Something Borrowed

Rachel is a transplant from Indiana, unhappily employed in NYC as an associate at a law firm. Her best friend, Darcy, is engaged to marry one of Rachel's friends from law school. Darcy is the perfect girl--pretty, vivacious, always gets what she wants, although somewhat petulant and demanding. Just a few months before the wedding, Rachel has a one night stand with Darcy's fiance that develops into a full fledged love affiar.

Emily Giffin treats what could be an awkward topic with respect and empathy for all the characters. Although Darcy is at times portrayed as a stereotype, most likely to be a better foil for Rachel's good girl persona, the reader is also treated to Darcy's sense of fun and loyalty. This is a remarkably well written first novel, and one that I highly recommend.


Wonderful   December 16, 2004
M. M. Murray (Houston, TX)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I must admit, I was a bit skeptical when I read the back. How on earth was I going to like someone who sleeps with her best friend's fiancee? But I knew I wanted to read it and am so glad I did. The characters are wonderfully developed and once you realize what kind of person Darcy is, you can't help but root for Rachel. This is one of those books you don't want to end. It looks like Emily Giffin has a new book, "Something Blue", I hope it is a continuation of these characters! Even if it isn't a sequel, I can't wait till it comes out, since Giffin does an outstanding job of creating likeable and memorable characters. Highly recommended!


Refreshingly Literate!   June 3, 2004
Robin (New York, NY)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Something Borrowed is a welcome departure from the staid format of unrealistic, over-the-top chick lit. While the title would suggest a wedding book, this novel delves into the complexity of female friendship - the frequent mixed emotions one has toward a close friend. Beyond her attraction to her best friend's fiance, everybody can relate to the position of Rachael, the protagonist. Rachael has existed in the shadow of her flamboyant best friend, Darcy, for years and is faced with the dilemma of remaining loyal to her friend or following her heart. What ensues is a storyline that leaves you engrossed in the novel up to the final page. This book was a great find and introduces a new contender in a field of amateurs. I hope that we can look forward to many more great reads from Ms. Giffin.


I couldn't put it down!   December 7, 2006
Emma See (USA)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

My boyfriend would watch me while I read, entertained by my facial expressions. I cried, I laughed, I loved it all! This book is definitely a good read on a lazy day. You won't want to do anything else until you've finished!


A WONDERFULLY written novel that left me wanting more   June 11, 2004
Glen A. (Pacific Palisades, CA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I wound up reading the Something Borrowed through in 3 nights after my girlfriend bought the book and I picked it up out of curiosity. Emily Giffin's writing style is rare in that the reader immediately empathizes with her protagonist, Rachel, because she is such a REAL character facing plausible situations involving moral ambiguity and difficult choices. As a lawyer, I could relate to the backdrop of large firm drudgery juxtaposed against the relative perk of being a young professional in an exciting city. "Chick-lit" novels are not a genre with which I have any familiarity (I rarely read any non-fiction at all, let alone stories about "relationships"), but Something Borrowed was an absolute treat to read. The character development was SUPERB, and the plot was well-crafted.
This one would translate perfectly onto the big screen!