The Return is a romantic novel written by Nicholas Sparks and published in 2020. The book falls under the genres of romance, drama, and fiction. This book tells a story of a man who returns to his hometown to resolve his father’s estate, but he ends up falling in love with a woman he meets there.
Plot Summary The return:
Trevor Benson is a surgeon in the United States Army who is on leave after being injured in Afghanistan. He decides to visit his hometown of New Bern, North Carolina, to sell his father’s property and to figure out what to do with his life. When he arrives, he meets Natalie Masterson, who owns the local bed and breakfast. Natalie is a single mother who has had a tough time finding love after her divorce. As Trevor begins to spend more time with Natalie, they develop a strong connection.
However, as their relationship grows stronger, Trevor begins to receive calls from his superior officer, who is urging him to come back to active duty. Trevor is torn between his love for Natalie and his duty to his country. Meanwhile, Natalie is still dealing with the aftermath of her divorce, and her ex-husband’s attempts to regain custody of their daughter.
As Trevor struggles to decide what to do, a series of events occur that threaten to tear him and Natalie apart. Can their love survive the challenges they face, or will they be forced to go their separate ways?
Character Analysis
The characters in The Return are well-developed and relatable. Trevor Benson is a dedicated soldier who is struggling with the after-effects of war. He is a compassionate and caring person who is looking for his purpose in life. Natalie Masterson is a strong and independent woman who is trying to raise her daughter while running a business. She is guarded due to her past, but she is willing to take a chance on love with Trevor.
Themes and Symbolism
One of the main themes in The Return is the importance of family. Trevor is forced to confront his past and deal with the issues he has with his father. Natalie is also dealing with the aftermath of her divorce and trying to protect her daughter. Another theme is the impact of war on soldiers and their families. Trevor’s experiences in Afghanistan have a profound effect on him and shape his decisions throughout the book.
Writing Style and Pacing
Nicholas Sparks is known for his heartwarming and emotional stories, and The Return is no exception. The writing style is simple yet engaging, making the book an easy and enjoyable read. The pacing is well-done, with the story moving at a steady pace that keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Final Thoughts
Overall, The Return is a heartwarming and engaging romance novel that is sure to please fans of Nicholas Sparks’ work. The characters are relatable, the plot is well-written, and the themes are powerful. The book is a reminder of the importance of family and the sacrifices that soldiers make for their country. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance novel.
If you enjoyed The Return, I would recommend checking out some of Nicholas Sparks’ other books, such as The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, or Dear John. These books share similar themes of love, family, and sacrifice and are sure to tug at your heartstrings.
