Are you in the mood for a captivating and unique young adult novel that seamlessly blends elements of romance, mystery, and science fiction? Look no further than The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry!
This beautifully written novel will take you on a journey through time and space, exploring the power of love, identity, and heritage. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be transported to an alternate version of reality where anything is possible. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the plot, characters, and themes of this unforgettable novel, and hopefully convince you to pick up a copy for yourself!
“This time-traveling, magical, and beautifully written love story definitely deserves a spot on your bookshelf.”
Bustle
Table of Contents [CLICK HERE TO OPEN]
Official Description
The Love that Split the World
Emily Henry’s stunning debut novel is Friday Night Lights meets The Time Traveler’s Wife and perfectly captures those bittersweet months after high school, when we dream not only of the future, but of all the roads and paths we’ve left untaken.
Natalie’s last summer in her small Kentucky hometown is off to a magical start . . . until she starts seeing the “wrong things.” They’re just momentary glimpses at first—her front door is red instead of its usual green, there’s a preschool where the garden store should be. But then her whole town disappears for hours, fading away into rolling hills and grazing buffalo, and Nat knows something isn’t right.
Then there are the visits from the kind but mysterious apparition she calls “Grandmother,” who tells her, “You have three months to save him.” The next night, under the stadium lights of the high school football field, she meets a beautiful boy named Beau, and it’s as if time just stops and nothing exists. Nothing, except Natalie and Beau.
Our Overview
“Sometimes the most beautiful moments in our lives are things that hurt badly at the time. We only see them for what they really were when we stand at the very end and look back.”
The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry is a young adult contemporary novel that follows the story of Natalie Cleary, a Native American teenager from a small town in Kentucky. She is ready to graduate high school and start a new chapter in her life. However, things take an unexpected turn when she starts experiencing strange phenomena, including visions of a mysterious boy named Beau.
As the story progresses, Natalie discovers that she has been experiencing time slips. Here, she is transported to an alternate version of her town where everything is slightly different. In this alternate reality, Natalie meets Beau. Beau seems to know everything about her and has been waiting for her for a long time.
Natalie is drawn to Beau and their deepening connection becomes the focal point of the novel. However, as Natalie continues to experience time slips, she also learns that there is a reason for her experiences and that her connection with Beau is part of a larger purpose.
The plot of the novel is a mixture of romance, mystery, and science fiction. Natalie’s journey to unravel the mystery of her time slips and her connection with Beau is intertwined with her struggles to understand her identity and heritage as a Native American. The novel explores themes such as family, love, loss, grief, and self-discovery.
Throughout the novel, Natalie is supported by her best friend, Meg, and her grandfather. He is a wise and caring figure who tells her stories about her ancestors and helps her understand the power of her heritage. Natalie delves deeper into the mystery of her time slips. She then realizes that she must also confront the truth about her family that have been kept hidden for years.
The novel culminates in a poignant and emotional ending that ties together all the threads of the story.
Our Review
The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry is a captivating and unique novel that seamlessly blends elements of romance, mystery, and science fiction to create a thought-provoking and deeply emotional story. From the very beginning, the novel drew us in with its beautifully written prose and intriguing premise. And it never lets go.
Natalie, the protagonist, is a complex character who struggles with issues of identity, heritage, and grief. As she navigates the mystery of her time slips and her connection with Beau, she also learns to confront her own fears and insecurities. There, ultimately, she discovers the strength within herself to make difficult decisions and face the truth about her past.
The romance between Natalie and Beau also had our hearts fluttering! The chemistry between the two characters is palpable, and their relationship is built on a deep and genuine connection that transcends time and space. The novel explores the idea of soulmates and the power of love to transcend all boundaries. It does so in a way that is both poignant and heartwarming without seeming childish.
Another strength of the novel worth noting is its exploration of Native American culture and heritage. Natalie’s grandfather gives us a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the Native American community. Moreover, the importance of these traditions in shaping one’s identity and sense of self. The novel also tackles cultural appropriation and the struggle to preserve and honor one’s heritage.
The Love That Split the World is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that had us feeling all types of emotions through the journey. It is a story about love, loss, identity, and the power of the past to shape our present and future. Highly recommended for fans of YA contemporary novels that tackle complex themes.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Love that Split the World about?
We follow the story of Natalie and Beau, two teenagers who discover they’re the only people who can see two different versions of their small Kentucky town.
Is A Million Junes a sequel?
Despite some confusion, Henry has confirmed that A Million Junes is not a sequel to The Love that Split the World.
What should I read if I like Emily Henry?
We’ll give you our top 5 novels we think you’ll love similar to Emily Henry!
- The Seven Husbands of Eveyln Hugo (Taylor Jenkins Reid)
- This is How You Lose the Time War (Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone)
- They Both Die at the End (Adam Silvera)
- One Last Stop (Casey McQuiston)
- First Love, Take Two (Sajni Patel)
What genre is Emily Henry?
Emily Henry primarily focuses on writing romance YA novels.