I love it! Love the magic, almost children's-book-like twist. Love all the characters (except Saoirse and Grainne). Love every moment shared between Ivan and Elizabeth. Love every word of it. I.Just.Love.It!
I was lucky to got the hard bound edition of this in book sale. The cover got my attention and it wasn't the typical pink-violet color of chic-lit so I thought this was something different.
They story was about a woman name Elizabeth--- who was a control freak, has a miserable past and a more miserable family--- and an invisible, Mr.Optimistic guy name Ivan--- whose job was to gave hope and happiness to children in need. Yup as in he was an imaginary friend. Cool right? I mean yes the story was a bit childish but i absolutely learned a lot from it. The words were just raw and straight-forward honest that would prick directly into your heart.
One of the writer's challenge in this kind of story was how to manage humor out of a sensitive situation. Ahern truly knows how to captivate readers with her choice of words and the characters she made. She had manage to make me laugh and cry at the same story and that makes this one into my 'favorite shelf'.
The main character, Elizabeth Egan, was really relatable. And oh my God! I know Ivan was a work of fiction but gees you gotta fall in love with this guy by his humor and character. He was a total ideal guy!
And I don't care if the story was a make believe (or if Ivan's place as it is; the words spelled backward was hilarious btw) but heck I had so fun reading the book. Plus the POV wasn't a one-sided and that made the story even fair and reliable.
The ending was satisfying even if Ivan and Elizabeth didn't get together (that's reality for you). It wasn't just a happy ending coined to love stories but an ending that would make you sigh and nod gravely. Twas like facing reality with a big, new hope in your heart. And I couldn't help myself but to say 'I believe' in the end.



