Why "It Only Happens in The Movies" is the Romance Book You Need Right Now !

I think you have encountered almost all the clichés in romantic films, the tears, the laughter, the happy ever afters, the hardships pulled off without breaking a sweat, fantastically engineered meets and the over the top antics involving declarations of love. Still, It Only Happens in The Movies cages the very tropes that one would use rather lightly. Now picture a fairy tale that breaks all the rules of conventional writing. A book that is as refreshingly true and untidy as life is. Curious? Read on.

In a time where most romantic comedies and even romance novels are generic, It Only Happens in The Movies by Holly Bourne is a breath of Fresh air. It is the type of a book that will delight, disgust or even bring you to tears as it attempts to portray the realistic aspects of love. Given that you are exhausted by tales that promise you the existence of a utopian ‘perfect’ relationship in real life, this work makes a very welcome change. But beware: once you start, you are guaranteed to finish it. And the icing on the cake? It will alter the perception of love forever.

In this overview, we will explore central ideas and protagonists without giving too much of the plot away. Whether you are a romantic literature addict or someone who enjoys more relatable romantic plots, this grievance is for you. So, let us explore why it is that It Only Happens in The Movies may be your next favorite book.

1. Introducing Audrey: The Anti-Romantic Protagonist

Audrey is a high school girl who features prominently in It Only Happens in The Movies, and her keen aversion to love is informed by the trouble she went through after a bad breakup. Most heroines in romance novels sit and wait for a shining knight or build castles in the air of everlasting love. Now, this is not the case with Audrey. In fact she is quite the opposite, and quite frankly, is it such a surprise? There are a lot of reasons for her pessimism given her own experiences with love after watching her parents’ relationship fall apart and having undergone one heartbreak herself.

But this is the interesting bit: Audrey starts working in a local cinema and gets acquainted with Harry, a typical rebel. I know this may give off a K-Drama Plot vibes, but you will know that this is in no way true. Actually Audrey is on the active con campaign as far as Harry is concerned- or should we say, for how much longer?

So here it is: Harry seems to be all that, but is he really or is this yet another Harry, who will soon be shelved?

2. Shattering the Love Ideals- a Few at a Time

What is particularly gratifying about It Only Happens in The Movies, is the fact that it gives a realistic perspective of the unrealistic aspects of love that we read about in movies and novels. As a chore for one of her classes in film study, Audrey discusses in details the reasons why romantic comedies are full of crap, and boy do we readers have to come along. Bourne uses Audrey’s disdain for the picture to such and such university boy who likes a good girl, who has only good qualities and comes from a good family, and such and such universal happy ending that ties everything up.

Audrey inquires why positive emotions are too readily apparent in films but in reals, love and relationships are far from being that easy. It's a discussion we have all had with friends at one point or another or even to ourselves, hence its fascinating to read putting it in a book.

Now, I understand you thinking, “I am a devotee of romantic comedies; do I truly want to read a work that would presumable antagonize them?” But this is where the novel It Only Happens in The Movies excels. It does not dispense with romance altogether; it merely explains to you that love can be and actually is, messy, and awkward, but beautiful all the same. You can still have rom-coms, but it helps to know that they are all fantasies.

But is this all there is to this analysis?

3. Today’s Relationships Perspectives

Audrey’s story does not consist of just condemning certain tendencies and patterns of Hollywood. This is also about other relationships: the romantic and the familial ones as well, and how difficult it is to manage even them. Her interaction with Harry is complex, to say the least, and this part of the novel deals with the difficulties of allowing people even closer when one has been hurt already. It's heart-wrenching and realistic – just the type of connection which movie industry does not often portray.

In addition, the family aspect of Audrey’s character makes the circumstances even more interesting. Everyone that has had a family experience will understand the terrible scenario of watching Audrey’s mother try to take care of her after a divorce while still emotionally un-available for her. Bourne’s work effectively highlights the contrast between the ideals and realities of love within families suggesting that the love most often dooms its victims, and it is not about finding Audrey a new partner only.

In case you are concerned that this novel might be too realistic, do not worry, it is interesting nonetheless. There are elements of humor and cleverness, as well as those heartwarming scenes that every romance reader looks for. It just gives a bit more to digest.

4. The Conclusion: More than Just Happy Endings

Lest one assumes from the title, I only wish to state that the conclusion of It Only Happens in The Movies is not that common happy-ever-after. And that is the very reason why it’s the best. The closing seems real, much to the effect that it is the sort of conclusion that one may expect in real life. It does not come with a finishing line, which is understandable. Audrey experiences unexpected growth, but it is the narrator’s insights into love, dignity, and attachments that make this book great.

What is beautiful about this ending, however, is that it is not escapist – it does not give you these fantastical expectations. Rather, it fills you more on the understanding and appreciation with the love that remains incomplete and with the stories that don’t have a happy conclusion.

A debate arises, will she let Harry in? Or will she pick something else entirely?

In summary, It Only Happens in The Movies is the sort of book that lingers even after one has turned the last page. It is indeed a new perspective on romance that also contains humorous observations, sore feelings, and real life characters. For those of you who ever twitched at variations of romcoms or had reservations about the images of love portrayed by cultures, this one will get you in a way you did not expect.

But it is not only a condemnation of the cliches of romantic movies and the unattainable ideals of love within them. It is about personal development, overcoming one’s past and understanding the nature of love beyond fairy tales. So, if you feel like reading a romance that will make you smile and simultaneously disarm you with its honesty – It Only Happens in The Movies has to be the first on the reading list.

Eager to experience Audrey’s world? In that case, do not hesitate – follow the link HERE to order It Only Happens in The Movies, so you will understand what’s all the fuss about this contemporary love story.