Book Review

REVIEW: The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel

The Break-Up Artist immediately attracted me when I heard about it because I don’t think I’ve read a novel with the same concept before, and I wasn’t disappointed. It was original, and lots of fun.

The Break-Up Artist, written in first person, is centred on the life of Becca, an American student who, anonymously, gets contracted to break up couples. Becca is a sceptic and knows the damage love can do: her own sister was jilted at the altar and now lives in a constant dejected state. When Becca is asked to break up the school’s power couple, Huxley and Steve, she knows it won’t be easy, but these things come at a price…

The novel started out good, but then it got even better. Siegel has crafted Becca’s voice so well and made it both realistic and believable. Let me tell you, it isn’t easy to write a teenage girl’s voice, but Siegel pulled it off flawlessly. Becca could be viewed as an unlikable character because of what she does, but instead I found myself sympathising with her and it was obvious to see why she was the way she was.

I really liked the contrast between Becca and her friend Val, who was desperate for a boyfriend. Their different emotions were really nice to see and how they treated one another because of them. I also really liked how all of the girls felt as if one of the most important things was to get a boyfriend because I know many people who feel the same way and I think it was good to address the fact that, actually, it’s not important at all.

The Break-Up Artist is a great example of a contemporary novel pulled off really well. It conjured up vivid images and it was easy to imagine yourself in Becca’s shoes.

Diane, Becca’s sister, also had a clear character arc that ran alongside the main plot. Siegel slowly fed us information about her past and it came together nicely at the end.

If you’re a fan of contemporary fiction, you should definitely read The Break-Up Artist. You’re in for a treat!

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9 Comments

  • Reply
    Emma @ Never Judge a Book
    Twitter:
    28 March, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    I for one am really excited to read this one. It captured me from the beginning and I think I won’t be disappointed by this one at all. I’ve only skimmed your review as I’m reading it soon. Lovely review though Lucy.
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  • Reply
    Sunny A
    Twitter:
    29 March, 2014 at 3:12 am

    Hi Lucy! I was actually looking at this on goodreads yesterday and now you’ve convinced me to add it to the to-read pile. I love a good contemporary and the plot sounds really fun. Great review 🙂
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  • Reply
    Ivana @ BookishTeens
    29 March, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    Wow, that seems like such an interesting and unique book! I will definitely read it sometime soon! Great review 🙂
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    • Reply
      Snow
      Twitter:
      9 March, 2017 at 7:56 am

      November 1, 2012 at 10:41 pmThanks so much for answering,I failed to ask what RPM it should be turned as well? Forgive me if I sound a little dumb, only i’m studying Mechanical Engineering in college and the question was put fo.nardrThawks Reply

  • Reply
    Chrissi Reads
    Twitter:
    29 March, 2014 at 8:54 pm

    Great review Lucy! I hope to check out this book soon.
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  • Reply
    Ebony @ Paperbacks & Protagonists
    30 March, 2014 at 2:19 am

    Thank you for the great review – I will definitely have to check this one out sometime! 🙂
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  • Reply
    Caroline
    30 March, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    I love the sound of this, such a fun concept for a book and I have been loving contemporaries recently!

  • Reply
    Rachel
    30 March, 2014 at 6:17 pm

    It sounds a little far fetched to contract a 16 year old girl to break up couples but it sounds like the author pulled off the story anyhow. Great review. 🙂
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  • Reply
    Hannah
    5 July, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    Brilliant review Lucy! Love that this book got even better. I’ve been humming and ahhhing for a while about whether I should read it, but you’ve got me sold. I really have respect for male authors who can write a female voice well (and vice versa), so I think this will definitely be added to the tbr list!
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