In Which We Discuss Vince and Joy

I personally found Vince and Joy to be the most frustrating of Jewell's novels. In short - and this section is going to contain spoilers - two people meet, and are perfect for each other. Due to a series of ridiculous misunderstandings, they remain apart for the next twenty years or so, having relationships and even children with other people, while continually catching glimpses of one another, but never saying anything. And then, eventually, finally they get together.

One of my pet hates is stories where every one except the main characters knows what's going to happen. Supporting cast, audience, everyone. And then, the entire story is basically waiting for the heroes to stop being idiots.

This is the main reason why I dislike Jewell's more straightforward love stories, like this and Thirtynothing, and even, to an extent, Ralph's Party. It's not so much 'will they, won't they' as 'get on with it already'.