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aoifes_books's review
emotional
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
2.75
I did prefer this Sophie Kinsella book more than My not so Perfect Life, those being the only two I've read from her. The story follow Effie, a mid-late 20s woman coming to terms with her parents divorce. The opening chapter introduces the characters, and brings the divorce into the picture right away. Jump to 18 months later, her dad has a new girlfriend and is selling the house Effie grew up in and moving to Portugal with the new woman, Krista. Before they sell, the new couple is hosting a "house cooling" party - but Effie wasn't invited. Determined to get back her old stuff, but not wanting to be seen, she starts out on a crazy stunt to get in and get out before being seen.
Effie, Bean and Gus are three siblings raised by their dad and stepmother, Mimi. Mimi is the only mother Effie knows, with her bio-mam having left before she really had any memories of her. Effie is the youngest, and when the divorce is announced she takes it the hardest. She doesn't take to Krista, and is more vocal about being against the changes being made to her childhood home. Krista doesn't enjoy this and at some point throws a drink over Effie - though this doesn't happen in the book it's referenced a lot.
The relationship between the characters is the main focus of the story, with the breakdown of communication being forefront for everyone. There is elements of reality here, with older siblings thinking they're being a good sister by not letting their adult, younger sister know anything about the not-so-nice end of things. There is growth throughout the story, but because it all takes place really over 2 days, it all feels a little rushed (and predictable).
I did enjoy how Effie matured a little by the end of the book, coming to terms with all the changes and moving on. The romance between her and Joe was a bit all over the place but the rekindling of an old teenage romance did make it a little easier to handle.
Effie, Bean and Gus are three siblings raised by their dad and stepmother, Mimi. Mimi is the only mother Effie knows, with her bio-mam having left before she really had any memories of her. Effie is the youngest, and when the divorce is announced she takes it the hardest. She doesn't take to Krista, and is more vocal about being against the changes being made to her childhood home. Krista doesn't enjoy this and at some point throws a drink over Effie - though this doesn't happen in the book it's referenced a lot.
The relationship between the characters is the main focus of the story, with the breakdown of communication being forefront for everyone. There is elements of reality here, with older siblings thinking they're being a good sister by not letting their adult, younger sister know anything about the not-so-nice end of things. There is growth throughout the story, but because it all takes place really over 2 days, it all feels a little rushed (and predictable).
I did enjoy how Effie matured a little by the end of the book, coming to terms with all the changes and moving on. The romance between her and Joe was a bit all over the place but the rekindling of an old teenage romance did make it a little easier to handle.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Toxic relationship, Blood, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
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