Spoiler alert- although I'm pretty sure I must be the last person to read this.
So I finally got to read it! Definitely better than the film, what a surprise. The book has enough time to go into depth into each of the years they spend together, or apart. It allows a greater understanding of minor characters, and there is something about a lack of pictures that gives far more imagination, generally leading to a closer empathy with the characters and comprehension of their situations.
It is also much sadder, and the bit where Emma dies is far less predictable. Words can creep up on you in a way that a visual narrative can never achieve. It almost made me cry, but unfortunately I had to change trains at a pivotal point, which spoiled the illusion of the book somewhat.
The switching between the two viewpoints is also more interesting as you have direct access to the characters' thoughts, again bringing you closer to the story.
I like the way that Emma and Dex start from two very different perspectives and attitudes towards life, and slowly merge together. Additionally, it clearly demonstrates the different types of heartache that people can experience; whether it is as deep and cutting as the death of a family member, feeling stuck with the wrong person, or just not being good enough.
All in all, a very good book, and worth all the hype, although probably not on my top ten.
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