Chasing Windmills by Catherine Ryan Hyde

One fateful night, a young man and woman meet on the subway. Few words are exchanged, yet a powerful connection is forged. Each is trying to escape their life, the boy Sebastian from a controlling father and the woman Maria from her controlling boyfriend. But the first time their eyes meet, they fall in love. Their nightly subway rides provide refuge from their unsatisfying lives, and soon a dream is born: Maria and Sebastian, now nicknamed Tony, plan to move to the Mojave Desert to start a new life. But Maria hasn’t told Tony/Sebastian about her history, complicating their lives even farther. But their plans have already been made, and Maria feels compelled to follow through.

Chasing Windmills is a beautiful retelling of West Side Story, although a much more hopeful one. I really fell in love with this story, especially the strong connection between Maria and Sebastian. Their bond was so strong that even though they didn’t really know each other that well, they could predict each other’s thoughts. Both Maria and Sebastian were well-developed characters and I sometimes felt I was inside their heads; the story was that realistic.

I really enjoyed how Chasing Windmills was more optimistic than West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet and the self journeys Maria and Sebastian went through. The story was truly unforgettable and I had a hard time putting the book down. I definitely recommend it, especially to fans of unique love stories, and I look forward to reading more of the talented Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novels.

Rating: 4.5

Review copy from author Catherine Ryan Hyde