albertalli
- First published 2018
- 449 pages
- Danish
Arthur, a hopeless romantic visiting New York for the summer, believes in grand, Broadway-style love stories, convinced the universe has a plan for him. Ben, a New Yorker grappling with a recent breakup, thinks the universe should mind its own business. When their paths collide in a chaotic, unforgettable moment at a post office, it feels like destiny. But a sudden separation leaves them wondering if that chance encounter was a beginning or merely a fleeting spark.
As they navigate the sprawling city, searching for each other and attempting to recreate that initial magic, Arthur and Ben find themselves caught in a series of near misses, awkward first dates, and the messy realities of falling for someone new. This story explores whether fate is truly at play or if love requires more than just a cosmic push. Discover if two different boys, brought together by an improbable moment, can truly make a relationship work before their time runs out.
As they navigate the sprawling city, searching for each other and attempting to recreate that initial magic, Arthur and Ben find themselves caught in a series of near misses, awkward first dates, and the messy realities of falling for someone new. This story explores whether fate is truly at play or if love requires more than just a cosmic push. Discover if two different boys, brought together by an improbable moment, can truly make a relationship work before their time runs out.
- Mood
- Funny
- Where and when
- New York City
What readers say
3.80
173K ratings across the web 6 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
The book is widely praised for its charming and lovable main characters, Arthur and Ben, whose individual personalities are well-developed and relatable despite their flaws. Reviewers often highlight the strong representation, featuring gay protagonists (Arthur is also Jewish and has ADHD, while Ben is Puerto Rican), written by OwnVoices authors. This offers a welcome "post coming out" narrative and explores themes of identity, privilege, and cultural heritage. Many found the co-authorship seamless, with the two distinct writing styles blending effectively. The story is described as heartwarming, humorous, and inspiring, with a unique "missed connection" premise that leads to a realistic and often awkward portrayal of a budding romance, complete with supportive friendships and family dynamics.
Despite its strengths, several reviewers noted a significant lack of a strong plot beyond the central romance, leading to a feeling of the story being slow or meandering at times. A common critique is the perceived absence of chemistry between Arthur and Ben, with some finding their relationship unconvincing or forced, particularly in the initial stages. One character, Ben, drew criticism for his internal thoughts about Arthur and his treatment of him in certain scenes, which some readers found off-putting. Another frequently mentioned negative is the overwhelming number of pop culture references, particularly to musicals and fantasy franchises. While some enjoyed these, many found them excessive, cringeworthy, and distracting, occasionally feeling like they overshadowed the original narrative.
Overall, the book elicits a mixed but generally positive reception, often described as an entertaining novel with both ups and downs. The ending is a point of significant division among readers; some lauded its realistic and mature approach to young adult relationships, while others expressed disappointment over its departure from a traditional romantic conclusion. This book would likely appeal to readers who enjoy diverse contemporary romance, especially those who appreciate a realistic and sometimes messy portrayal of love rather than a purely fluffy one. It is particularly recommended for fans of the individual authors and those seeking queer coming-of-age stories that delve into character development and complex friendship dynamics, provided they don't mind a less plot-driven narrative and frequent pop culture allusions.
Despite its strengths, several reviewers noted a significant lack of a strong plot beyond the central romance, leading to a feeling of the story being slow or meandering at times. A common critique is the perceived absence of chemistry between Arthur and Ben, with some finding their relationship unconvincing or forced, particularly in the initial stages. One character, Ben, drew criticism for his internal thoughts about Arthur and his treatment of him in certain scenes, which some readers found off-putting. Another frequently mentioned negative is the overwhelming number of pop culture references, particularly to musicals and fantasy franchises. While some enjoyed these, many found them excessive, cringeworthy, and distracting, occasionally feeling like they overshadowed the original narrative.
Overall, the book elicits a mixed but generally positive reception, often described as an entertaining novel with both ups and downs. The ending is a point of significant division among readers; some lauded its realistic and mature approach to young adult relationships, while others expressed disappointment over its departure from a traditional romantic conclusion. This book would likely appeal to readers who enjoy diverse contemporary romance, especially those who appreciate a realistic and sometimes messy portrayal of love rather than a purely fluffy one. It is particularly recommended for fans of the individual authors and those seeking queer coming-of-age stories that delve into character development and complex friendship dynamics, provided they don't mind a less plot-driven narrative and frequent pop culture allusions.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- CarlsenPuls, 2018
- ISBN
- 9788711900062
- Language
- Danish
Original edition Wat als dit het is Originally published in 2018 · Dutch · Blossom Books
