The Incredible Kindness of Paper: A Novel

4.5 stars, Metaphorosis reviews

Summary
Chloe and Oliver become best friends when she sends him an origami rose as part of a school pen pal program. But when they're in their teens, they suddenly part ways. Years later, they're both in New York, and their paths cross when she, just fired, begins leaving origami roses around town with messages inside.

>Review
This is a book that is unabashedly, enthusiastically romantic and (literally) incredible. There are huge plot holes all over the place, and at times it feels like it was written for the sole purpose of being a Meg Ryan movie. The title is clunky. But that's all okay; I'm also a romantic idealist, and I loved it.

This is a book that is determinedly upbeat. There are some minor tribulations, and some darker undercurrents, but, like its protagonist, it's a story committed to seeing the upside of things. You have to be willing to suspend a lot of disbelief for it all to work, but I was willing, and I got teary eyed half a dozen times despite the unlikeliness of it all.

Some of the plot holes, I feel could have been edited out with a little work. Despite being inseparable childhood best friends for a decade, and exchanging countless letter, in later years, one doesn't recognize the other, and neither recognizes the other's handwriting. I found both of those hard to accept, despite my investment in the book's concept. One character's decisions also fell on the unrealistic side. The premise presented in marketing material (that origami captures sound) barely makes an appearance. I didn't love that it was a little on the ‘New York is magical' side. You have to invest in some magical thinking to make it all work.

The book's theme is relentless, but appealing, especially today – be nice to each other. I have to admit, though, that there's no little irony in a story that critiques a modern insistence on monetizing everything – as it says, “Why can't we just do things because we want to?” – put is on NetGalley and in its acknowledgements thanks a public relations firm. Not, obviously, that authors must reflect their characters, but the sentiment does fit a little uneasily in its setting.

There are also some nice touches – clever literary and genre references that generally don't intrude, even if the author does tend to underline them a bit. Overall, it's the kind of book that those who insist on gritty grimdark realism may hate for being light and fluffy and sappy. But I like a good grimdark story, and, with all its flaws, I loved this too. It's just the right mix of determination and hope, and Skye is a good writer; I look forward to checking out some of her other books.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.