Loveless

Georgia is the protagonist and narrator of Loveless. Using first-person perspective, she takes the reader on a difficult journey of self-discovery. She is an 18-year-old girl who shares a love of theater with high school friends Pip and Jason. Georgia fantasizes about falling in love, but when presented the opportunity to kiss her high school crush Tommy, she feels revulsion—as she is later revealed to be asexual and aromantic. Moving to Durham University sparks character development for her, as she is surrounded by people her age, far away from the pressures of home life. She wants to kiss someone or have sex, but the more she tries to fit into societal norms, the more lonely she feels. Georgia believes something is wrong with her, forcing herself to date Jason and kiss roommate Rooney to determine her sexuality. Both experiments are disastrous for her friendships, but these moments, her friend Sunil, and her cousin Ellis awaken her to her aroace identity. While illuminating, this discovery makes her fear a future without romance. However, Georgia learns love comes in many forms. In showing empathy and platonic love for her friends, she finds fulfillment.