From Laughs to Lessons: A Deep Dive into 'Funny Story' by Emily Henry
After spending the last couple of weeks deep diving into the emotional rollercoasters created by Colleen Hoover in works like Confess, Regretting You, Heart Bones, and Hopeless, we’ve decided it’s time to explore something lighter, yet with an equally compelling narrative. To make it clear, we’re by no means stopping with CoHo reviews - there’s a LOT more of them coming your way.
But we both felt that after the last 4 articles it’s time for something a bit more quirky. Something, which promises laughter, but also makes you stop and contemplate it’s message. Something charming, witty, and engaging. Something, like a funny story.
Actually, not something “like” a funny story. But an actual “Funny Story”, written by the celebrated, and immensely talented, Emily Henry.
Who is Emily Henry?
Emily Henry has rapidly emerged onto the literary scene as one of the leading voices in contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She’s widely known for her captivating narratives that artfully blend humor with deeply emotional character journeys, as well as for her quirky wit, charm, and surprisingly insightful exploration of themes like personal growth and human relationships.
Henry grew up in a small town, which often serves as an inspiration for the settings of her novels. She pursued creative writing in college, honing her skills and developing her unique voice. Henry's literary debut came with her young adult novels, but she gained mainstream popularity with her transition to adult fiction, particularly with her breakout hit, "Beach Read." This novel not only won her critical acclaim but also cemented her status as a must-read author in the romance genre.
Since her rise to fame, Emily Henry has been praised for her contribution to redefining contemporary romance. Her books frequently appear on bestseller lists, and she has garnered a loyal fan base eagerly awaiting her latest publications. Critics and readers alike laud her for her fresh approach to romantic fiction and her ability to write stories that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining.
Funny Story by Emily Henry: Book Review
In Funny Story Emily Henry masterfully creates one of those narratives, which glue you to the page with its magnetic blend of humor, emotional depth, and engaging storytelling.
It’s a whirlwind of a journey, featuring a quirky small town setting, a “rekindling old romances” trope, and a dash of unexpected family secrets. So let’s do a deep dive of Natalie’s journey and discuss why Funny Story and Emily Henry have earned their flowers.
Plot and Narrative Structure Overview
In Funny Story Emily Henry introduces audiences to Natalie, whose constructed and well-put city life is suddenly upended, forcing her to return to her hometown of Lake Sullivan for the summer. There, she encounters several figures from her past, including a former love interest, as well as a couple of estranged family members, each bringing a new layer of complication - and comedy - into her life.
What’s particularly fascinating about Funny Story is that if we were to simplify it’s plot structure, it would go something like this: “The heroine undertakes a journey to her hometown to uncover deeply hidden familial secrets, which threaten to challenge her perception of everything she knows about her family and her own self”. Sounds like something straight out of a Colleen Hoover novel, doesn’t it?
But this is where the comparison ends, because while Funny Story does have the emotional complexity of a Hoover novel, the otherwise serious narrative is punctuated with numerous funny incidents, cleverly interweaving elements of romance, mystery, and a whole bunch of witty exchanges, brining much-needed lightness to otherwise serious topics, and turning the narrative into what really is “a funny story”.
Rich Character Development
Natalie’s evolution throughout the story is quite fascinating, to say the least. Her character is deeply torn between the comforts of her constructed city life, and the more authentic, albeit rather chaotic, rural roots.
Her journey to make peace with both sides of herself is marked by moments of vulnerability and emotional growth, presented into a deeply humorous fashion. And while this makes for absolutely top-notch entertainment, it also makes Natalie a very relatable character, able to inspire and compel readers to examine their own self-perception and identity throughout the story.
What I found to be a very pleasant surprise, when it comes to character development, is that each and every supporting character had an actual purpose and role to play. From her high school sweetheart to her very eccentric family members, the entire cast are fully thought-out individuals, which bring their own quirks and secrets that aren’t meant to act as sub-plots, but actually drive the story forward and enrich the thematic exploration of the novel.
Thematic Depth
In Funny Story Emily Henry tackles themes that resonate with readers on a universal level - themes of exploring one’s identity, reconciliation, and the dichotomy between returning to a comfortable home or moving forward to the exciting (but equally scary) unknown.
As I mentioned above, the entire story is full of humorous remarks and witty jabs, yet those are not mere tools for adding entertainment value. The author masterfully uses them as a lens, through which deeper emotional and existential issues can be explored, without venturing into the darker recesses of one’s mind. I can ever go as far as saying that the entire story is an ode to the healing power of laughter and self-acceptance, espeically in the face of past traumas and when facing one’s fears.
In Funny Story Emily Henry also reflects on the nature of home and what it means to belong somewhere. Natalie’s return to Lake Sullivan is the catalyst to her entire journey of self-discovery, posing a very philosophical question from the onset: “Can one ever truly return to the past, and what does one find there when he does?” Emily Henry provides the answer with her characteristic touch of light, but insightful commentary, making Funny Story a truly reflecting and engaging read.
Final Thoughts on the Book
In Funny Story Emily Henry gives us a masterclass on what it means to successfully blend genres, inviting you to take part in Natalie’s journey of self-discovery, and share in the laughs, the cries, and, most importantly, the insightful experiences she gains along the way.
The novel is not merely an entertaining page turner. It is a thoughtful piece of literature, which shows Henry’s versatility as a writer of contemporary fiction. It is wisdom and whimsy in equal parts, bundled together in what is one of the most inspiring and entertaining reads I’ve come across in a while.
Truly, whether you’re a fan of Emily Henry’s prose or not, I can guarantee you that you’ll find something of value in Funny Story!
Is Funny Story by Emily Henry a Part of a Series?
"Funny Story" stands alone as a testament to Emily Henry’s ability to weave standalone narratives that resonate with readers looking for both humor and depth. It is not part of a series, which allows new readers to jump straight into Henry’s world without needing to catch up on other titles.
Should I Read Anything Else Before Reading Funny Story by Emily Henry?
While "Funny Story" is a standalone book, those familiar with Emily Henry’s "Beach Read" or "People We Meet on Vacation" might find a pleasant continuity in style and thematic exploration. However, no prerequisite reading is necessary to fully enjoy the charm and depth of "Funny Story."
Books Similar to Funny Story by Emily Henry
If "Funny Story" leaves you craving more novels that blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, consider these similarly spirited reads (I will put a link to each of these from Amazon below):
"Attachments" by Rainbow Rowell – A humorous yet poignant tale about unexpected love and the joy of finding someone who truly understands you.
"The Rosie Project" by Graeme Simsion – Follows a socially awkward genetics professor on a scientific quest to find out if he can find true love.
"Evvie Drake Starts Over" by Linda Holmes – A charming story about second chances, new beginnings, and the unexpected places we find love.
"The Flatshare" by Beth O'Leary – A quirky and uplifting romance that begins with two strangers sharing a flat and a bed at different times.
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Bonus: Emily Henry on Funny Story
Emily Henry has often shared how "Funny Story" is a book close to her heart, as it draws on her own experiences growing up in a small town.
She once remarked, "I wanted to write a story that captures the hilarity and heartache of returning home. 'Funny Story' is about discovering that you can go home again, and maybe you should."
This personal connection enriches the authenticity of the narrative, making the characters' journeys feel all the more real and relatable.
Did you enjoy this book review of Funny Story by Emily Henry? Check out some of the other reviews we’ve done recently, such as Confess, Heart Bones, Regretting You, and Hopeless!
