Tolog Review: Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park
by Rainbow Rowell
reviewed by Abigail Martinez

Eleanor & Park, written by Rainbow Rowell, is a fiction romance novel. The two main characters, as presumed from the title, are Eleanor and Park. Their romance can be seen as a Romeo and Juliet love story. The reader's thoughts can be lead to this through the fact that they are learning about Romeo and Juliet in the english class that they share. They start out as just two people living in the same place, but in two different worlds. Once their romance buds, the parents of the two teenagers do not approve of the other. Although their story is less of a tragedy, considering there is no death involved in their love, it is comparable to the love story of Romeo and Juliet, in the sense that they are two lovers of different worlds that seem to be faced against the world once their paths cross. Rowell's writing technique is my personal favorite. She uses two authors, Eleanor and Park, and throughout the chapters, there are mini sections to show the view from each character. This makes the book more well rounded, and makes the story unbiased in a way, because the opinions of both characters are being displayed. Through this Rowell has more opportunity for both direct and indirect characterization, making the novel more interesting and comprehensible. Eleanor & Park shows the ups and downs of new beginnings and of love through struggle, pain, tears of joy and happiness, through emotions and genuine care.To find out what all of these feelings prove to Eleanor and Park, pick up the book, and I guarantee that you will not be able to put it down!