It was Ron Charles’ review of this book that took me to the author’s previous book Writers and Lovers that also featured Casey, the novelist. So after a decent interval, I happily took up this one. That one was irresistible despite its happy resolutions of seemingly impossible situations. The review gave an indication of the heartbreak in this one and while it is accompanied by hope and joy, still, it’s a hard one.
The story began with Casey’s (called Jordan at that time) last year in college when she connected with two men who were much more scholarly than she was. Her time with them greatly enriched her college experience. She had intense affairs first with Sam, then with Yash. Sam cared more about his Christian morals than about her, and Jordan realized she always loved Yash. Then there was Paris, then heartbreak, and we drop in on Casey some years later. Those who have read Writers and Lovers will recognize Casey a few years into her “happily ever after” time at the end of that book. This may sound confusing but it was clear enough and it works to read either book independently.
I will say that if you are uncomfortable reading about time in a hospital, you might want to skip this one.
There were two side points I highlighted in the book to remember.
The truth has nothing to do with the facts, a professor told Jordan that Faulkner said. That’s not the quote from Faulkner that’s well known: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” But it rings true when you think of his retelling of a story from several points of view in one of his novels, as was done in Rashoman, which illustrates the tenuous relationship of facts to truth.
I loved Casey’s enjoyment about a roller suitcase she bought for a book tour. “It’s one of the nicest things I own, with its four pert wheels and heavy zippers that don’t break. It’s navy blue and so responsive and agile, it can do pirouettes at the slightest touch. It could run off and join the ballet.”
Lily King, Heart the Lover, Grove Press. 2025, 249 pages (I listened to the audiobook). Available in the public library.