This novel called Funny Story actually starts on a rather melodramatic note. The protagonist who also happens to be the narrator of this story is going through a messy breakup after a three-year long relationship. Her feelings just like her life, are all over the place but Daphne Vincent still soldiers on.
She is a thirty-something librarian working at the children’s library in a small town of Michigan. Her decision to shift there in the first place, was purely based on the preference of her ex-fiancé Peter who grew up in that area and still has familial bonds in these places.
One of those familial bonds is Petra- Peter’s longtime friend who despite being in a live-in relationship with Miles for years, decides to walk away with Peter. As I said before, it’s messy and complicated with past, present and future entangling in this humorous tale of love, living places and friendships.
Despite her crushing heartbreak and utter humiliation of being homeless and unsupported in an unfamiliar town, Daphen decides to stick till the Read-a-Thon, an all-night fundraiser run by her library. Besides being the chief organizer and mentor for this program, she has decided to stay because her lifelong friendship with books. Growing up as a solitary kid who was moving from places-to-places with her mom; books became her constant companions especially from a very young age. So, she wants to develop and nurture the same passion for books among the young and enthusiast readers of the children’s library. Once this event concludes then Daphne is going to move away to restart her life in a new place with a new job, perhaps with a new man.
As fate would have it, she finds her home in Miles. It’s him who has provided her a shelter when she had nowhere to go and nobody to turn to. It’s endearing to read how their relationship grows from awkwardness of sharing their exes to friendship leading to a mature understanding. In this journey, Daphne realizes that there is more to Miles than what Petra used to describe and Peter used to ridicule about. Similarly, she also discovers their small town and its locals through Mile’s eyes and their shared experiences.
There is something shifting in Miles too, as he begins to open up with her. He is not afraid to show his battle scars, vulnerability and fractured life to her as Daphne means so much to him in such a little time. He not only opens his home and heart for her but also keep an open door to his life, hoping beyond the hope that she finally drops an anchor and moors herself at one place.
Would that be possible? Will Daphne stay or walk away? Is there any hope for mending the broken hearts of Miles and Daphne in this life?
Well, you have to read this phenomenal book to get answers to all these questions. However, I would definitely recommend this book not only to the fans of romantic genres but to anyone interested in reading about complicated humane emotional storytelling. Contrary to the public opinion, there is enough depth and drama to keep you glued till the last day of Daphne’s countdown. So go pick it up and read on.
Do let me know in the comments if you have read it already and what do you think about it.