The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood: A Review
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Narration: Third-person omniscient
Language: English
Publication: 2021
Overall Rating: 3/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fiction
Narration: 3/5
Plot development: 2.7/5
Writing Style: 3.9/5
Major Characters: Olive Smith, Adom Carslen, Anh Pham, Holden Rodriquez
Brief Overview:
A cute, ordinary, and romantic love story!
“I know it’s scary, being vulnerable, but you can allow yourself to care. You can want to be with people as more than just friends or casual acquaintances.”
“Ik hou van jou, Adam.”
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood is another ordinary love story with a predictable plot and cute romance. But, the story berefts unnecessary drama!
It is not something I liked, to be honest, as I usually do not like such love stories. But, I wanted to give it a read to know what is so special about this novel that it has won half a million readers. It has become a TikTok sensation.
Therefore, I gave it a read, and here is what I have observed.
The Story of The Love Hypothesis?
Adam is a professor and a whole package: the handsome, tall, rich, impolite man who has no interest in dating. However, captivated by Olive’s beauty, his heart skips a beat, but he doesn’t take any initiative.
Months later, a girl in the lab kisses her without his consent. Turns out, the girl is Olive Smith.
Anh Pham, the friend of the protagonist, Olive Smith, is in love with Olive’s boyfriend, but even after their breakup, she cannot date him. However, Olive wants them to be together, so she kisses one of the professors, Adam Carlson. Her kiss turns her wish into reality, and Anh is in a relationship with her love interest. What an easy way to support your friend!
Both the teacher and student start fake-dating as it helps them to achieve what they are aiming for.
However, fake dating turns into real dating, and things become a little complicated when the friend of Adam, Holden Rodriquez, arrives.
Now, Olive has to decide what she really wants and whom she wants to spend her life with.
Review of The Love Hypothesis:
While the whole tale is full of romance and the theme of love prevails in the novel, the author doesn’t forget to add a feminist touch. To illustrate, Olive does not let her love affect her studies, nor does Adam. Both of them fall in love yet maintain their commitment to their careers.
Also, I saw that the story is devoid of unnecessary drama or intense feelings. I liked it. Nonetheless, the story is very predictable, and sometimes, at some points, you feel bored.
However, it does not let the reader stop reading it.
The character development in the novel is slow and little, but unlike other love stories, it is not cringy. One of the obstacles in the way to having a strong story was that it was unrelatable. I cannot recollect if any of the characters or incidents were relatable. In addition to that, the story seems unreal. For me, reflection of reality is very important in everything, and when it comes to writing, it is must have in the book. So, this aspect of the novel disappointed me.
To lighten up the mood, the friendship shown is applaudable and refreshing. Why did I like it? Good question!
The author strikes a balance between rationality, emotions, and love in friends. Unlike other friends portrayed in such romances, they value each other above materialistic things.
The rivalry is also very cute.
Writing Style:
The writing style is simple and engaging. And it asks the reader to read the whole story.
Hazelwood has started each chapter with a hypothesis that grabs your attention. Actually, the hypothesis gives you a preview and eases the building tension.
Recommendation:
Yes, if you love love stories, The Love Hypothesis is awaiting you.
