The Rules Do Not Apply
by Ariel Levy
- First published 2017
- 207 pages
- English
Ariel Levy built a life on her own terms, charting a path as a successful writer who traveled the globe and embraced unconventional choices. She pursued a vision of freedom, believing in her ability to craft a destiny where the rules of expectation did not apply to her. This conviction guided her through a vibrant career and an independent spirit, shaping her understanding of ambition, relationships, and womanhood.
Then, in a short span, Levy experienced the rapid unraveling of nearly everything she held dear: a devastating miscarriage during a reporting trip to Mongolia, the dissolution of her marriage, and the loss of her home. This memoir chronicles the raw aftermath of these profound losses, exploring what happens when deeply held assumptions about control and self-determination shatter. It is an honest examination of grief, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of existence, inviting readers to consider the true limits of agency in a life that defies all plans.
Then, in a short span, Levy experienced the rapid unraveling of nearly everything she held dear: a devastating miscarriage during a reporting trip to Mongolia, the dissolution of her marriage, and the loss of her home. This memoir chronicles the raw aftermath of these profound losses, exploring what happens when deeply held assumptions about control and self-determination shatter. It is an honest examination of grief, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of existence, inviting readers to consider the true limits of agency in a life that defies all plans.
What readers say
3.70
36K ratings across the web 6 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Reviewers consistently praise the book for its exceptional writing, frequently describing the prose as exquisite, superb, and impeccable. The author is widely commended as a skilled journalist with a rich vocabulary, capable of crafting compelling sentences and an engaging narrative style. Many found the memoir to be intensely readable, gripping, and emotionally impactful, appreciating the author's unvarnished candor and self-awareness in laying bare difficult personal experiences. Readers often highlighted the book's honesty, its ability to convey profound grief eloquently, and its thought-provoking nature, which challenged their assumptions about both life and the memoir genre itself.
Despite the strong writing, many readers expressed significant reservations, primarily regarding the author's perceived self-centeredness and unexamined privilege. Some found her portrayal of life events to be overly dramatic or sensationalized, failing to offer deeper universal insights. Critics also pointed to a lack of rigorous self-reflection or a clear arc of personal growth, leading to an authorial voice that some found unlikable, whiny, or cold towards others. The book's structure and pacing also drew criticism, with several reviewers describing parts of the narrative as unfocused, badly put together, or a "rambling mess" towards the end, detracting from the overall coherence of the story. Additionally, some readers found certain observations or portrayals within the book to be insensitive or objectionable.
Ultimately, "The Rules Do Not Apply" elicits a highly mixed response, often leaving readers with conflicting feelings of admiration for the writing and frustration with the content or authorial perspective. It is likely to appeal most to those who prioritize exceptional literary prose and appreciate memoirs that delve into profound personal loss and unconventional life choices with raw honesty, even if the protagonist is not always sympathetic. However, readers seeking a clear narrative of personal transformation, a universally relatable journey, or a protagonist who exhibits conventional likability and examined privilege may find the book challenging or disappointing.
Despite the strong writing, many readers expressed significant reservations, primarily regarding the author's perceived self-centeredness and unexamined privilege. Some found her portrayal of life events to be overly dramatic or sensationalized, failing to offer deeper universal insights. Critics also pointed to a lack of rigorous self-reflection or a clear arc of personal growth, leading to an authorial voice that some found unlikable, whiny, or cold towards others. The book's structure and pacing also drew criticism, with several reviewers describing parts of the narrative as unfocused, badly put together, or a "rambling mess" towards the end, detracting from the overall coherence of the story. Additionally, some readers found certain observations or portrayals within the book to be insensitive or objectionable.
Ultimately, "The Rules Do Not Apply" elicits a highly mixed response, often leaving readers with conflicting feelings of admiration for the writing and frustration with the content or authorial perspective. It is likely to appeal most to those who prioritize exceptional literary prose and appreciate memoirs that delve into profound personal loss and unconventional life choices with raw honesty, even if the protagonist is not always sympathetic. However, readers seeking a clear narrative of personal transformation, a universally relatable journey, or a protagonist who exhibits conventional likability and examined privilege may find the book challenging or disappointing.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Random House Publishing Group, 2017
- ISBN
- 9780812996937
- Language
- English
