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katykelly's review against another edition
3.0
I only decided to try this after seeing it on this year's (2014) World Book Night selection. I've never tried the author before.
I listened to the unabridged audio version, which was a lively and well-read edition with a clear narrator.
The thing about stories like this though is that they need to stand out from the crowd to be noticed. I found this book a pleasant read, easy to listen to, I did want to know what happened (though I knew early on how it would end).
Helen has been having an affair with married boss, Matthew, for four years. After many attempts at getting him to leave his wife, one day he turns up on her doorstep have unexpectedly done just that. Unfortunately, it's just as Helen has come to the realisation that she isn't all that interested any more. But he's left his wife and children for her... How can she turn him away?
It's the set-up for what should (and could) be a hilarious farce, as Helen decides to create an alias (Eleanor) in order to befriend Matthew's wife Sophia, and try to get them back together. And she also meets a potential new love interest. Another 'Helen' in her office is given the 'credit' for the affair with Matthew on top of this, and Helen is left juggling plates and moral decisions.
The element that lifted this a little was that we saw things from both Helen and Sophia's perspectives. Watching Sophia bad-mouth Helen to 'Eleanor' was quite amusing. But a lot of the plot was quite run-of-the-mill and while it had humour, it wasn't witty and insightful humour, merely amusing.
Helen can annoy at times (would you REALLY stay with someone you were no longer in love with because they were upset?) and Matthew isn't very likeable. The new love interest could have featured more, as could best friend Rachel as comedy sidekick.
It's light, breezy and entertaining enough.
I listened to the unabridged audio version, which was a lively and well-read edition with a clear narrator.
The thing about stories like this though is that they need to stand out from the crowd to be noticed. I found this book a pleasant read, easy to listen to, I did want to know what happened (though I knew early on how it would end).
Helen has been having an affair with married boss, Matthew, for four years. After many attempts at getting him to leave his wife, one day he turns up on her doorstep have unexpectedly done just that. Unfortunately, it's just as Helen has come to the realisation that she isn't all that interested any more. But he's left his wife and children for her... How can she turn him away?
It's the set-up for what should (and could) be a hilarious farce, as Helen decides to create an alias (Eleanor) in order to befriend Matthew's wife Sophia, and try to get them back together. And she also meets a potential new love interest. Another 'Helen' in her office is given the 'credit' for the affair with Matthew on top of this, and Helen is left juggling plates and moral decisions.
The element that lifted this a little was that we saw things from both Helen and Sophia's perspectives. Watching Sophia bad-mouth Helen to 'Eleanor' was quite amusing. But a lot of the plot was quite run-of-the-mill and while it had humour, it wasn't witty and insightful humour, merely amusing.
Helen can annoy at times (would you REALLY stay with someone you were no longer in love with because they were upset?) and Matthew isn't very likeable. The new love interest could have featured more, as could best friend Rachel as comedy sidekick.
It's light, breezy and entertaining enough.
klippy's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book - it was kind of slow at the beginning but once I got started with it I could not put it down.
sony08's review against another edition
3.0
07/10 for this one. Enjoyed it - it was an easy read, witty at times if not a little redictable, but that certainly didin't spoil the book. Will look out for author's other books.
marleens's review against another edition
Another book that has been sitting on the shelf for a long time and when I finally tried it, it’s a no. I would probably find some fun in the humour if I continued but I really don’t want to read about this whole cheating storyline.
bristolreads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Infidelity, and Alcoholism
epyle4566's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
boosmummy's review against another edition
2.0
It was OK but not as good as some of the reviews I'd read. Personally all the way through I kept thinking Helen should just pack his stuff and tell him to go rather than the elaborate plans.
sunshine608's review against another edition
4.0
Overall I enjoyed this book. There were times when the plot seemed a little far-fetched and I felt like Helen was acting more like a twenty-something than a soon to be forty something. In the end, though I enjoyed the book and was almost late to a lunch trying to finish.
kurpjukaste's review against another edition
1.0
Vilšanās. Pat grūti ierindot starp "vieglajiem vasaras romāniem", jo lasot bija krietni jāpiepūlas. Visu grāmatas laiku ļoti kaitināja galvenie varoņi. Vārdu sakot, viss ļoti kaitināja. Pat nelīdzēja uz grāmatas aizmugurējā vāka minētais salīdzinājums ar Bridžitu Džounsu.