Bye, Baby: Book Review
Hi y’all! Today I’m sharing my thoughts on the book Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering!
GoodReads Rating: 4/5 stars
Carola Lovering’s “Bye, Baby” is a compelling book that explores the complexities of parenthood, friendship, and the haunting grip of past traumas. It classifies as a thriller but leans more toward fiction/psychological fiction. It’s a story about what happens when friends grow apart and life takes you in two directions. Despite a lot happening in the plot, it’s a character-driven story.
Billie and Cassie met in middle school and were inseparable despite coming from very different backgrounds. They were there for each other through thick and thin, leading to a drastic event that has bonded them for life. Now in their mid-thirties, Cassie lives the life she always wanted—married to a wealthy man, has multiple homes, a new baby, and her clothing boutique. On the other hand, Billie is single, childless by choice, and works as a travel consultant.
Cassie and Billie narrate the story, allowing us to see the complexity of their relationship from both POVs. As the narrative oscillates between past and present, readers are drawn deeper into the secret that bonds the two together.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths, and something I enjoyed reading about, is parenthood and the complex emotions that accompany it. Lovering captures the raw intensity of maternal love and the crushing weight of maternal guilt. Cassie was my favorite perspective to read from. Many may find her influencing and modern-day references cringy, but I think Lovering did a great job.
Billie has her own set of challenges and uncertainties. She goes to extraordinary means to maintain the friendship, which is clearly one-sided. As she navigates the murky waters of grief, Billie must confront the demons of her past and come to terms with the harsh realities of her present.
“Bye, Baby” explores the universal themes of love, loss, and redemption. I liked the themes and meaning behind the book, but it lost a star from me because I was often frustrated with the plot holes.
Thanks for reading!
