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First Impression: Births, Deaths, and Marriages is Four Weddings and a Funeral meets One Day and I am so here for it.

Births, Deaths, and Marriages Book Cover

Before diving in, I want to thank Laura Barnett, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of Births, Deaths, and Marriages. For anyone curious about this novel, here’s my honest review to help you decide if it belongs on your shelf.

Barnett’s Births, Deaths, and Marriages follows six friends whose lives intertwine after the death of a fellow student. Though some had crossed paths before, none truly noticed each other until tragedy brought them together. From that moment, an unbreakable bond forms, one that endures love, distance, and the unpredictable events that shape their adult lives.

Right from the start, this story reminded me of Four Weddings and a Funeral and One Day. Like those classics, it mixes laughter and loss, joy and heartbreak. Each chapter revisits the group during life’s big milestones—births, weddings, funerals—and the emotional pull of those moments is undeniable. Despite time and distance, when they reunite, the connection feels instant, as if no time has passed.

Each character has a distinct personality and voice, making the group dynamic both chaotic and endearing. I loved how their friendships endure through messy entanglements—crushes, affairs, even marriages within the circle. Nothing feels contrived; it’s raw, believable, and deeply human. Their loyalty, though tested, remains the heart of the story.

Barnett’s writing is warm, witty, and emotionally grounded. It’s easy to get swept up in each character’s choices, even when they stumble. That’s part of the charm. These aren’t perfect people, but they feel real. I found myself rooting for everyone, flaws and all. The story captures the rhythm of long-term friendships, the laughter, tension, nostalgia, and quiet forgiveness that define real connection.

With its mature themes, including promiscuity and emotional complexity, I’d recommend Births, Deaths, and Marriages for readers aged sixteen and above. Fans of Nicholas Sparks, David Nicholls, or Jojo Moyes will appreciate the grounded storytelling and heartfelt emotion. This isn’t a book that relies on wild twists or fantasy—it’s a slice of life that celebrates love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship.

I’d rate Births, Deaths, and Marriages 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a thoughtful, beautifully written novel that lingers long after the final page. I occasionally had to reread passages to catch every nuance, but that’s more a reflection of Barnett’s layered prose than any flaw. If you enjoy realistic, character-driven fiction with humour and heart, this one deserves a spot on your reading list.

Quick Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ R Rated

Have you say: In Births, Deaths, and Marriages, there are a lot of main characters to deal with. How do you maintain your focus? Leave your answers in the comments below.

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