Talking at Night: A Novel

I debated about this book between a 4.75 and a 5 star mostly because of the way I am used to reading with quotations. I finally settled on the 5 because of how well the characters were written. I think Will put much more into the relationship than Rosie however, it was not intentionally just the way she was wired. I typically hate characters like hers with a constant back and forth but her thoughts and her ability to take ownership for her behavior was what kept me engaged and in love with both of them. I was also afraid with the various issues both had, the book would make it like their love would solve it all however, it did not. I love how the book highlights it was a constant battle for both and the constant forgiving and tough love taken and given from both characters. I am in love with this book and I am emotional just thinking about it.

This fictional novel got my interest right from the start. It’s a story that maybe many people can relate to and find the solutions. I recommend this book and it is a short read and will hold your interest.

This was my first read of the year and I finished it in one setting. I just could not put it down. It’s not your typical romance novel.and feels as if you’re getting a peak into someone’s life. I loved it!

This was a book I nearly put down several times but stuck with. It is beautifully written; almost magical. Yet the story itself is so tedious. There never seemed to be a good reason, to me, why Rosie and Will weren’t together. The entire novel is them pulling apart, then crashing back together.The author is a talented writer; I’d just like to see her write a novel that is less arduous.

Good book, mid writing but overall good book

TALKING AT NIGHT is the story of Will, who everyone views as a handsome wild child, but in reality is a deep thinker, angered by the circumstances of his life, without any meaningful way to move past his own past. Then he meets Rosie, the "good girl" who lives to live up to her mother's expectations while ignoring her own unique talents. Will and Rosie befriend each other but circumstances continue to keep them apart in spite of their deep feelings for each other. Daverley beautifully exposed their inner thoughts and emotions and why they do the things they do. While there were moments in the book when I wanted to shout at both Will and Rosie to get themselves on the right track, it was amazing to experience their lives as they move from being teenagers to fully realized adults. And it is a great book for anyone who has ever felt that they settled, instead of following their dream. Fans of Sally Rooney's NORMAL PEOLE will enjoy this book.

I would say the first 3/5 of this book was just so heart wrenching. I felt every emotion, I was a part of them. The second 2/5 felt somewhat drawn out and predictable, sort of repetitive. But, that’s me being critical. Overall it was a good read that I’ve recommended.Additional note: Some people have compared it to normal people which I do see the comparison but I will always rank normal people above anything else like it!

Fiction writing 101: Figure out what your main character wants and don’t let them have it.In Talking At Night, a lovely, sad, and devastating novel, neither Rosie or Will get what they want.Shy, reserved, rule following Rosie is twin to fun loving, loud, charming Josh. They come from privilege, though from parents who are closed off and cold. Rosie is serious about her studies and focused on her future; Josh less so. In their final year of high school, he is tutored by Will in higher level math.No one quite knows what’s going on with Will, raised along with his sister by their grandmother. His family doesn’t have a lot, he’s got no wish to attend college, he rides a motorbike and smokes…and he’s dangerous because of some unspoken incident that had him suspended from school for a year.One night at a bonfire, Rosie sits down next to Will and there’s an undeniable connection. They talk late into the night, sensing something is about to happen between them.Then two incidents happen in quick succession that push them apart.But time and time again, spanning more than 30 years, Rosie and Will find one another. Desperate to let each other go because of the pain they inevitably cause, neither can do it.And so year after year they dance to music only they can hear. It’s a lifetime of missed opportunities, chances taken, risks avoided.This one feels personal to me as it often feels like a mirror held up to my life.Highly recommend. This one will stay with you.