Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me

by Mariko Tamaki

[lessthelonely]

Do you know something I realized lately? I'm very picky when it comes to reading gay representation that isn't in the umbrella I find myself under - it being gay Achillean (MLM) romance - and that's probably why I struggle to find Sapphic romance a lot harder to get myself invested in. But this is the book that made me realize I just needed to do what I usually do with the romances that feature characters like me: look for stuff I know for a fact I will like.

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me is such a different type of Romance story than an usual contemporary Romance, but it's very satisfying in its execution and all the strife it manages to create in its characters and the reader. I felt for Freddy from the very beginning, understanding the tough situation she was in, maybe even relating to her yearning a bit too much: she wants love and she found herself settling for the non-existent type of love only Laura Dean could give her. A lot of physicalities, but, outside of that, deplorable. Miserable, even.

So, what is this story about? This isn't a story that hinges on a romantic arc, not in the traditional sense. It's not about getting the girl in the end, but understanding that it's fine to wait for something better, even if we get a little bit alone while they're coming to us. We can find solace in our friends and learn that even if we're struggling a lot, being blind to our surroundings when we deeply believe we're making the best choice we can has the potential to be extremely traumatic. Funnily enough, this story hinges on a lot of tropes I hate in normal romances, but this isn't a normal romance, it's more Coming of Age than anything else, telling a very complicated tale of friendship.

Laura Dean reads like someone you'd think couldn't exist, but if you've ever been heartbroken, you know these people do exist. And that's the most terrifying and most satisfying part of this book: she reaps what she sowed, and it's glorious to see it playout.

I also need to praise the gorgeous line art. Absolutely immaculate. This is one of my favorite graphic novels ever and I don't think anything will ever scratch the particular itch I didn't know I had until I read some of the scenes in this. So don't miss out on this one, please.