The Paradise Problem, by Christina Lauren

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I’ve been in need of some light reading entertainment lately and “The Paradise Problem” by Christina Lauren certainly fits that bill. Due to Anna, its strong, independent, smart, self-confident, and down-to-earth female lead, it felt surprisingly fresh and real.

At its core, “The Paradise Problem” is a delightful blend of wit, charm, and a touch of the absurd, anchored by an emotional resonance that feels authentically raw. While it veers slightly from their earlier works, such as “The Unhoneymooners” (which I also enjoyed), it still boasts that inimitable Christina Lauren spark, albeit with a stronger focus on individuality and the intricacies of self-discovery. The setting—a tension-filled reunion with Liam’s dysfunctional family—only heightens the stakes, making me appreciate the story even more.

Centred on Anna, our brilliant and self-possessed protagonist, the novel immediately strikes a balance between lighthearted banter…

[After Liam asks her not to use certain words]
»“You’ve just ensured that these words will now be staples in our marital relationship.”«

… and poignant moments of genuine vulnerability. Anna’s relatability is what makes her so engaging—she’s smart, confident, and real, yet still grappling with the chaos that life throws at her. One of my favourite moments from early in the book is perfectly encapsulated in Anna’s excitement over impending chaos:

»She leans forward and hugs me. “This is going to be a disaster. I’m so excited!”«

This clever perspective on calamity helps establish Anna’s resilience and wit, making her both hilarious and human. While Christina Lauren often excels at crafting relatable heroines, Anna stands out with how she handles the challenges of navigating family drama and new romance—all while grappling with “robot luggage”:

»I’d love to change but I have no idea where my robot luggage is. I assume it’s followed us of its own volition somehow.«

Compared to other works by Christina Lauren, “The Paradise Problem” feels slightly more introspective. While it retains their signature romantic element, it’s not all swoon-worthy grand gestures. Instead, the book champions quieter, more meaningful demonstrations of love, as Anna beautifully reflects in the epilogue:

»The world tells girls we should want romantic, flashy grand gestures, and those can be great. But if I had given it deeper thought, I know I’d have dreamed up something just like this—an offer given with honesty and communication and mutual respect—over anything showy.«

This simple thought reflects perfectly the kind of relationship Anna and Liam formed, as wonderfully written by Christina Lauren. I also appreciated the slow evolution of Liam, Anna’s romantic counterpart. His personality, shaped by a strict father and rigid upbringing, pales at times in comparison to Anna’s dynamism. Yet, his growth feels earned, inspired by Anna’s influence. Still, I found him a touch overshadowed by Anna’s vibrance, his evolution, however, felt natural.

If you’re looking for a feel-good read with some substance and just the right amount of emotional depth, I highly recommend this one. Anna’s journey is ultimately about finding joy and authenticity, and by the end, it’ll likely leave you cheering her on.

Five out of five stars.

Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam




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