Book Review: Laws of Love and Logic

By Sara Steven

In the serene town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Lily Webb is deeply in love with a charismatic boy, a college-bound quarterback whose spectacular athletic talents are matched only by his fierce devotion. But their dreams of a life together are cut short one night in 1977 when his passionate protectiveness leads to an irrevocable choice—one which tears them apart and leads Lily down a path of heartbreak from which she may never recover.

Lily has already known the sting of loss, beginning with the death of her mother—a tragedy that left deep scars on both her and Jane, her gifted younger sister. Jane seeks escape in the abstract world of mathematics and quantum mechanics; that is, when she can keep the demons that fuel her addictions at bay. As the years pass, Lily buries her twin griefs deep in her heart, finding solace and a new beginning with Marshall Middleton, a renowned ornithologist whose love is as steadfast as the migration patterns he studies. Yet, the shadows of her past linger.

When the boy who was once everything to Lily reemerges, she struggles with questions around that terrible night in high school. Can she reconcile the wild wonderment of her first love with the comfort and safety of her second? Laws of Love and Logic explores love's enduring power and the human spirit's capacity for forgiveness and redemption. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

Laws of Love and Logic is an epic love story; it is the love of family, and first soulmate connections. It is the love between two sisters who have a tight bond that spans decades, and the deep love a mother has for her children. I enjoyed learning about Lily, and discovering the levels and shades of love that propel her forward in her life, beginning with the foundation her mother has provided her. Lily’s mother is the type of mother I wish I’d had. Someone who wanted her daughters to rely on their minds and hearts to guide them, during a time when it wasn’t traditional or even accepted.

Later, Lily bonds with “the boy,” her first crush. After several chapters, it’s understood that “the boy” is the one who got away, despite Lily’s choices in moving forward and connecting with Marshall, a much safer option. “The boy” reminded me of how Carrie Bradshaw used to refer to “Mr. Big” in Sex and the City; at the time, Mr. Big was such a magnanimous relationship in her life, it made sense to keep him in the shadows while she figured things out. That’s how it is for Lily and her childhood first love. When the event happens in 1977, all hell breaks loose, and it’s hard to know for sure if it’s ultimately for the better, or for the worse.

My favorite love story is the one between Lily and her sister, Jane. Jane is that wild, free-spirited character you only wish you could get to know and get close to, but as can be expected, it comes with major strings attached. Following their relationship throughout the years reminded me of the one I have with my own sister, particularly because our own beginnings were marred a bit with certain tragedies and hardships. That kind of life can really help to form deeper connections, and that is really showcased well between Lily and Jane. One particular moment between them is truly heartbreaking and has stayed with me. 

Laws of Love and Logic is a beautifully written story, dealing with some pretty rough subject matter that makes it even more worth the read. It’s real and honest, not pulling any punches–love can hurt at times, and sometimes the deeper you love, the deeper the pain. It was a definite five-star read!

Thanks to Random House for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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