Review: My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

Blurb from Goodreads:

Major Motion Picture Already in Development with Temple Hill Entertainment

Set amidst the breathtaking beauty of Oxford, this sparkling debut novel tells the unforgettable story about a determined young woman eager to make her mark in the world and the handsome man who introduces her to an incredible love that will irrevocably alter her future—perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks.

American Ella Durran has had the same plan for her life since she was thirteen: Study at Oxford. At 24, she’s finally made it to England on a Rhodes Scholarship when she’s offered an unbelievable position in a rising political star’s presidential campaign. With the promise that she’ll work remotely and return to DC at the end of her Oxford year, she’s free to enjoy her Once in a Lifetime Experience. That is, until a smart-mouthed local who is too quick with his tongue and his car ruins her shirt and her first day.

When Ella discovers that her English literature course will be taught by none other than that same local, Jamie Davenport, she thinks for the first time that Oxford might not be all she’s envisioned. But a late-night drink reveals a connection she wasn’t anticipating finding and what begins as a casual fling soon develops into something much more when Ella learns Jamie has a life-changing secret.

Immediately, Ella is faced with a seemingly impossible decision: turn her back on the man she’s falling in love with to follow her political dreams or be there for him during a trial neither are truly prepared for. As the end of her year in Oxford rapidly approaches, Ella must decide if the dreams she’s always wanted are the same ones she’s now yearning for.

My Review:
 

UGH. In one sentence, wait for the movie.  And it pains me to say that because movies NEVER compare to books but this one almost felt like it was written just to become a movie rather than to be a book for its own sake.  Maybe I didn't fall in love with this because it was too much like real life to me.  I went to England and lived there for two years for graduate school, and in English literature (although our time periods varied). Without giving too much else of the plot away, I also know was Ella had to go through.  I don't know - this just took too long in some parts and then sped up in other parts, glossing over important plot points.  I think it will be better done as a movie.  The question is whether I will even bother to see it?  Right now, the jury is still out.

My Oxford Year comes out soon on April 24, 2018, and you can purchase HERE.  

I wish I could say that Oxford smells like parchment and cinnamon or something poetic, but right now it just smells like city: bus diesel, damp pavement, and the aroma of French roast wafting form the coffee shop across the street.