I Shall Never Fall in Love is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel by Hari Conner. The novel focuses on childhood friends Eleanor, George, and Charlotte as they come of age in Regency England.
A key strength of the novel comes from the diverse range of characters portrayed by Conner. This range allows the novel to grapple with issues surrounding race, identity, and expectation in a way that is applicable to both the Regency period and modern society. At a time when period pieces are becoming increasingly popular in novels and on television, it is wonderful that more people can see themselves represented in these stories.
However, I would have loved the novel to delve deeper into the relationship between Eleanor and George. For most of the novel, the pair were oblivious to their romantic feelings—something that was obvious to the reader from the first chapter! This obliviousness was a major source of conflict in the plot, creating distance between Eleanor and George at numerous points. As a result, the novel struggled to fully showcase the development of their relationship. Nevertheless, the pair’s dynamic successfully contributed to the joyous and hopeful tone of the novel.
Period pieces are a particular favorite of mine, so this is a welcome addition to my bookshelf. Graphic novels have the ability to fully immerse the reader in the world crafted by the author, and Conner’s stunning artwork ensures that I Shall Never Fall in Love is no exception.
Review by Niamh O’Donnell
I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner: Review
Hari Conner
Simon & Schuster, 2024
Paperback, £12.99
ISBN: 9781398526709
