By Snehal Srivastava
Consider Yourself Kissed is an adult contemporary literary fiction/romance that follows a young Australian woman, Coralie Bower, through her 30s in London, as she navigates love, identity, and motherhood. Set against the backdrop of British politics and major world events, the storyline braids her domestic life, which gets increasingly entangled over the span of 10 years.
While it was very well received by the critics and major publications, its high standards felt unrealistic. The novel’s premise is interesting: a chance encounter, a slow-burning romance and then the messier, quieter work of maintaining a relationship across years of life. Stanley delivers in certain moments but completely drags with the rest; the characters have a rather slow and parched growth in their outlook and character.
The political unrest wasn’t as well described as hoped; the lack of depth and emotional creativity in some scenes made the book a slog. It’s a stylistic choice that will likely resonate deeply with some readers and fall flat for others, and that’s worth keeping in mind before picking it up.
The story also moves through fairly familiar romantic territory. The arc of Coralie and Adam’s relationship hits beats that feel well-worn, and there were moments where the narrative could have benefited from a little more depth or surprise. Some subplots felt underdeveloped, which was a shame given the characters’ promise.
That said, Stanley’s prose is clean and readable, and her instinct for character is evident throughout. Coralie is a sympathetic yet flawed protagonist, and the book’s exploration of how women can quietly lose themselves in relationships and domestic life is thoughtful and, at times, quietly devastating.
Consider Yourself Kissed is a book that clearly means a great deal to the readers it speaks to, and it will speak loudly to a specific audience. For those who connect with its cultural world and its themes of modern womanhood, it is essential reading. For others, it may remain out of reach.
