Here is one of those books where we read characters who would be hated and ridiculous in reality, but paint pages like fire in literature. Paulina and Fran by Rachel B. Glaser tells the relationship between two college women as they grow throughout their early twenties. Paulina is a fiery redhead with curls as big as her personality, while Fran is a character that reflects the personalities more of the majority of women her age. The pairing of these two women makes for such a tense and colorful relationship that Glaser does an amazing job of building.

 These two women start out as an odd couple but quickly form a bond by realizing that each other possess qualities that the other lacks. Where Paulina resides on a throne, she brings Fran up with her. While Fran has a timid persona, she keeps Paulina firmly rooted. However, the beginning of the friendship is short-lived during which we start to notice Paulina’s over attachment to Fran. I found this to be a very interesting aspect of their relationship because Paulina dramatically presents herself as being fiercely independent. However, when I thought more about this, I realized that Paulina is an accurate reflection of real people who are similar to her. While she is a drastic portrayal, Glaser does a perfect job of folding the layers that create such a vibrant character. Similar to people in reality who overly project independence and confidence, Paulina does so in order to hide deep insecurities. The fact that Glasser is able to convey such a paradoxical character is honestly commendable.

The contrast of a character like Paulina to the almost mousy Fran makes this novel truly pop. Fran is the character that most readers can best relate to which helps us to understand the story better, I believe. Fran is responsible, dependent on others, and entirely confused about where her life is heading. There is a lot of every typical twenty-year-old built into Fran and that helps to make us want to keep on hearing about her.

While the story is pretty short, Glasser is able to craft a wonderful build-up at an intense moment. This is great to read because it seems so natural and yet unexpected. There is a pivotal point of the novel which stands out with such a blazing heat that it is hard to miss.

Paulina and Fran is a novel that resonates with women going through questioning times in their lives. It is a good read for anyone who wants a laugh or a look into the maze that is a woman’s mind.

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