Something in the Way by Jessica Hawkins — Summary & Review

Jessica Hawkins’ "Something in the Way" is a compelling and emotionally charged contemporary romance set in the early 1990s, a time before the omnipresence of digital technology reshaped social interactions and privacy. The story centers on Lake Kaplan, a sixteen-year-old girl whose life has been carefully curated around academic success and a future far removed from chaos or scandal. Lake’s world is one of innocence and sheltered expectations, where the biggest challenges seem to be navigating high school and the pressures of impending adulthood.

This delicate balance is disrupted when Manning Sutter enters the picture. Manning is a twenty-three-year-old construction worker, rugged and worldly, whose life experiences stand in stark contrast to Lake’s sheltered existence. His presence near Lake’s home introduces a palpable tension, as their worlds—so different in age, experience, and outlook—collide in ways neither anticipated. Manning’s rough edges and the freedom his lifestyle embodies challenge Lake’s preconceived notions of love, desire, and what it means to grow up.

However, Hawkins’ narrative refuses to settle for a simple forbidden romance trope. The plot thickens with the involvement of Lake’s older sister, Tiffany, who also becomes entangled with Manning, creating a complex and emotionally fraught love triangle. This dynamic not only complicates romantic feelings but also tests the bonds of family loyalty and trust. The triangle serves as a crucible for exploring how personal desires can conflict with familial responsibilities, and how love can both unite and divide.

At its core, the novel is an exploration of the messy, often contradictory nature of growing up and the emotional turbulence that accompanies it. Lake’s internal struggle is portrayed with raw honesty—her feelings are a tangled web of desire, guilt, confusion, and loyalty. Hawkins captures the slow-burning intensity of first love and the painful process of self-discovery without romanticizing or simplifying the consequences. The story acknowledges the discomfort and awkwardness inherent in forbidden relationships, making the emotional stakes feel authentic and relatable.

The 1990s setting adds a rich layer of nostalgia and atmosphere. Hawkins weaves in subtle cultural details—music, fashion, and the slower pace of life—that ground the story in a specific era, enhancing the intimacy of the narrative. This pre-digital backdrop means secrets can be kept and emotions simmer without the instant exposure social media would bring, allowing the tension to build naturally and intimately.

Stylistically, Hawkins employs a straightforward yet evocative prose style that prioritizes emotional intensity and character depth over ornate language. The narrative voice channels Lake’s youthful confusion and burgeoning maturity with a blunt honesty that resonates deeply. This approach creates warmth and empathy even when characters make flawed or questionable choices, inviting readers to understand rather than judge.

Reader reactions to "Something in the Way" are often polarized. Many are drawn in by the slow-burn romance and the nuanced character development, appreciating the book’s refusal to gloss over the complexities of forbidden love. Others find the pacing frustrating or the love triangle dynamic emotionally taxing. The novel’s willingness to confront uncomfortable themes and moral ambiguity means it isn’t for everyone, but for those who engage with its emotional grit, it offers a richly textured experience.

Ultimately, "Something in the Way" stands out in the crowded romance genre by refusing to present love as a neat, uncomplicated victory. Instead, it portrays desire as something with hard edges—fraught with conflict, loyalty dilemmas, and personal growth. It’s a story about the messy realities of growing up, where love is intertwined with pain, confusion, and the challenge of defining oneself amidst competing loyalties. For readers seeking a romance that delves deeply into emotional complexity and the nuanced journey from innocence to experience, Jessica Hawkins’ novel delivers a powerful and unforgettable narrative.