The best thing, for me, about reading books with ND (neurodivergent) characters are the moments when you see something the authors written and thing ‘That’s just like me’. Whether its something that I thought everyone did or something that I could never explain to anyone else, that feeling of acceptance, of seeing what I feel written down - that is really special too me.
And on that note, today I will be reviewing the book Lover Birds by Leanne Egan. When I picked up this book, I did not know the main character was ND. I was pulled to it by two things: the central queer romance and the fact that its set in Liverpool. I live in London but my mums from Liverpool, my grandparents live in Liverpool and I visit Liverpool most holidays. And I always enjoy reading books set in places I’m familiar with or enjoy visiting.
When, few chapters in it is revealed that the main character (Eloise) has ADHD, I was incredibly exited. I have read many books featuring autistic characters but less with ADHD protagonists. And the great thing about this book was Eloise’s ADHD was so much a part of her, so much a part of the story without the entire book being entirely focused on it. It was a rom-com first and foremost but a rom-com that happened to feature a neurodivergent girl.
When Eloise is asked to look after Isabel, a posh new girl from London, they do not get on. At all. Everything Elouise does seems to irritate Isabel who responds by being rude, closed off and snobbish.
Gradually the two girls become friends and then something more. But their relationship seems doomed to fail: Isabel keeps on making classist comments, Elouise is struggling to keep on top of life and getting increasingly overwhelmed and their friendship group is full of dramas.
The city of Liverpool almost feels like another character! It is so wonderfully described. Some of the individual locations in the book I am familiar with, others I’m not. But all of the descriptions made me feel like I was genuinely in Liverpool. And there are definitely some places that I now want to visit in real life the next time I stay with my grandparents.
Overall Lover Birds is a fun rom-com that also addresses more serious topics, such as classism and staying true to yourself. I highly recommend it!