The Little Café in Copenhagen, and the secret of Hygge

Let me start by saying, this book isn't winning any awards. Julie Caplin is clearly the type of writer who has a story they want to tell, and focuses her entire energy to getting the narrative down, rather than crafting her sentences in a masterful, evocative way. No time is spared looking for sophisticated words, or 'show, don't tell descriptions'. So if you're the type of erudite reader who finds half the pleasure of a good book lies in the language, you may quickly get frustrated with The Little Café in Copenhagen.

On the other hand, if you, like me, possess a healthy dose of perseverance attributed partially to stubbornness (I only accepted not finishing books is okay a few years ago) and partially to curiosity about the story, you may have just found a wholesome rainy day read.

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The narrative is charming in its simplicity. It does what it says in the synopsis - a quality which I've recently come to appreciate after being catfished by a number of chicklits - and takes you along on a classic romantic heroine's journey from heartbreak through adventure, personal growth, some more heartbreak and then a happy ending.

Something I thought was a nice touch is the fact that the story follows the lives and personal drama of the journalists on the press trip as well as the main character. In a meta way, it adds to the feeling of warmth and, indeed, Hygge, which the books aims to create for readers.

The love story is also less cliche than a lot of chicklits I've read. Don't get me wrong - it's still a pretty standard animosity turned chemistry turned love format, but the arch feels believable, and despite their misunderstandings, neither Kate nor Ben is a massive asshole who needs to redeem themselves in time for the happy ending.

In fact, I though Ben was extremely likeable in a down-to-earth kind of way, which is rare for romance - usually you get the buff, chiselled, brooding dreamboats (see: my rant about honourable oafs). Yes, he's grouchy and spends a considerable amount of time being a pain in Kate's butt, but he's still more realistic than a lot of chicklit love interests.

The biggest selling point for me, though, is the fact that The Little Café in Copenhagen makes you feel okay about not having all of your shit figured out. Did you get a university degree you didn't quite know what to do with? Did you frantically apply for jobs that sounded glamorous so you can get your foot in the door? Did you get sucked into a workaholic culture, driven by the desire to do well at a job you don't even really like?

As a Millennial in my mid-twenties, this all struck a cord with me. The good news is, according to this book (and many other schools of thought), it's okay not to have it all together. The message is quite simple: instead of pursuing glamorous jobs simply because society says you should, do something you love and you'll have a life full of contentment.

(Now I'm sure many of you would disagree and have different thoughts on the matter. I'm not arguing for or against this view on life, I'm simply summarising the moral of the story, as it were).

Final warning: This book stirs up a carving for a trip to Copenhagen, cycling around a beautiful city, drinking coffee and eating pastries (and I don't even like pastries!!), and just generally taking it easy.

4/5 stars