The End of Love

The End of Love is a comprehensive analysis of contemporary approaches to love, sex and relationships. Tenenbaum is able to write on the topic from a unique perspective, having been born in Buenos Aires and growing up in a strict Orthodox Jewish community. Within this community, it was unimaginable that a respectable young woman would have any contact with a man, let alone a relationship that hasn’t been pre-approved by parents or pre-marital sex. Tenenbaum recalls leaving her community to attend university as a teenager, unprepared for the vast world that was waiting for her. I think that this book could easily join the Natasha Lunn and Dolly Alderton canon of young women’s sacred texts.

I think that for most readers (like myself) the backdrop of the Orthodox Jewish community won't be relatable, but don’t let that deter you. Tenenbaum uses it as a point of reference in order to highlight two extremes: strict faith versus the wayward life of university students. This is done without judgement, recognising the benefits and shortcomings of both lifestyles. For example, she discusses the pressure on young women to date. Outside of the faith, navigating dating and early relationships as a teenager is often difficult, volatile and upsetting (everyone remembers their first heartbreak). For young Orthodox Jewish women, casual dating is outright forbidden, therefore the women are spared of these challenging experiences. Tenenbaum recognises that in many ways it is easier to grow up within the faith and not be troubled by the world of love, sex, and relationships, whilst acknowledging that for a large number of people this time is regarded as a fundamental life experience.

Tenenbaum left the religion around the time she went to university. This is universally recognised as a time of exploration for young people. For Tenenbaum it marks the start of her life removed from the watchful eye of her religious community. She discusses a plethora of themes: social media, dating apps, ghosting, diet culture, plastic surgery, fertility and consent (to name a few). The challenges she discusses will be all too familiar to the young female audience looking for guidance in a world undefined.

This book left me pondering deeply about love, especially in the context of our current world with its influence from social media and our backgrounds. While the cover may suggest something different, Tamara's reflections on love are incredibly insightful. She approaches feminism not just as a movement for women, but as a broader philosophy advocating for equality and understanding among all humans.

Tamara's exploration begins with her own story but expands far beyond, prompting readers to consider their views on love, desire, and the various forms they take. Despite being from a different generation than mine, her questions feel universally relevant, challenging ingrained notions about love that we've inherited over time.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

A great analysis on love and relationships which includes a unique perspective regarding traditional religious influences from the author’s own experiences. Very thought-provoking and interesting.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.