Scan barcode
vkjarrett's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Loved the first half of this book but felt like the ending didn’t have much resolution and I would have liked more. I enjoyed the perspective on female friendships. I adored all of the little mini storylines of the other customers in the cafe, I love that in a book.
ashlo26's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I felt more for the minor characters of Harry and Martha than the two main characters. My partner asked me what happened in this book. Nothing. Nothing happened. I wanted to love this but God what a bore
klh_2's review against another edition
4.0
An overall heartwarming tale of friendship and connection set against the backdrop of a London cafe. It centres around two friends who work in the cafe, and also pulls in snapshots of the lives of those visiting.
For me this wasn’t as strong as The Lido, Page’s first novel, though I enjoyed the second half more. I liked the additional stories it explored of very different people at various turning points in their lives, but did find some of these a little forced with not enough space to explore the multiple sensitive issues touched upon. Though on balance I’m glad such different perspectives and experiences were woven in. Hannah and Mona’s friendship is the backbone of the story and carries it well, though the structure meant there was quite a bit of repetition, slowing the flow of the story.
Well worth a read, though, for the tenderness and warmth with which the characters are written, the breadth of perspectives interwoven, and (if you’ve ever lived in London) the way it brings the city to life.
For me this wasn’t as strong as The Lido, Page’s first novel, though I enjoyed the second half more. I liked the additional stories it explored of very different people at various turning points in their lives, but did find some of these a little forced with not enough space to explore the multiple sensitive issues touched upon. Though on balance I’m glad such different perspectives and experiences were woven in. Hannah and Mona’s friendship is the backbone of the story and carries it well, though the structure meant there was quite a bit of repetition, slowing the flow of the story.
Well worth a read, though, for the tenderness and warmth with which the characters are written, the breadth of perspectives interwoven, and (if you’ve ever lived in London) the way it brings the city to life.
minimali's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
booknerdjo's review against another edition
4.0
I read The Lido a while back and really enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading this book and was pleased when I pulled it out of my TBR jar!
It is mostly the story of the friendship between two young women - Hannah and Mona. It is told over the course of a single day which changes both their lives forever.
It is set in the 24-hour café in which they both work, and the first half is told by Hannah (while she is on shift) and the second half by Mona. The point at which the two shifts overlap at midday, is the moment when everything changes.
Told through flashbacks and memories, we come to know and understand both women well - it is especially effective when we see the same events from different perspectives.
As well as Hannah and Mona's story, we also meet various people who come into the café during this one day.
This book is funny and heartbreaking, hopeful and uplifting, and it really celebrates the special bond of female friendship, all set in a place which seems to work its magic on everyone who visits!
Lovely!
It is mostly the story of the friendship between two young women - Hannah and Mona. It is told over the course of a single day which changes both their lives forever.
It is set in the 24-hour café in which they both work, and the first half is told by Hannah (while she is on shift) and the second half by Mona. The point at which the two shifts overlap at midday, is the moment when everything changes.
Told through flashbacks and memories, we come to know and understand both women well - it is especially effective when we see the same events from different perspectives.
As well as Hannah and Mona's story, we also meet various people who come into the café during this one day.
This book is funny and heartbreaking, hopeful and uplifting, and it really celebrates the special bond of female friendship, all set in a place which seems to work its magic on everyone who visits!
Lovely!
novellenovels's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
what_hannah_reads's review against another edition
3.0
This is my second Libby Page book IVe read; the first being 'The Lido' I got it from the library a few month ago and then sent it back without reading it. I got it out again as I really enjoyed the lido.
It was an ok read. It was about two friends that worked in a 24 hour cafe, one a singer and another a dancer. The book was based around them but it introduces and talks about the different customers that come in the cafe. It wasn't as good as the lido but the story line was still good. There was a lot of describing things that weren't needed. I was a little disappointed as I accepted more from the author.
