Between Me and You by Allison Winn Scotch narrative features an ambitious concept: one is told chronically and the other in reverse. That premise provides interesting context to the couple’s story.
For a full synopsis of Between Me and You, head over to my preview.
Let’s talk about the two main characters: Tatum, the actress (who tells her story chronically) and Ben, the screenwriter (who tells his story in reverse). The story follows their lives over 20 years. Ben is the first one to reach success but his soon outshined by Tatum when she becomes an A-list actress and eventual director. Her success, his failure, plus losing parents and siblings along the way, creates big cracks in their relationship.
I didn’t doubt their love for one another but the big question becomes is that enough to stay married?
These characters feel so real, which comes with the insecurities, the jealousy, the selfishness (among the good qualities). I could see why these two characters fell for each other but also all the factors that drove them apart. And I think having it take place in the Hollywood scene added an interesting dilemma to their lives. Tatum, at times, acts the part of ‘Tatum the actress’ in her private life while Ben was consumed with experiencing more acclaims for his writing.
I’m now going to get into spoilers so stop reading if you haven’t read the book.
I was surprised that Tatum wasn’t more upset about Ben’s affair, and even took the blame herself in some ways. Especially when it wasn’t a one-time thing but a continuous affair that lasted to the end of the book.
Both Ben and Tatum lose parents (then eventually Lou), which is heartbreaking but sadly, it’s part of life and it can make life even more complicated. Also, with all that happens with these characters, there’s not really a good or bad person in it but shows that people are a mixture of both qualities at times.
I kind of expected the happy Hollywood ending—hey, it’s how the characters make their living. I wasn’t sure while reading it, if getting back together would really make sense but I think it was successfully conveyed, in the end, they know each other best, the good, the bad and the ugly.
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