Out of Love by Hazel Hayes. No Advance Reader Copy was included, and no affiliate links were used. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Paula’s Kindle is lying on a black, grey, and white floral patterned duvet cover beside a cup of coffee. The e-reader is open on the title page of Out of Love by Hazel Hayes
"He stopped loving me a long time ago but wasn't brave enough to tell me."
Hazel Hayes' debut novel Out of Love is a love story told in reverse. Our unnamed Irish protagonist and her English boyfriend, Theo, have just broken up. Theo initially said he wanted a break, and now that break is permanent. Theo never quite felt at home when living in Ireland, and she isn't convinced she fits in now that she is living in London. From here, the novel tracks backwards as each chapter brings the reader closer to the beginning of their relationship.
This narrative structure allows the details of their relationship to unwind slowly – more character-driven than plot-driven – as the reader discovers how they got together, their life together as a couple, their actions, and, ultimately, why they broke them. However, since the story is told from our unnamed protagonist's perspective, we only see Theo through her eyes and experience. I think the novel would have been stronger if told from a dual perspective – hers and Theo's – but I have a soft spot for multiple POV novels, so I am probably in the minority here.
Hayes writes with great warmth and humour while sensitively handling issues such as mental illness, addiction, abuse, the lasting impact of trauma, and toxic relationships. Out of Love is an examination of romantic love, yes, but also sexuality, familial relationships and friendship. I really enjoyed it!
Out of Love by Hazel Hayes is published by Unbound and is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.
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