In Review: Forget The Feckin' Wellies

In the first couple of months of 2024, I’ve not only been reading more regularly again, but I’ve also selected titles that were outside of the genres I usually choose. As I’ve mentioned before, romance isn’t one of my go-to genres, which might sound weird, because I’m actually a big, mushy romantic chick at heart. But I’m beginning to realize why I used to steer clear of the genre; too often, authors write formulaic romance. One word: Hallmark. To me, that means I’m basically reading the same story over and over with different character names and settings, and I just don’t see the fun in predictable. After reading Forget the Feckin’ Wellies by Genesis Bird, I’m reminded that formula is being replaced with the same depth and uniqueness that this book was, especially by bold indie authors. Genesis Bird delivers characters with profound layers who are both relatable and and authentic, and weaves in progressive themes that I’d like to see more of in stories.

Right from the start, I loved the main character, Jess who is not only adorably awkward, but is a sappy cat mom to Lavender, and is quite vulnerable about the fact she struggles with grief. Stories offer us a twofold opportunity: "mirrors", to see our reflection, and "windows", to view new possibilities. I’m not too shy to say that Jess was a mirror for me in each of the points I listed. After spending years in the numbness of grief, just going through the motions of life, Jess receives an opportunity for transformation. Although, “it hurt a little to feel hopeful,” Jess senses that stagnation isn't acceptable any more, and takes the trip back to Ireland, where many of her old friends live. By the end, we see her lovely character arc play out as she, takes her friend, Hayden’s advice, to, “do something you wouldn’t do.”

The affection and relatability I felt for Liam came as a bigger surprise to me, but ended up being rather eye-opening for me. I definitely tend to connect to women more easily, but I think it's important that we recognize how gender stereotypes, not only in life, but in stories, create our reality. Too often, cishet males are depicted as lacking heart, but Liam too shows us his very raw pain and his compassion. Bird so adeptly shows us what it's like to, “feel stuck in your head and replay your pain with scenarios that go sideways. It always ended the same way; with Liam hurting his own feelings.” I related to that hardcore. The representation of male pain was something we need to see much more of in stories, for feminism isn’t just about encouraging strong women, but also for allowing space for men’s softness and vulnerability and challenging gender norms, as a whole.

Another thing that earned this book a great big checkmark from me was the sex-positivity in this book. The first scene that included sexual activity was a masturbation scene, and I could not find that more empowering. We all deserve the freedom to know our own bodies well and be proud that we don’t need to rely on someone else for pleasure. But maybe even more than that, I appreciated the inclusion of consent in the storyline. The spicy scenes were great, but I couldn’t help but feel bittersweet as I “watched” several men honors Jess’s boundaries. How desperately we need a world with more men like Liam and Hayden, who, despite being keen to sleep with her, upheld the concept of, “Friends first always.” Both Liam and Hayden display behavior that embodies the reality that a relationship – of any kind – should always be built upon mutual respect.

The “windows” I experienced while reading Bird’s title was in regard to the second-chance theme. It doesn’t have to be romance, but the reality that something wonderful can manifest in our lives after we’ve known so much sorrow is exactly the kind of hope I like to feel from a story. I highly recommend Genesis Bird’s Forget the Feckin’ Wellies, and eagerly (impatiently) await book two, Fast Times at Excellent Yonago, where we’ll see Jess’s adventures in Japan.

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Peace and Love,

Tracey

©Tracey Love, 2024. All rights reserved.