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A review by ranjanireviewsreads
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Flatshare was a sweet, romantic book that wrapped around me like a much-needed hug. Tiffy feels like coming back home after a vacation and finding your bed is as soft and warm as you remember it. Leon is, well, as perfect as realistic characters can get. He gave me butterflies - in my heart, because I really ached for him to be real.
This novel is far from perfect - the whole Johnny White treasure hunt felt a little out of place even though it led to important plot developments.
The writing style O'Leary adopted for Leon, while unique, was hard to get used to. I can see why it was an issue for many readers. It was very formal and unemotional. Though I kind of feel like that was the point; Leon struggled with emotional intelligence and vulnerability. It improves with the story and I do think his chapters become more 'normal' re: style of writing though they still remain detached.
I loved how the romance took its time. I really liked reading about Leon and Tiffy's friendship. Their notes and rituals were precious and I will definitely hold this book close to my heart. Most of the times, a friends-to-lovers (which I'm still not convinced this is not) in the friends stage is very irritating to me. It seems performative almost. But not here. It was done wonderfully.
Most of all though, I really liked how Tiffy's recovery was portrayed. Emotionally abusive relationships are so hard to leave, much less overcome. My favourite part was how Tiffy definitely has not overcome her ex - and this sounds very wrong but allow me to explain. Many other novels I've read will rush to make it clear that Tiffy has 'recovered' from years of gaslighting and manipulation. Most will say it is because of a new romance that Tiffy recovered. But O'Leary takes a step away from that and makes it abundantly clear that it takes intensive therapy, a solid friend group (emotional support), and quite some time for Tiffy to get better. That is rare and amazing of O'Leary to do.
So, would I recommend this book? Yes! Wholeheartedly.
CW/TW:
--> Emotional abuse (from intimate parter); detailed, flashbacks, on-page
--> Emotional manipulation; on-page
--> Stalking; on-page
--> Sexual content; slight, fade-to-black
--> Side character in prison
>Falsely accused of crime
--> Character almost drowns
--> Hospice scenes (character is a palliative care nurse)
--> Child minor character with cancer; on-page, discussion of illness.
This novel is far from perfect - the whole Johnny White treasure hunt felt a little out of place even though it led to important plot developments.
The writing style O'Leary adopted for Leon, while unique, was hard to get used to. I can see why it was an issue for many readers. It was very formal and unemotional. Though I kind of feel like that was the point; Leon struggled with emotional intelligence and vulnerability. It improves with the story and I do think his chapters become more 'normal' re: style of writing though they still remain detached.
I loved how the romance took its time. I really liked reading about Leon and Tiffy's friendship. Their notes and rituals were precious and I will definitely hold this book close to my heart. Most of the times, a friends-to-lovers (which I'm still not convinced this is not) in the friends stage is very irritating to me. It seems performative almost. But not here. It was done wonderfully.
Most of all though, I really liked how Tiffy's recovery was portrayed. Emotionally abusive relationships are so hard to leave, much less overcome. My favourite part was how Tiffy definitely has not overcome her ex - and this sounds very wrong but allow me to explain. Many other novels I've read will rush to make it clear that Tiffy has 'recovered' from years of gaslighting and manipulation. Most will say it is because of a new romance that Tiffy recovered. But O'Leary takes a step away from that and makes it abundantly clear that it takes intensive therapy, a solid friend group (emotional support), and quite some time for Tiffy to get better. That is rare and amazing of O'Leary to do.
So, would I recommend this book? Yes! Wholeheartedly.
CW/TW:
--> Emotional abuse (from intimate parter); detailed, flashbacks, on-page
--> Emotional manipulation; on-page
--> Stalking; on-page
--> Sexual content; slight, fade-to-black
--> Side character in prison
>Falsely accused of crime
--> Character almost drowns
--> Hospice scenes (character is a palliative care nurse)
--> Child minor character with cancer; on-page, discussion of illness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Stalking
Moderate: Chronic illness, Sexual content, and Terminal illness