Amazon First Reads
As part of the Amazon First Reads program, I picked up the short story Natural Selection. The cover intrigued me, and my longing for warmer weather made the Galápagos Island setting even more appealing. I love having bonus short stories as part of the program!
What It’s About
When I read the synopsis, I was immediately drawn to the premise:
When her boyfriend bails at the last minute, a New York woman embarks on their couples’ cruise alone to find that maybe the person she was supposed to fall in love with was herself.
The human need to adapt and grow is a fascinating theme that often makes for compelling storytelling. This could have been an empowering story of self-discovery, but I found myself disappointed by the execution.
The Characters
Sophia could have been a compelling protagonist, but instead, she feels passive, naïve, and hard to relate to. Her reaction to her boyfriend’s last-minute cancellation seems more like passive acceptance than personal growth. The attempt at character development, like her shift in Instagram content after her sister’s pregnancy, feels shallow and without any real follow-up or transformation.
Sophia’s boyfriend, JP, isn’t any better. His character is unlikable and manipulative from the start, but we never get a real sense of why Sophia was drawn to him in the first place. It often felt like he was a parent chastising a child rather than a romantic relationship. The secondary characters felt underdeveloped (and abundant) leaving me with little emotional connection to the story overall.
The Writing & Plot
Hilderbrand’s writing is clear and easy to read, but the pacing was uneven. The story sets up an intriguing journey of self-discovery, but ultimately, it lacks momentum and emotional depth. The inclusion of contemporary slang like “rizz” and “sus” made Sophia, who is 35, feel out of place and distracted from the more serious themes of the story.
Final Thoughts
Natural Selection could have been a reflective, transformative read, but it fell flat for me. The descriptive imagery of the Galápagos Islands is beautiful, but it wasn’t enough to make up for the lack of character growth. If you’re looking for a quick, light read, it might suit your mood, but don’t expect a deep or life-changing experience.
Would I Recommend It?
If you’re looking for a breezy, low-commitment story with a light exploration of self-discovery, Natural Selection might be worth checking out. However, if you’re seeking a more impactful or deeply reflective read, this might not be the best choice.
Have you read Natural Selection yet?
Let me know your thoughts! Did you connect more with Natural Selection than I did? Drop a comment below and don’t forget to follow for more book reviews and discussions!