A review by filipacmiranda
The Switch by Beth O'Leary

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.25

This book reminded me of The Holiday (the movie) and didn't disappoint! Once again, Beth O'Leary takes an imaginative and cosy plot and sprinkles it with serious issues. As a result, The Switch tackles a wide range of topics from anxiety to parenting, grief to the importance of having a community, and domestic violence to elderly sexuality.

Leena and Eileen are both lovable and easy to empathise with. For me, Eileen and her representation of older people are the highlights of this book. It's rare to find stories where people over 65 are the protagonists. O'Leary uses Leena’s grandmother to demystify this stage of life. When juxtaposed with the stories of isolation and abandonment that are also present in this book, Eileen's description of more than just a grandmother becomes even more relevant!

The least successful aspect of this novel is Leena and Jackson's relationship. To me, it was always more of a friendship than a love story. I believe a deeper exploration of their relationship could have led me to acknowledge the love that blossoms between them, and it also would’ve contributed to Leena's personal development.
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