Eloy Moreno steps into the world of couples and the uneasy path of separation in his new novel when was it fun (Penguin Random House). The book dives into the struggle of accepting the end of a relationship, with Moreno joking that it might be the best book for exes. The 46-year-old writer from Castellón brings his signature clarity to a subject many readers recognize: the messy, human side of love fading away. The author has been a best-selling phenomenon since his breakout in 2010 with his debut green gel pen, and his works have sold more than a million copies globally, including titles such as Gift, Invisible, World, and Different. His presentation for when was it fun took place at the Mundos bookstore in Alicante.
“A story about how love will end.” Moreno keeps a tight lid on spoilers, even here in what many consider a crucial last chapter of the book. He emphasizes that the core theme remains accessible, and the title itself hints at the emotional truths inside without needing to hide anything, even as the specifics shift slightly in this narrative.
Readers are warned that the novel may unsettle some. Was there discomfort while writing the book? The author explains that the material comes from true stories gathered from acquaintances. Anyone who reads it may find themselves identifying with a couple in turmoil or with someone who knows such a relationship intimately. One challenge Moreno recalls was keeping the characters distinct since both share the same name, Ale. The task was to avoid revealing who is speaking in any given moment, a deliberate choice that invites readers to project themselves onto the page. The absence of gendered descriptors was intentional, ensuring the story remains universal rather than anchored to a single perspective.
Another notable feature is that the two protagonists share the same name. Did Moreno know who was speaking in each episode? He says the answer is: not really. He tried to change the voice in each episode, but there are no overt clues to tell one speaker from the other. This design invites readers to imagine the speaker based on their own experiences, and it was important to avoid gendered hints that might bias the reader. The novel ultimately centers on a relationship between two people without assigning a fixed identity.
In early discussions about the book, some readers wondered if the protagonist had a name at all in Moreno’s first work. In this new piece, the decision to keep both names the same was deliberate. It avoids guiding the reader toward a particular gender or dynamic and allows the reader to personalize the story. The author explains that this approach helps emphasize that love is not owned by any one person; it belongs to the experience of the two individuals involved and to every reader who brings their own narrative to the table.
Moreno acknowledges that the book may not be suited for every age group or reader. He notes that a novel he wrote for schools in early adolescence can still be understood by mature readers, but some younger readers may miss the deeper nuances of the relationship dynamic. He suggests that those who approach the plot with an open mind will find the layers it offers. Laughter accompanies some reflections about whether the content might feel too provocative for certain audiences, but the overarching message remains about the realness of human relationships and their evolution.
The book begins with a Teen-age romance scene, which Moreno describes as a purposeful choice to anchor the narrative in authentic, first-hand experiences. He believes that the portrayal of intimate moments serves the larger purpose of exploring how couples navigate expectations, communication, and the boundaries that shape long-term connection. While the narrative has its sexual moments, they are framed to illuminate the dynamics of a couple rather than to sensationalize the plot.
Asked about how long a couple can go without intimacy, Moreno shares feedback gathered from readers that shows a spectrum of experiences. Some couples have long stretches of distance or divided spaces; others place children or daily routines at the center of their lives, while some find ways to stay physically apart and emotionally connected. The responses vary as much as the relationships themselves, underscoring how personal this aspect is to each partnership.
So why focus on heartbreak? Moreno explains that the heartbreak represents the doorway to new beginnings. When one love ends and another may begin, love keeps moving forward. He reflects on the visible tensions in long-term relationships, where external observers might wonder why couples stay together. The novel was sparked by those observations and the countless couples who stay, argue, and persevere, challenging the idea that endings always erase a story. Writing became a way to capture those complex choices and the moment when letting go becomes the right move.
Is it still hard to talk about these feelings? Moreno notes that it is. He has known people who stay due to routines, responsibilities, or mortgages, sometimes choosing the stability of shared life over personal happiness. This is a recurring theme that many readers recognize, and Moreno hopes his book resonates with those who face similar crossroads. He believes the work speaks to universal experiences, offering readers a mirror rather than a prescription. The response has been strong, and the novel has drawn attention for the intimate, unflinching portrayal of a relationship at a critical juncture.
Readers have mentioned that the book has inspired couples to reflect on their own lives. Moreno acknowledges this, noting that some readers have felt encouraged to confront their situations and, in some cases, to spark conversations they might have avoided. He even recalls a sixteen-year-old who expressed understanding about why her parents might have parted ways, underscoring the book’s reach across ages and backgrounds.
The novel is complemented by a Spotify playlist, a tradition Moreno has carried into his recent works. He enjoys sharing the music that accompanied his writing process, inviting readers to join in on the same emotional journey that inspired the scenes and characters.
Why read this among the many novels about love and heartbreak? Moreno points to its grounded, unidealized portrayal of relationships. The book has found readers who seek honesty and relatability rather than glossy romance, presenting a portrayal of life exactly as it happens. The responses from readers emphasize that the narrative does not flatter love; it reflects its trials and triumphs with equal honesty.
As for future projects, Moreno admits to not having a fixed plan after the current promotion schedule. He notes that the publisher grants him freedom to explore whatever subjects move him next, potentially a teen-focused work or a more mature novel. The process remains open, and the author seems comfortable with the direction that unfolds, ready to let curiosity guide him without constraints.