I liked how this book was told through 2 alternating voices--and short chapters, always a plus. There were a few parts that hurt my tummy I laughed so hard, other parts that were touching, and others that were almost tension-filled as I hoped for a happy ending that was never guaranteed. ( )

A painfully funny comedy-romance set in modern England amid the collapsing English aristocracy's efforts to save their crumbling fortunes. ( )

Engaging novel about Rory and his impoverished family trying to keep together the disintegrating stately family home. ( )

excellent ( )

This is a rare bird: a romantic-comedy novel that isn't riddled with cliche (okay, maybe just a little) or simplistic happy-ever-afters. It's uplifting enough to satisfy that happy-ending instinct, but it's not saccharine or overdone, in my opinion. The story is about Rory Jones, the unhappy heir to a British estate, and the American journalist Maggie who's assigned to write a story on the declining English aristocracy (i.e. what is its relevance, if any, in today's world?). The novel is told partly from Maggie's point of view in the first person, and partly from Rory's brother Daniel's point of view. Daniel - the alcoholic older son in the family - is an interesting creation because he dies in the beginning of the novel, so he's observing Rory from beyond the grave, as it were. This was a unique plot device, and while I probably should have been irritated by it as a gimmick, I thought it made for an interesting twist. Naturally Rory and Maggie don't get along at first; equally naturally their feelings for each other soon develop. I found them both complex, interesting characters, and Hunting Unicorns was an enjoyable, non-fluffy read.