Adelaide

A Novel

By: Genevieve Wheeler

Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly

“A beautifully-written, deeply felt exploration of what it means to love and be loved.”–Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost

In love . . .

For twenty-six-year-old Adelaide Williams, an American living in dreamy London, meeting Rory Hughes was like a lightning bolt out of the blue: this charming Englishman was The One she wasn’t even looking for.

Is it enough?

Does he respond to texts? Honor his commitments? Make advance plans? Sometimes, rarely, and no, not at all. But when he shines his light on her, the world makes sense, and Adelaide is convinced that, in his heart, he’s fallen just as deeply as she has. Then, when Rory is rocked by an unexpected tragedy, Adelaide does everything in her power to hold him together—even if it means losing herself in the process.

When love asks too much of us, how do we find the strength to put ourselves first?

With unflinching honesty and heart, this relatable debut from a fresh new voice explores grief and mental health while capturing the timeless nature of what it’s like to be young and in love—with your friends, with your city, and with a person who cannot, will not, love you back.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2023 Genevieve Wheeler (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Wheeler’s debut is searingly raw...Her whole soul is poured out onto the pages, and you’ll find it hard not to feel your own heart crack and stomach turn as Adelaide tries without avail to win the love of someone who simply can’t give it. Wheeler deftly relates Adelaide's journey of unbending friendship, grief, and passion, and for many readers, her tale will strike a resonant chord. Vulnerable, tender, and impossible to put down."–Kirkus (starred)

"Heartfelt...This is a portrait of a woman struggling with her empathic desire to be all things to all people and realizing that she is allowed to put herself first...Fans of The Midnight Library will identify with Adelaide's journey."–Booklist

"Wheeler perfectly captures her protagonist’s depression, anxiety, and negative self-talk—not to mention her keen agony of unrequited love—and a solid supporting cast provides Adelaide with ample emotional support. The complex heroine animates every page."–Publishers Weekly

Good story, hated ending

It was a good story. It was told very conversationally. I loved that! However, I feel the ending took away from the entire message of the story, which was disappointing!

Hard to care about the characters

Adelaide was so pathetic and Rory was just awful. It was hard to care about either of them.

Relatable

Nice book, very relatable and nice to hear. Not my favorite story or plot, a bit slow at times.

Perfect toxic relationship

This book is so, so good. It’s the perfect read if you want to enjoy a toxic relationship similar to normal people.

Wheeler shares wisdom in a monumental, only those with bleeding hearts will understand, quote: “There are parts of our hearts we give away. Not lend, but sacrifice entirely. And there are some people to whom we give these pieces, knowing we’ll never really get them back”

Heartbreaking & Beautiful

If you liked Normal People by Sally Rooney, you’ll love this! A story of character development so raw and real it breaks your heart but by the end, makes it whole again.