Book Highlights
| Author Name | Emily Henry |
| Country | United States |
| Book Type | Fiction |
| Page Count | 400 |
| Genre | Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit |
| Story Setting | Waning Bay, Michigan |
| What to Expect | Fake Dating, Emotional Healing, Witty Banter, Slow-Burn Romance |
| Readability | Effortless, Humorous, Heartfelt |
Book Review
A Fresh Take on Fake Dating
Emily Henry’s Funny Story is like sinking into a cozy blanket of humor and heartache, with just the right touch of romance to warm your soul. It all kicks off when Daphne, who’s been dutifully building her life around her fiancé Peter, gets blindsided by his revelation that he’s in love with someone else. And not just anyone—his childhood best friend, Petra. Devastated and without a place to live, Daphne finds herself in a rather unusual predicament: sharing a house with Petra’s ex, the chaotic and charming Miles Nowak.
If that’s not awkward enough, they come up with a brilliant (and by brilliant, I mean ill-advised) plan to fake date and make their exes jealous. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to pretend.
Humor Meets Emotional Depth
Right from the start, Henry’s writing draws you in with humor and heart, much like Gideon’s voice in Gideon the Ninth—unexpected and delightful. Daphne’s narrative voice is funny, self-deprecating, and refreshingly honest. She’s the kind of character who overthinks everything but is still endearingly clueless when it comes to her own emotional blind spots. Meanwhile, Miles is scruffy and carefree, the complete opposite of buttoned-up Daphne, and yet, he’s exactly what she needs.
The plot dances between romantic comedy and something deeper. At first glance, it’s easy to think Funny Story is just another fake-dating trope, but Henry subverts expectations by focusing heavily on character growth and emotional healing. Daphne’s journey of rediscovering herself after heartbreak feels deeply personal and real. The fake dating is fun, sure, but the true heart of the story lies in Daphne and Miles learning to trust again, both in themselves and each other.
Complex and Relatable Characters
The character dynamics are what truly shine here. Daphne’s guarded nature stems from a long history of abandonment—most notably by her father, whose absence left a lingering sense of insecurity in her relationships. This isn’t just a rom-com where the characters jump into each other’s arms after a few jokes and missteps. Daphne’s emotional journey feels earned. She’s messy and scared, and her gradual unfolding is both painful and beautiful to watch.
And then there’s Miles. Oh, Miles. He’s the kind of character who sneaks up on you. At first, he’s this scruffy, seemingly carefree guy who listens to heartbreak ballads and avoids confrontation. But as the story unfolds, you realize there’s so much more to him. His selflessness and emotional depth make him one of Henry’s best male leads, the kind of guy who makes you believe in second chances. Watching him and Daphne lower their emotional walls is like watching the slow melting of ice under a warm sun—inevitable, but oh-so-satisfying.
Heartfelt Writing with Humor
Henry’s pacing is pitch-perfect, with moments of laugh-out-loud humor balanced by heartfelt, introspective scenes. The witty banter is razor-sharp, but there’s also tenderness beneath the surface. Daphne and Miles’s relationship isn’t just about the spark of attraction—it’s about healing old wounds, learning to be vulnerable, and finding joy in the small, everyday moments.
Some Missed Opportunities
That said, the story isn’t without its minor flaws. While Daphne’s growth is thoroughly explored, some of the side characters, like her mother or Miles’s sister, feel a little underdeveloped. Their storylines could have added more depth to the narrative but instead remain somewhat on the sidelines.
Still, Funny Story delivers where it counts. It’s a romance that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life, and its characters are as flawed and lovable as you’d hope. It’s sweet, it’s funny, and it leaves you feeling like you’ve just spent time with friends who understand exactly what it’s like to navigate the painful yet hopeful journey of love.
Final Thoughts
Funny Story isn’t just about falling in love with someone new—it’s about falling back in love with yourself. Henry strikes a beautiful balance between humor and emotional depth, making this a must-read for fans of heartfelt romances with real emotional stakes. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys witty banter, forced proximity, and characters you’ll be rooting for long after you’ve turned the last page.
