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First Impression: I wanted to reach inside this book and reinforce Pip’s Paper Heart and save her from her environment.

Paper Heart Book Cover

Before I launch into my review, I would like to express my warm gratitude to Cecelia Ahern, Harper Collins UK, and Netgalley for the Advanced Digital Reader Copy of Paper Heart. For anyone with their eye on this novel, here is my personal review of the book to help you decide whether you are interested or not. All opinions offered are my own.

If I were to describe the plot and mood lyrically, Origami Girl conveys my opinions well. The steady pop of the verses represents the easy, constant pace of the story. In contrast, the soft rock is symbolic of the rebellion we encounter: LINK COMING SOON.

I have followed Ahern from day dot and make no secret of my admiration for her writing. To date, there is only one novel that has not grabbed me in a positive way. Consequently, I had elevated expectations for Paper Heart. I will tell you from the top, I enjoyed the read, but…I did not feel it had an amazing wow factor.

Including the epilogue, Ahern tells the story of young Pip across fifty chapters. Pip gave birth at sixteen years of age, and we start the story at the point where her daughter is sixteen. They both live with Pip’s parents in an environment where Pip’s mother controls everything they do, bringing Bella up as practically her own child. Throughout the story, we encounter Pip struggle for independence, a rightful place as a mother (rather than a sister or a friend), and freedom. Freedom to be herself, to date who she chooses, to move away, to make parental choices. And we are here to watch her navigate those choices.

This is my first Cecelia Ahern book following Into the Storm, which had a bit of a film noir vibe. It was a welcome change and a little dark and twisty for Ahern. Equally, it was familiar to wrap myself in this book where she tackles family and relationship dynamics. The characters were ‘normal.’ We are presented with the overbearing mother, the docile father that goes along with everything for an easy life, the repentant daughter who toes the line, the rebellious teenager vying for independence, and a whole host of secondary characters that help move the action on.

Although the main action takes place over a few weeks, the story wove in Pip’s back story seamlessly. Pip reminded me of people from my past. Reading her life, Pip could easily be your friend or your neighbor with the strict parents that have been ‘shamed’ by their daughter’s promiscuous actions. She is the girl that fell in love and despite the pregnancy, had big dreams for herself, her partner, and the child she was expecting. Instead, the parents, thinking they knew best, stole a lot of decisions from the young couple, which essentially changed the trajectory of their love and ultimately, their lives. And despite the time that has elapsed, as a family, they have struggled to move on and see their daughter for the woman she is.

Parts of the story were painful to read as they dealt with themes of engineered romances, domestic abuse, and unscrupulous business ethics. If this had played out as a movie, these were parts that would have seen me hiding behind my hands and screaming at the screen for people not to follow through with their train of thought and gut feelings. That said, there were also parts where friendships, new and old, were endearing and a source of warmth, laughter, and strength.

Through the chapters, Paper Heart kept a steady pace, but I was disappointed by the end because I felt there were some story threads that were incomplete. Of the ones that were, they felt rushed, although inevitable. Arguably, the characters are fairly well shaped so it would be relatively easy for the reader to carve out a fate for each character, but I would have liked the story to play out for longer and for Ahern to have provided full resolution.

This review would not be complete without reference to the title and Origami Girl. One of Pip’s pastimes is creating origami shapes as she recites short free verse poems. On the surface, it may seem a little detached from the rest of the novel. However, post novel, I felt that the Paper Heart title and the origami creations reflect the fragility of Pip’s heart, and the way that she is shaped by her environment, parents, and peers. Like origami figures, she is folded and bent into others’ ideas of perfection when really, what she needs is to reset, and start as a blank sheet that finds its own purpose in the world. In short, the origami is symbolic of her confines.

Overall, the book was an average read for me. Whilst I enjoyed it, and read at an easy pace, over several reads, I felt it lacked pizzazz. What can I say, I am a sucker for drama and flair. For this reason, the book is a 3 out of 5 stars for me. There are prior Ahern books that I would direct readers to first, before this one. Perhaps, I’m being a little unfair, because part of me is judging the book against Ahern’s other publications rather than an individual book in its own right, when in reality, there are many readers that would easily forego the shock factor and just cozy in for a slice of life.

Quick Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/ R Rated

Have you say: In the book, origami is used as a coping mechanism. What activities do you find calming? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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