When We Were Young by Richard Roper

When We Were Young by Richard Roper revolves around two friends - Theo and Joel as they gradually rekindle their connection over a 184-mile walk of the Thames Path. It is a heartwarming tale of family, friendship, and the sacrifices we make in the name of love.

In this age wherein we are constantly bombarded with gender stereotypes and expectations, realistic and intimate male friendships suffer from a woeful dearth of representation. As emotional vulnerability amongst men is highly stigmatised, modern media (films, books and other sources) more often than not portrays male friendships as shallow and unrealistically bubbly. Therefore, I truly appreciate how Roper depicts Theo and Joel’s dynamics. The author surely does not shy away or sugarcoat the struggles of maintaining friendships during adulthood and overcoming miscommunication. From emotional avoidance, denial to acceptance, Roper paints a complex picture of rekindling lost connections and exploring yourself through that process.

Another facet I really enjoy in this novel is the writing style. The simplistic prose infuses the book with a cozy, heartwarming and homey feeling. There are also some jokes thrown in here and there, which is very on-brand for the characters. Besides, the dual points of view technique works well with the flow of the plot as it allows readers to gain insights into both sides of the story. My main gripe with this book is the ending. I would not go as far as saying that it was a terrible ending or an illogical one, but that it is weirdly out of character for the novel. Plus, the last chapter unravels so hastily that the readers do not have enough time to process their emotions (In fact, the execution of the last chapter feels a bit like a Gordian knot situation for me).

Overall, When We Were Young by Richard Roper is like comfort food in the form of literature - sincere, heartwarming and homey. If you are looking for a cozy book to snuggle with, this might be the read for you.