Where Rainbows End - Book Review

Chubby cheeks is back with another review! Nothing could beat that satisfied feeling which you get after reading a good book and this post is dedicated to one of the loveliest stories I have ever read, “Where Rainbows End” by Cecilia Ahern.

Rosie Dunne and Alex Stewart are best friends since they were five years old. Each day was fun together hanging out, playing around and writing notes to each other. Miss Casey had a really hard time trying to keep them away from each other during school but she hardly succeeded. They grew up together as the best friends who do not need any other in their life making memories until Alex had to move to Boston with his family at the age of 17. It was devastating but they somehow coped the final year at school with the hope of attending to college in the same city. Alas! It remained only a dream because of one fateful night which would turn Rosie's world upside down. The story extends until their old age touching every milestone of their lives everyone around.

Initially I felt that those tiny notes of cute spelling errors were just meant to give us an insight about little Rosie and Alex's communications during class. But I was very surprised to find out that the whole story was presented over 500 pages by a collection of letters and instant chat messages. It couldn’t have been easy to narrate a story in such a peculiar way for sure but the author certainly has done a marvelous job. Being a person who do not like stories presented as journal entries or letters i’m amazed that I really enjoyed the book.

The story revolves around two best friends in opposite gender. Can a boy and a girl be only just best friends with each other? No wonder this question will connect almost everyone to this story in a blink of an eye. I believe that in everyone’s life there was at least one close friend that could have been their love of life given the chance or at other circumstances. The realization would make you feel nostalgic and curious as well to find out how it would go between Rosie and Alex, a fate that could have happened to any of us!

As the theme of the book is friendship, love and family it feels so close to heart. The story overflows with emotions and I should warn that it had been a real tear jerker to me. I was crying all over the book at most parts. But the same time I had a good laugh especially reading Ruby's chats and the kids’ writings were ever so adorable and funny too.

The book had a good mix of characters. Ruby is fun, and sensible. Just the ideal girl friend a woman could be blessed with. Sisters and brothers are ever so caring for a one to reach out for advice or to share their concussions with. Parents are understanding and supportive and Alex is the best guy friend a girl could ask for. There's so much love, care and faithfulness within all of them but also the unexpected mishaps to remind us that there is nothing such as fairy tales but the real lives which everyone has to deal with.

It's so hard to not to fall in love with most of the characters. With no time we they become part of our lives. As story flows from the childhood to the mid fifties of the main characters the author had made sure to leave no stone unturned. It nicely depicts the transformation of a kid to an adult passing every milestone in their lives. Also, this made me  think that no matter how nice and loving the people who surround you the life has its own cruel way to torture you endless and make you suffer.

I recommend the book to anyone who likes to read about life, love and friendship. It’s a light reading and something which would make you walk down the memory lane connecting and cherishing some of the wonderful moments.