Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss, #2) Summary & Key Insights

Stephanie Perkins's "Lola and the Boy Next Door," the sequel to "Anna and the French Kiss," follows Lola, Anna's best friend, as she navigates love, loss, and self-discovery during her senior year at the prestigious boarding school, École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Unlike Anna's whirlwind romance, Lola's journey is slower, more introspective, and centered around a complex relationship with her next-door neighbor, Cricket.

The novel opens with Lola still reeling from the unexpected death of her grandmother. Grief colors her perspective, influencing her artistic endeavors and her reluctance to fully embrace life. Cricket, a charming and enigmatic American artist studying at the same school, becomes an unexpected source of comfort and friendship. He's a free spirit, a stark contrast to Lola’s more structured and controlled personality. Their relationship develops gradually, fueled by shared artistic passions, late-night talks, and the comforting familiarity of their neighboring apartments. Their connection, however, is complicated by Cricket's history and emotional unavailability, mirroring Lola's own struggles with processing her grief.

A significant part of the plot revolves around Lola's artistic growth and her struggle to find her voice as an artist. She grapples with perfectionism and the pressure to live up to her grandmother's legacy. Her artwork becomes a powerful outlet for her emotions, mirroring her journey through grief and burgeoning romance. The Parisian setting once again plays a crucial role, inspiring Lola and providing a backdrop for her self-discovery. The vibrant city, with its artistic energy and romantic atmosphere, acts as a catalyst for her personal transformation.

Throughout the novel, Lola wrestles with the complexities of first love, complicated by Cricket's emotional baggage. He, burdened by a past relationship and his own artistic insecurities, finds it difficult to commit to a fully realized relationship. Their journey is punctuated by misunderstandings, moments of intense intimacy, and the inevitable anxieties and uncertainties that come with young love. Their relationship isn't a fairytale; it's messy, realistic, and ultimately, deeply human.

The overarching themes of the novel center on grief, self-acceptance, and the exploration of identity through art. Lola’s journey emphasizes the importance of processing grief at one's own pace and finding healthy coping mechanisms. The novel subtly explores the complexities of mental health, showcasing how past trauma can affect present relationships. Ultimately, "Lola and the Boy Next Door" is a story about finding love in unexpected places, accepting imperfections, and discovering the strength and beauty within oneself. The ending offers a sense of hopeful resolution, emphasizing the power of self-discovery and the importance of supportive relationships in navigating life’s challenges.