The Philosophy of Love by Rebecca Ryan

As I love romantic fiction, and having studied philosophy as part of my first degree, how could I resist a book called The Philosophy of Love? Add in the fact that I adored Rebecca Ryan’s first novel, My (extra) Ordinary Life, reviewed here, and I’m delighted to take part in the blog tour for her second book. My huge thanks to Sara-Jade Virtue of Books and the City for inviting me to participate. I’m delighted to share my review today.

The Philosophy of Love is published by Simon and Schuster today, 1st February 2024, and is available for purchase through the links here.

The Philosophy of Love

What is love? Is it something spiritual or wholly physical? Can our feelings be explained and quantified? Or are we all actually two halves of a whole?

Ask Alice and Luke and you’d receive vastly different answers.

Despite her world having been recently dismantled by a messy break-up, Alice would tell you that love is the most important – albeit ineffable – human experiences. But when she once again crosses paths with her old school nemesis, Luke, he challenges this. Luke is a scientist and he’s certain love can be measured and explained – just like everything else.

So the two decide to make a bet: they’ll each venture back into dating and if one of them falls in love, Alice wins, if not, then Luke does.

But can anyone win when you’re playing with emotions?

My Review of The Philosophy of Love

Alice is having a bad hair day!

I loved Rebecca Ryan’s My (extra) Ordinary Life, so it was with some trepidation that I read The Philosophy of Love. So often there’s a touch of second book syndrome that can be disappointing. Not so here. The Philosophy of Love is an absolute belter. It’s equally as fresh, absorbing and witty and I loved it.

I think what is so absolutely engaging is the fact that the events in The Philosophy of Love are completely believable and relatable. Small aspects, such as the way Alice has drifted away from old school friends, her embarrassment at returning to live with her parents after her relationship with Charles has ended, the claustrophobia of small communities where everyone knows everyone else’s business and has an opinion on it, are just some of the features that feel so true to life and draw in the reader.

I thought the dynamics between Luke and Alice were perfect. I was desperate throughout for them to have a happy ending because they are so obviously the epitome of opposites attracting. I found the journey Alice goes on as she comes to recognise Luke’s positive attributes very touching and I loved their exploration of the philosophy and science of love. The way Alice realises what makes for a controlling and coercive relationship, and what, in contrast, is a relationship built on mutual respect and the quietness of love is perfectly handled by Rebecca Ryan. Alice also learns how to be comfortable in her own skin (without bright orange curls) and with Alice’s growing understanding that it’s never too late to start again Rebecca Ryan incorporates aspects that add layers of realism, hope and drama, so that The Philosophy of Love is a story of emotional development just as much as it is a highly entertaining romcom. I was so invested in Alice’s life because of the way Rebecca Ryan presents her through her lively first person, conversational style, that I truly resented real life getting in the way of my reading.

In amongst all that, The Philosophy of Love lifted my spirits too. It is so entertaining. I laughed aloud and fell in love with almost all the characters. Charles, in contrast, I could quite happily have shaken very hard indeed. Certainly he’s recognisable as typical of his type, but the manner with which he affects Alice even after he has rejected her is both plausible and disturbing.

The Philosophy of Love is one of those warm and engaging romantic stories that those who believe this kind of fiction to be all froth and no substance absolutely should read. Rebecca Ryan incorporates biological science and philosophy effortlessly. It doesn’t matter whether the reader has any background in either subject, because the story weaves in examples delightfully casually so that it is a real pleasure to read and the story educates even as it brings a smile to the reader’s face.

However, whilst The Philosophy of Love considers some weighty themes, it does so with a lightness of touch that makes it a wonderfully diverting, absorbing and satisfying book. The Philosophy of Love is one of those books you close with a deep sigh and a smile on your face, feeling thoroughly happy and contented. It’s the kind of book we all need in our lives and I loved it.

About Rebecca Ryan

Rebecca Ryan lives in Bradford with her husband and three young children. Although she always loved writing, it hadn’t really occurred to her that she could do it professionally. She recently left her job as a teacher to pursue writing full-time. She enjoys walking in the countryside and takeaways (if that counts as a hobby).