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rhifallows's review against another edition
5.0
So apparently when it’s sunny I like to read lighter books so this was the perfect next pick for me!
I’ve seen various Beth O’Leary books all over booksta and picked this one up in Waterstones because it would appear that a love a book with tenacious OAPs as protagonists (The Authenticity Project and Thursday Murder Club being two recent such books). The Switch was no different and I absolutely sailed through it.
The two protagonists, Leena and Eileen, granddaughter and grandmother respectively, were thoroughly likeable and their relationship with each other was lovely. The difficult relationship between Leena and her mother (made difficult by the death of Leena’s younger sister) was well tackled and I enjoyed the progression of that relationship throughout the novel and that it wasn’t all solved in a matter of minutes.
I also adored all of the side characters and could have quite happily read a book centred around any one of them, apart from perhaps Leena’s drippy boyfriend who seems like a total tool.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Grandma Eileen who I honestly just want to be friends with, as did apparently everyone in the book. She reminds me somewhat of my neighbour who is totally fabulous and feisty well into her 80s. I certainly hope I’m that way inclined in 50 or so years time!
Another great summer read and I’ll be ordering Beth O’Leary’s other books immediately!
I’ve seen various Beth O’Leary books all over booksta and picked this one up in Waterstones because it would appear that a love a book with tenacious OAPs as protagonists (The Authenticity Project and Thursday Murder Club being two recent such books). The Switch was no different and I absolutely sailed through it.
The two protagonists, Leena and Eileen, granddaughter and grandmother respectively, were thoroughly likeable and their relationship with each other was lovely. The difficult relationship between Leena and her mother (made difficult by the death of Leena’s younger sister) was well tackled and I enjoyed the progression of that relationship throughout the novel and that it wasn’t all solved in a matter of minutes.
I also adored all of the side characters and could have quite happily read a book centred around any one of them, apart from perhaps Leena’s drippy boyfriend who seems like a total tool.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Grandma Eileen who I honestly just want to be friends with, as did apparently everyone in the book. She reminds me somewhat of my neighbour who is totally fabulous and feisty well into her 80s. I certainly hope I’m that way inclined in 50 or so years time!
Another great summer read and I’ll be ordering Beth O’Leary’s other books immediately!
scientist_reading_world's review against another edition
4.0
What a lovely swap story, Beth O'Leary created a very entertaining and interesting story. Both main characters are a joy to follow their adventure as they switch lives. The book also talks about some important topics related to elderly people, loneliness and grief.
I enjoy a lot this book except the turn on Leena it felt unnecessary and very predictable in my opinion. Sends almost a message that I believe is not the most correct. I wish that part was a bit different.
Overall was a very good book and I would recommend to everyone who wants a good time!
I enjoy a lot this book except the turn on Leena it felt unnecessary and very predictable in my opinion. Sends almost a message that I believe is not the most correct. I wish that part was a bit different.
Overall was a very good book and I would recommend to everyone who wants a good time!
fatimah_karolia's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
svenjah's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5
browneyedgirl's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
4.25