The Last First Date

By My Weekly book reviewer Linda Hill

I’d expected a light and frothy read – and it is great fun – but in fact The Last First Date has an underlying sadness.

Hayley Quinn explores how we all too readily base our lives, hopes and loves on social media and other people’s opinions of us. The Last First Date is hugely entertaining, but it is also a lesson in human connection and how best to make our links with those around us.

In amongst the humour, the sassiness and the fun of The Last First Date, there’s considerable wisdom too.

There’s a fresh and modern style to the writing with conventional narrative interspersed with Helen’s WhatsApp chats with Elle and Sophie as well as Instagram postings.

I felt I was eavesdropping

The story’s atmosphere is immediate and original, even if it did make me feel I was eavesdropping on Helen’s private life at times.

I suspect younger readers may find some aspects of Helen’s life and personality embarrassingly familiar while the older readers amongst us can heave a huge sigh of relief at not living so firmly in an Instagram world.

That said, if Nanny G can set up an account at 90, there’s hope for us all!

Relatable and authentic

The pace in The Last First Date is fast because of its short chapters and the plot bowls along cleverly because it is relatable and authentic.

It’s the themes that truly elevate the story. Family and friendship, love and relationships, society and expectation all swirl through the narrative.

I finished the book feeling as if I’d been given permission to be myself, making for an uplifting read.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters in The Last First Date. Helen shows such development through the story that she feels very authentic. Hayley Quinn makes the reader care about Helen very effectively.

Ish is just wonderful too. His honesty, his support and his genuineness illustrate that a romantic hero doesn’t have to be flashy and powerful.

Closer than we think

Through Ish we learn to look for the good in others, to appreciate their passions, such as Ish’s love of history. We realise the very happiness we’re searching for might be closer than we think.

The Last First Date is engaging, salutary and entertaining. It’s a fun read with added depth and I really enjoyed it.