Anyone’s Love Story

Described in the book’s prologue as “the unfolding story” of the author’s heart, Anyone’s Love Story chronicles the various stages in the perennial experience of love and loss. In this, Daniela Bayer reconciles the painful end of a failed relationship with reaffirmation of self, possibility for new love, and an enlightened sense of being. Marked by candid disclosure, Bayer’s poetic journey will no doubt resonate with many both for its emotional sincerity and universality. Anyone’s Love Story reads smoothly as a 7-step guide for the broken-hearted, with an understated Self Help tone—this, perhaps, allows for a more forgiving reading of some too-familiar phrases in the text: “Believe in a fairytale ending,” Bayer implores the reader, and, towards the end: “Bite the bullet,” she encourages.

This is not, however, to say that the book is without verbal texture. Insights, such as “the cost of fighting for what I think I am entitled to/ is far greater than/ the cost of letting go of everything,” ring concise and true in a visceral way that begs reflection. Daniela Bayer should be given kudos for a successful first publication and for the earnestness with which she writes.