It was an ok read. It was about two friends that worked in a 24 hour cafe, one a singer and another a dancer. The book was based around them but it introduces and talks about the different customers that come in the cafe. It wasn't as good as the lido but the story line was still good. There was a lot of describing things that weren't needed. I was a little disappointed as I accepted more from the author.
lovefourreading's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I love Libby Page books, they’re light reads that have a depth of character which leave you hopeful for humanity.
always_need_more_books's review against another edition
4.0
I was lucky enough to hear Libby Page speak at the Guildford Book Festival in 2018 and bought a copy of The Lido as it sounded wonderful. I enjoyed it very much and when I saw she had a second book out I was keen to read it!
In The 24 Hour Café, we spend a day in Stella’s Café, opposite Liverpool Street Station in London. Described as a diner, it is a quirky place, with a mash-up of British and American nostalgia on display, Formica tables, black and white checked lino on the floor and a stuffed brown bear called Ernest taking pride of place!
Hannah and Mona are best friends, they live together and share shifts working as waitresses at the café. The café is how they pay for their dreams of being performers – Hannah is a singer and Mona is a dancer. Both women are 30, have worked in the café for 5 years and both are starting to fear that their time has passed. Both talented and hard working for these two, the big break has yet to arrive. The book starts as Hannah arrives for her shift at midnight and Mona leaves to go home.
Told over the course of her 12 hour shift, we hear about how Hannah has got to this point in her life. How Mona and Hannah met, how they came to live together and how sad she is after a recent relationship breakup.
When Mona arrives back at the café for her shift at midday, she has some news that will test her friendship with Hannah. The book then continues with Mona’s story.
As well as the main story which is about the friendship between the two women, we also hear from the customers that visit the café and the problems and happiness that they have in their lives. A student who has lost his mum and has no where to sleep and the new mother who is hiding in the café during the night struggling with post natal depression are two stories that stood out for me. These mini background stories were brilliant – I often sit in a coffee shop or a doctors waiting room and wonder about the stories of those around me!
I really enjoyed the two women’s different viewpoint of their friendship and I liked the way Page interspersed it with stories of the customers. I love the way she describes these pockets of London and the sense of community, even amongst strangers. You get a sense of the international cross section of people who live in London and you get a real feeling of acceptance. Thoroughly believable and ultimately uplifting, the fact that the story is told in just a 24 hour period was clever. I could totally picture the café and the people in it and I would love to visit for a milkshake and a pile of pancakes!
In The 24 Hour Café, we spend a day in Stella’s Café, opposite Liverpool Street Station in London. Described as a diner, it is a quirky place, with a mash-up of British and American nostalgia on display, Formica tables, black and white checked lino on the floor and a stuffed brown bear called Ernest taking pride of place!
Hannah and Mona are best friends, they live together and share shifts working as waitresses at the café. The café is how they pay for their dreams of being performers – Hannah is a singer and Mona is a dancer. Both women are 30, have worked in the café for 5 years and both are starting to fear that their time has passed. Both talented and hard working for these two, the big break has yet to arrive. The book starts as Hannah arrives for her shift at midnight and Mona leaves to go home.
Told over the course of her 12 hour shift, we hear about how Hannah has got to this point in her life. How Mona and Hannah met, how they came to live together and how sad she is after a recent relationship breakup.
When Mona arrives back at the café for her shift at midday, she has some news that will test her friendship with Hannah. The book then continues with Mona’s story.
As well as the main story which is about the friendship between the two women, we also hear from the customers that visit the café and the problems and happiness that they have in their lives. A student who has lost his mum and has no where to sleep and the new mother who is hiding in the café during the night struggling with post natal depression are two stories that stood out for me. These mini background stories were brilliant – I often sit in a coffee shop or a doctors waiting room and wonder about the stories of those around me!
I really enjoyed the two women’s different viewpoint of their friendship and I liked the way Page interspersed it with stories of the customers. I love the way she describes these pockets of London and the sense of community, even amongst strangers. You get a sense of the international cross section of people who live in London and you get a real feeling of acceptance. Thoroughly believable and ultimately uplifting, the fact that the story is told in just a 24 hour period was clever. I could totally picture the café and the people in it and I would love to visit for a milkshake and a pile of pancakes!