She moves quickly through each scene without letting anything get too weighty, but we still feel the emotional resonance of the story. I felt connected to everyone and everything happening, though Giffin never lets us get too mired down in guilt or sympathy. I really loved this book - and as an avid reader of women’s fiction, I can say sincerely that Giffin is a master at describing the intensity of first love, the complication of wanting to please our parents but also ourselves, at being a good friend but still protecting your own heart and interests when needed. Can it ever be anything more? And can Dex actually go through with this sham of a marriage? Her relationship with Dex develops apart from Darcy but is, of course, completely shaped by Darcy. and finds herself truly in love, perhaps for the first time.

Rachel is trying to assert herself, take control of her own life. It’s crazy how much I really felt for Rachel, not Darcy - Darcy is almost a wholly unlikeable character. And she and Darcy are inseparable - except for the times that Rach is kissing Dex, of course. Which is funny, considering she’s cheating with Dex, Darcy’s longtime boyfriend and current fiance. After decades of playing second fiddle to the exuberant, bossy and gorgeous Darcy, Rachel just wants to be out of her best friend’s shadow, though she can’t quite balance those rebellious feelings against the intense loyalty she still feels for her. So begins Emily Giffin’s Something Borrowed, a page-turner of a novel about friendship, love and honesty - and standing up for yourself. And Dex doesn’t quite find his way home that evening. Feeling low and nostalgic, Rachel and Dex stay out talking and drinking until late in the evening. After her best friend Darcy is carried home, Rachel is left alone to while away the hours with Dex, Darcy’s fiance - and an old friend of Rachel’s. On the evening of her thirtieth birthday, Rachel White goes out with some of her closest friends to celebrate - and have a wee bit too much to drink.

Something borrowed books in order