Review: I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner

Title: I Shall Never Fall in Love

Author: Hari Conner

Publisher: HarperAlley

Length: 288 Pages

Category: Graphic Novel, YA/Teen Romance, Historical

Rating: 4 Stars

At a Glance: Gorgeous artwork complements this story of pride, prejudice, and queer joy.

Reviewed By: Lisa

Blurb: George has major problems: They’ve just inherited the failing family estate, and the feelings for their best friend, Eleanor, have become more complicated than ever. Not to mention, if anyone found out they were secretly dressing in men’s clothes, George is sure it would be ruination for the family name.

Eleanor has always wanted to do everything “right,” including falling in love—but she’s never met a boy she was interested in. She’d much rather spend time with her best friend, George, and beloved cousin Charlotte. However, when a new suitor comes to town, she finds her closest friendships threatened, forcing her to rethink what “right” means and confront feelings she never knew she had.

Review: I had almost as much fun reading Hari Conner’s endnotes in I Shall Never Fall in Love as I did the story of George, Eleanor, Charlotte, and the predicaments of teenagers falling in love.

Historical accuracy is top of mind in telling the story, as well as allowing readers to engage with and understand the significance of George’s ownership of their identity. In referencing this beautifully crafted graphic novel with the joyful and charming The Prince and the Dressmaker, and then throwing in a helping of Jane Austen’s world, Conner reminds their readers that among prejudice Pride has always existed.

The artwork is a gorgeous complement to the story itself, vibrant and expressive without the need for words to see what the characters are feeling and thinking in the moment. The emotional quotient of teenagers added to the realities of classism and racism offers a well-rounded bit of historical conflict and resolution in a lovely package.