The Failing Hours – Sara Ney

So I started this book without really knowing what was going to happen. I read the synopsis, and it would sound like almost any synopsis of a grumpy hero falling in love and coming out of his bubble (by the way, I have no problem with that, on the contrary, I actually like that). And when I started the book, I discovered how grumpy and angry the hero is!

I’ve read books with grumpy heroes who are so angry with life, but this book had something different. Maybe, just maybe, it’s because it was a college book. Why was it different because of that? Because it’s not a mature man in his 30s who hasn’t got over his anger. And specifically, because in college, the hero is probably a guy in his early 20s. It can make a little more sense in his anger at the world – hey, who’s wasn’t angry at the world at this age?

And although college books aren’t always feel profound to me (Sometimes it’s just too young to experience those feelings), this book is more profound. Better. Older. And maybe it was because of Violet?

Zeke – how angry he is, how much he rebels, how much he hates, that’s how he loves, that’s how he respects, that’s how he gives, and it’s incredible. Because a guy who is so angry and very unkind is actually a lonely guy with a huge heart – and it is impossible not to love such a character.

Violet is one of the different and unique characters I’ve read. Everything about her was unusual. Her looks, how she spoke, and how she behaved – everything was so quiet, calm, reasonable, and so different from Zeke!

All in all, it was a college book with depth. Good depth. Interesting and powerful past stories. Enormous mental strength and immense love! And all this without unnecessary dramas (another thing that is impossible not to appreciate).

The differences in the characters were so special. Zeke is a gloomy and grumpy character that looks as if he’s perfect on the outside. Violet is a simple character, quiet and far from perfect in both beauty and speaking, and that is what bought me.

Everything was so innocent for both of them! And not just for the innocent girl in the story but also for the confident and cynical guy.

I think this book has invaded my heart. I can really appreciate stories like this that show us the different and the “less acceptable” as one who can love, accept, give and live well.

It’s a book that just made me smile and hurt at the same time, but most importantly, it’s a book that made me fall in love. In both characters. In the story. In innocence. In everything.