Alice Oseman has once again created a deeply moving and relatable story in Loveless, a book that made me feel truly seen and understood. Having already fallen in love with Oseman’s writing through Heartstopper and her other works, I knew I had to read Loveless, and it turned out to be the best book I have ever read.
The novel follows Georgia, a university student navigating her first year while coming to terms with her asexual and aromantic identity. Oseman’s writing captures the raw and emotional journey of self-discovery with honesty and depth, making Georgia’s experience feel incredibly real. As someone who is British and currently in my first year of university, I found the depiction of university life, its social dynamics, accommodation struggles, and the pressure to fit in was strikingly accurate.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Loveless is how it explores identity beyond the conventional labels of gay, bi, or straight. It highlights the importance of self-discovery and reassures readers that there is no single way to experience love. Georgia’s story is filled with moments of doubt, frustration, and sadness as she struggles with feeling "different," but Oseman shows us that different does not mean broken. Through her journey, she finds a supportive and diverse group of friends who not only accept her but help her understand that she is valid exactly as she is.
The friendships in this book are particularly powerful. Georgia’s bond with her best friends Pip and Jason, as well as her growing connection with her roommate Rooney, felt so real and heartfelt. Oseman beautifully portrays how friendships can be just as meaningful and transformative as romantic relationships. One quote that stood out to me was: "We were a whole messy group of people who had found each other, who loved each other. That was our thing. Friendship. That was the grand love story."
This book spreads awareness about the LGBTQ+ community and the spectrum of identities within it, emphasizing that love and identity are deeply personal and unique to everyone. It also challenges societal expectations, particularly the idea that romance is the ultimate goal in life, reminding readers that self-love and friendship can be just as fulfilling.
The slow-burn relationship between Georgia and Rooney was another highlight of the book. They started as friends, helping each other grow and face the challenges of university life, and by the end, their connection had evolved into something deeper. The way Oseman writes about their relationship is full of support, understanding, and mutual encouragement that felt incredibly genuine.
Ultimately, Loveless is a powerful and necessary book that reassures readers, especially young adults, that they are not alone in their experiences. It encourages embracing who you are, no matter how different you may feel, and reminds us all that love comes in many forms. Thank you, Alice Oseman, for writing such realistic and heartfelt characters.
Saskia Kabongo is a first-year journalism student at the University of Leicester with aspirations of becoming an author and publisher. A passionate reader, she consumes around 200 books a year, constantly seeking stories that inspire and challenge her. Growing up in London, she draws endless inspiration from the city's people and narratives. Her favorite authors, Krista and Becca Ritchie, are known for their deeply authentic characters and unique storytelling, which she believes make every book feel like a reality TV show come to life.
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