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A review by valeriabee
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
You know I expected something completely different with this book.
I am glad nonetheless that I've read it.
I wasnt sure how to feel about it, if I really liked it. However, I couldn't put it down and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking of the characters and their goings-on.
Is it a romance? Yes, but it's a lot more of the long twists and turns of falling in love.
It is also about healing from an emotionally abusive relationship. My colleague is conveniently teaching about abusive relationships and I couldnt help but think how some excerpts from this book would serve to help our students see and understand how emotional abuse works. The emotional abuse was brought up throughout the whole book, but given that the book only spans 8-9 months and Tiffy was abused/manipulated for years, it makes all the sense that it would come up frequently.
This book handled the reality of abusive relationships and how they affect the people around you so well.
I especially love that Leon did not save her from the abuse and he did not magically heal her. We see Tiffy do the work of remembering the manipulations she endured and attempting to heal from them. We see her give herself permission to love again. Leon and Tiffy are unexpectedly perfect for each other, especially because they gave each other the kind of love and support they needed to rather than that which they wanted -- that doesnt make sense. They did not act on their own selfish wants, but loved each other in a way that was best for the other.
I loved that Tiffy and Leon had their distinct narration styles. Too often we see similar styles of internal monologue. Everyone thinks and communicates differently, it only makes sense that it would come across in their narratives.
Also can we talk about how they leave each other little notes around the flat. Im a bitch that loves post its and it made me want someone to leave notes to with all my postits.
There is so much to love about this book and I am so glad I've come around to reading it.
It makes me feel warm and fuzzy at Tiffy and Leon's love. It also makes me painfully aware of how lonely I am.
I am glad nonetheless that I've read it.
I wasnt sure how to feel about it, if I really liked it. However, I couldn't put it down and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking of the characters and their goings-on.
Is it a romance? Yes, but it's a lot more of the long twists and turns of falling in love.
It is also about healing from an emotionally abusive relationship. My colleague is conveniently teaching about abusive relationships and I couldnt help but think how some excerpts from this book would serve to help our students see and understand how emotional abuse works. The emotional abuse was brought up throughout the whole book, but given that the book only spans 8-9 months and Tiffy was abused/manipulated for years, it makes all the sense that it would come up frequently.
This book handled the reality of abusive relationships and how they affect the people around you so well.
I especially love that Leon did not save her from the abuse and he did not magically heal her. We see Tiffy do the work of remembering the manipulations she endured and attempting to heal from them. We see her give herself permission to love again. Leon and Tiffy are unexpectedly perfect for each other, especially because they gave each other the kind of love and support they needed to rather than that which they wanted -- that doesnt make sense. They did not act on their own selfish wants, but loved each other in a way that was best for the other.
I loved that Tiffy and Leon had their distinct narration styles. Too often we see similar styles of internal monologue. Everyone thinks and communicates differently, it only makes sense that it would come across in their narratives.
Also can we talk about how they leave each other little notes around the flat. Im a bitch that loves post its and it made me want someone to leave notes to with all my postits.
There is so much to love about this book and I am so glad I've come around to reading it.
It makes me feel warm and fuzzy at Tiffy and Leon's love. It also makes me painfully aware of how lonely I am.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Stalking, and Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content and Terminal illness
There is a character who is wrongfully convicted of a criminal offense. Parts of the book discuss how terrible prisons are and how messed up the criminal justice system is.