Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation is a gorgeously written, delightfully original rom-com that puts the author on the path to becoming the millennial Nora Ephron. This inspired, achingly romantic reimagining of ‘When Harry Met Sally’ brings forth a question that Ephron so famously posed: Can men and women ever be just friends? Emily Henry’s answer, loaded with nuance and emotional depth, is a resounding indication that such friendships are fraught with delightful complications.
The Unlikely Meeting
When Alex and Poppy first meet during the orientation at the University of Chicago, neither is impressed with the other. Alex, dressed in khakis, finds Poppy’s neon orange and pink floral jumpsuit from the early seventies absurd. They quickly assume they have little in common, except for the mutual disdain for each other’s attire. However, one shared ride back to their mutual hometown in Ohio changes everything. This initial distaste sets the stage for what becomes an incredibly rich and magnetic relationship.
A Decade of Friendship and Vacations
For over ten years, Alex and Poppy maintain a close friendship, fueled by an annual summer vacation tradition. These vacations, evolving from budget adventures to luxurious escapes, show the progression of their lives and careers. Poppy turns from a carefree travel blogger to a well-known travel writer, while Alex transitions from an English major to a high school teacher. Despite differences in lifestyle and aspirations, one thing remains consistent: their heartfelt connection and unspoken attraction.
The Romantic Tension
The story, told from Poppy’s perspective, captures the enduring fascination between her and Alex. Despite their protests, the palpable physical attraction is ever-present, making their friendship complex and intense. Alex’s buttoned-up demeanor and Poppy’s freewheeling spirit create a nuanced dynamic that navigates through years of life changes and unresolved tension. Partners come and go, but the duo’s unique bond continues to bloom, always with a strong ‘what if’ hanging over their friendship.
A Modern Tribute to Classic Rom-Coms
In this beautifully penned narrative, Henry pays homage to Ephron and Austen, crafting a story rich with emotional layers and realistic characters. People We Meet on Vacation doesn’t shy away from the complexities of platonic friendships between men and women. Rather, it embraces and celebrates them, weaving a tale that solidifies Emily Henry as a master storyteller and a modern-day successor to Nora Ephron’s romantic legacy.
