9/10. “I have a theory. Hating someone feels disturbingly similar to being in love with them. I’ve had a lot of time to compare love and hate, and these are my observations.”

‘The Hating game’ is the debut novel by Australian writer Sally Thorne, which was first published on August 9, 2016.

This book exceeded my expectations for it. I had hoped that it would be a classic love novel on the theme of “from hate to love,” but after reading the book, I discovered deeper meanings for myself.

Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman work in the same publishing house (Bexley & Gamin) as assistants to their bosses. Radically different bosses and, accordingly, assistants. They hate each other. Every day, Lucy and Joshua play games such as “Eye to eye game,” “Mirror Game” and the most important game – “Hate Game.” However, one evening, Lucy questions whether Joshua Templement actually hates her. This happens after their passionate kiss in the elevator. It is this event that makes Lucy Hutton wonder if there really is such a thing as The Hating Game or is there something more to it?

The book raises a number of issues, for example:
1. Sexualization of the body. Lucy constantly praised Joshua for his body, and he, in turn, said that it was not the most important thing in a person.
2. The problem of “parents and children.” Joshua dropped out of medical school, which ruined his relationship with his father. Mr. Templeman thinks Joshua is a loser who only delivers coffee and licks stamps. Lucy – constantly postpones the trip to her parents, because she is busy with work.
3. The problem of the team. People who are not able to communicate with each other will not be able to bring a decent result.
Regarding the minuses of the book. I lacked the “sharpness” of the plot. It was as if there was a climax, but very quickly it dissolved into letters. And, personally, I was waiting for a longer ending of the book.

However, the book, in my opinion, is a novel that deserves to exist. It is witty and has many fascinating and funny scenes. Shows relationships with people and teaches us to always tell people what you really think.

I also want to add that this book has its own screen adaptation. “The hating game” (2021).

“Both love and hate are mirror versions of the same game—and you have to win. Why? Your heart and your ego. Trust me, I should know.”