My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

 

Summary (from the publisher): Set amidst the breathtaking beauty of Oxford, this sparkling debut novel tells the unforgettable story about a determined young woman eager to make her mark in the world and the handsome man who introduces her to an incredible love that will irrevocably alter her future—perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks.

American Ella Durran has had the same plan for her life since she was thirteen: Study at Oxford. At 24, she’s finally made it to England on a Rhodes Scholarship when she’s offered an unbelievable position in a rising political star’s presidential campaign. With the promise that she’ll work remotely and return to DC at the end of her Oxford year, she’s free to enjoy her Once in a Lifetime Experience. That is, until a smart-mouthed local who is too quick with his tongue and his car ruins her shirt and her first day.

When Ella discovers that her English literature course will be taught by none other than that same local, Jamie Davenport, she thinks for the first time that Oxford might not be all she’s envisioned. But a late-night drink reveals a connection she wasn’t anticipating finding and what begins as a casual fling soon develops into something much more when Ella learns Jamie has a life-changing secret.

Immediately, Ella is faced with a seemingly impossible decision: turn her back on the man she’s falling in love with to follow her political dreams or be there for him during a trial neither are truly prepared for. As the end of her year in Oxford rapidly approaches, Ella must decide if the dreams she’s always wanted are the same ones she’s now yearning for.

Review: This is set on the beautiful campus of Oxford as we follow American Ella Durran who has finally made her childhood dream of studying at Oxford a reality through securing a Rhodes Scholarship. But early into her adventure she knows this will be temporary as she is offered a position on a rising political star's political campaign and agrees to work remotely after a year. On her first day, she meets a local whose car ruins her shirt. Later, she finds out it is none other than that same local, Jamie Davenport, who is teaching her literature course. 

I loved the setting of this and the academic and professional ambitions of Ella. Ella isn't looking for love and, in fact, is initially not the biggest fan of Jamie, and yet can't help falling for him. I did think the tension with Jamie's parents and backstory with his brother were interesting and felt realistic. It gave a lot of weight to the story to see Jamie and Ella in their very new relationship trying to navigate through his complicated family dynamics. Additionally, Julia Whelan is a dream narrator, and it was so cool to see her getting to narrate her own work.

I have to say, this gave me the major ick that Jamie pursues Ella while she is enrolled in his course! This seemed so wildly unethical to me. I can't believe more reviews don't reference this! I would have liked to have seen him wait until she completed the course or else seen her withdraw so that she could pursue the relationship. This just seemed like such a violation of teacher's code of ethics when interacting with students. I know she is an adult, but this is still a teacher-student dynamic. 

I also just didn't feel that sucked into the story. The twist is heartbreaking, but I didn't feel overly emotionally connected to the characters so didn't feel overly moved. I also felt like there was initially such a huge push for Ella to be seen as this driven woman pursuing both academic and professional goals and then it's all sort of tossed aside for Jamie. Not that she gives it all up, but it's not referenced other than in passing and I never got the sense that she was working that hard to continue to pursue those dreams that supposedly were what defined her. 

Stars: 3.5