Anna Todd, the bestselling author who captivated millions with her “After” series, delivers another emotional powerhouse with “The Last Sunrise.” This poignant summer romance takes readers to the stunning island of Mallorca, where life, love, and the fleeting nature of time intertwine in a story that will leave you both heartbroken and hopeful.
Unlike her previous works that centered on tumultuous relationships and dramatic character arcs, Todd ventures into more contemplative territory with “The Last Sunrise,” crafting a narrative that balances the euphoria of first love with the sobering reality of mortality. The result is a mature, reflective novel that showcases her growth as a writer while maintaining the emotional intensity her fans have come to expect.
Meet Oriah: A Character Coming Into Her Own
At the heart of the story is twenty-three-year-old Oriah “Ry” Pera, a young woman who has spent most of her life defined by her medical condition—tuberous sclerosis—and her mother’s overprotective nature. When we meet Ry, she’s resigned to her fate, having stopped taking her medication and viewing her summer in Mallorca as her “last hurrah” before the inevitable.
Todd crafts Ry with remarkable depth, creating a protagonist who is both vulnerable and resilient. Her internal monologues reveal a sharp, cynical wit that serves as armor against life’s disappointments:
“I’ve been working really damn hard to grow comfortable with the idea that I will never have the thing that people want the most and being okay with it.”
What makes Ry compelling is her journey toward embracing life despite its limitations. As she navigates her newfound independence in Mallorca, we witness her transformation from a passive observer to an active participant in her own story.
Julián: The Perfect Foil and Companion
In Julián Garcia, Todd creates the ideal counterpart to Ry’s cautious pragmatism. A local fisherman with strong ties to his community and cultural heritage, Julián initially comes across as arrogant and judgmental of tourists. However, as layers peel away, we discover a complex character struggling with his own demons—depression, family obligations, and an unwavering commitment to his island home.
The chemistry between Ry and Julián is immediate and palpable, driven by their verbal sparring and conflicting worldviews. Their relationship develops organically through shared experiences and vulnerable moments, making their connection feel authentic rather than contrived:
“If I had to do it over, I would love you again and again, even if it meant losing you again and again. In this lifetime and the next, and the next, I will find you and I will love you.”
Todd excels at creating tension between these characters while allowing their relationship to evolve beyond initial impressions, resulting in a romance that feels earned rather than inevitable.
Setting as Character: Mallorca’s Captivating Presence
The island of Mallorca serves as more than just a picturesque backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right. Todd immerses readers in the sensory experience of the island—the taste of fresh seafood, the smell of salt water, the feel of warm sand beneath bare feet. Her descriptions evoke a vivid sense of place:
“The white sand sticks to the crevices in my sandals, so I shake them off, knock them together, and toss them into my bag as I walk closer to the water. The shoreline is incredible; it’s more like a pocket beach, hidden in the middle of a long coastline.”
Through Julián’s perspective, Todd also addresses the island’s complex relationship with tourism, highlighting the tension between economic necessity and cultural preservation. This adds a layer of social commentary that enriches the narrative beyond the central romance.
Family Dynamics and Generational Wounds
One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of complicated family relationships, particularly between Ry and her mother, Isolde. Todd skillfully unveils the history that shaped Isolde’s controlling nature, revealing a woman who fled her homeland after watching her own mother suffer from the same condition that afflicts her daughter.
The parallel love story between Isolde and Mateo (Julián’s father) adds historical depth to the narrative, illustrating how patterns of behavior and unresolved emotions can echo across generations. Their reconnection alongside Ry and Julián’s blossoming romance creates a satisfying symmetry to the story’s conclusion.
Themes that Resonate
“The Last Sunrise” addresses several powerful themes that elevate it beyond typical summer romance fare:
- Living versus existing: Ry’s journey from resignation to embracing life even with its limitations
- The healing power of vulnerability: Both Ry and Julián must lower their defenses to truly connect
- Cultural identity and heritage: The importance of understanding where we come from
- Class divisions: The contrast between Ry’s privileged upbringing and Julián’s working-class background
- The ethics of development: The novel thoughtfully explores the impact of tourism and corporate expansion on local communities
Strengths and Standout Elements
Todd’s writing shines brightest in the intimate moments between characters. Her dialogue feels natural and revealing, while the emotional scenes pack a genuine punch without veering into melodrama. Particularly impressive is her handling of Ry’s medical condition—she portrays the challenges without defining the character solely by her illness.
The novel’s structure, alternating between Ry’s first-person perspective and occasional chapters from Julián’s viewpoint, allows readers to fully invest in both characters’ emotional journeys. The final chapters, which briefly shift to Julián’s perspective during Ry’s medical crisis, are especially effective at raising the emotional stakes.
Critical Assessment
While “The Last Sunrise” represents significant growth in Todd’s writing, it’s not without flaws. The pacing in the middle section occasionally drags, with some scenes feeling repetitive in establishing the couple’s connection. The corporate development subplot, while providing necessary conflict, sometimes feels underdeveloped compared to the central romance.
Some readers might find the resolution a bit too neat after the emotional turmoil that precedes it. Though Todd earns her ending through careful character development, the wrap-up of multiple storylines in the epilogue borders on convenient wish fulfillment.
Additionally, some secondary characters like Amara serve primarily as plot devices rather than fully realized individuals, though her vibrant personality does add welcome levity to the narrative.
Comparisons to Todd’s Previous Work
Fans of Todd’s “After” series will notice a definite maturation in her writing style with “The Last Sunrise.” While her previous works often relied on dramatic conflict and passionate intensity, this novel showcases her ability to create equally compelling narratives through quieter, more introspective character moments.
The emotional honesty that made her earlier books so popular remains intact, but there’s a newfound subtlety to her approach that suggests promising evolution as a storyteller.
Who Will Love This Book
“The Last Sunrise” will resonate strongly with readers who enjoy:
- Character-driven contemporary romance with emotional depth
- Coming-of-age narratives featuring complex family dynamics
- Travel fiction that authentically captures the essence of its setting
- Stories addressing illness and mortality with sensitivity and hope
- Bittersweet narratives that balance heartbreak with healing
Fans of authors like Colleen Hoover, Emily Henry, and Jojo Moyes will find much to appreciate in Todd’s blend of romance and weightier themes.
Final Verdict
“The Last Sunrise” demonstrates Anna Todd’s growth as a writer, delivering a romance that’s both emotionally satisfying and thematically rich. By balancing swoon-worthy moments with thoughtful exploration of mortality, identity, and family legacy, Todd has created a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
While not flawless, the novel’s strengths—vivid setting, compelling characters, and emotional authenticity—far outweigh its occasional missteps. “The Last Sunrise” confirms Todd’s place as not just a commercially successful author but an increasingly accomplished storyteller capable of crafting narratives with genuine emotional resonance.
Much like its characters, the novel reminds us that even when time is limited, moments of connection and joy are worth embracing—a message that feels particularly poignant given the story’s context. For readers seeking a summer romance with substance, “The Last Sunrise” delivers a memorable reading experience that balances escapism with emotional truth.