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A review by talesandcupsoftea
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
5.0
“Remind myself that there is no saving of people —people can only save themselves. The best you can do is help when they're ready.”
I think the best way I can describe how much I loved O'Leary's debut novel, is by the fact that I stayed up until 7am in the morning reading it!! It sounds like such a cliche but I genuinely couldn’t put it down. The short chapters and epistolary aspects meant a quick and easy read - allowing me to be truly engrossed in the characters and their stories.
After purchasing this book, I was slightly apprehensive to start reading. I had seen a lot of reviews and recommendations everywhere; I knew that it was going to be a good book, but just wasn’t sure that it was going to be 'my kind of book'. In reading the blurb and hearing certain aspects of the plot, I had (very wrongly!) assumed that it would just be a predictable love story.
Thankfully, I couldn't have been more wrong! Highlighted in the synopsis are themes of abusive relationships (gaslighting) and wrongful imprisonment, aspects that lent themselves to a thoroughly fleshed out storyline. Both characters in this split narrative novel were excellently well rounded, and had development outside of their relationship, which, in comparison to previous romance reads, was refreshing.
I especially loved the difference in the writing style of Tiffy and Leon’s chapters; a division of the way speech was reported gave me a really good insight into Leon’s brain, being a man of few words. Whilst Tiffy’s vivacity was expertly portrayed through rambling, she is definitely a girl who loves to talk (much like me!) and the contrast between the her and Leon of them couldn’t have been displayed better.
Every detail was well thought out, entertaining, and was tied up perfectly well at the end, there weren’t any throw away lines or jokes that didn’t meet a satisfying end - although I would like a sequel about the Bricklayer turned Designer, as, I expect, would Leon. When the banana crate revelation came right at the end, I was overjoyed, O'Leary's attention to detail was outstanding.
I honestly could not recommend this book enough if you are looking for a unique, swoon-worthy, and refreshing romance read. It was perfect, and I didn’t want it to end. I read it on my Kindle, but I’m such a big fan that I’m going to order a hard copy as well, as I desperately want to re-read it in the future.
I think the best way I can describe how much I loved O'Leary's debut novel, is by the fact that I stayed up until 7am in the morning reading it!! It sounds like such a cliche but I genuinely couldn’t put it down. The short chapters and epistolary aspects meant a quick and easy read - allowing me to be truly engrossed in the characters and their stories.
After purchasing this book, I was slightly apprehensive to start reading. I had seen a lot of reviews and recommendations everywhere; I knew that it was going to be a good book, but just wasn’t sure that it was going to be 'my kind of book'. In reading the blurb and hearing certain aspects of the plot, I had (very wrongly!) assumed that it would just be a predictable love story.
Thankfully, I couldn't have been more wrong! Highlighted in the synopsis are themes of abusive relationships (gaslighting) and wrongful imprisonment, aspects that lent themselves to a thoroughly fleshed out storyline. Both characters in this split narrative novel were excellently well rounded, and had development outside of their relationship, which, in comparison to previous romance reads, was refreshing.
I especially loved the difference in the writing style of Tiffy and Leon’s chapters; a division of the way speech was reported gave me a really good insight into Leon’s brain, being a man of few words. Whilst Tiffy’s vivacity was expertly portrayed through rambling, she is definitely a girl who loves to talk (much like me!) and the contrast between the her and Leon of them couldn’t have been displayed better.
Every detail was well thought out, entertaining, and was tied up perfectly well at the end, there weren’t any throw away lines or jokes that didn’t meet a satisfying end - although I would like a sequel about the Bricklayer turned Designer, as, I expect, would Leon. When the banana crate revelation came right at the end, I was overjoyed, O'Leary's attention to detail was outstanding.
I honestly could not recommend this book enough if you are looking for a unique, swoon-worthy, and refreshing romance read. It was perfect, and I didn’t want it to end. I read it on my Kindle, but I’m such a big fan that I’m going to order a hard copy as well, as I desperately want to re-read it in the future.