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A review by oliviaclaire
Seven Exes by Lucy Vine
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Seven Exes was a middle of the road read for me because parts of me warred between loving the nostalgia and relatability of some of the situations Esther, our protagonist, finds herself in and at the the same time, loathing Esther herself as a character.
Despite featuring about ten relationships, at its core Seven Exes is a book about personal growth and learning to love yourself. Which is odd because you'd think that with the level of self absorbtion Esther is capable of, that would be no problem for her. She is incredibly selfish and immature and I have to keep reminding myself that she's nearly thirty years old. She makes poor decisions and immediately excuses her own behaviour while holding other's actions against them in the pettiest of grudges and refusing to accept any form of constructive criticism.
Having said that, there were moments in this book that were laugh out loud funny or deeply relatable if you happen to be a British woman in her late twenties to early thirties. Reading about teenage Esther and Louise really had me looking back (not very fondly) at my own fourteen year old self because yes, I really did dress and speak and act like that and yes, it was ludicrously cringey on reflection. I've also known a crappy landlord or two and the reference to Jackie Weaver is just a fantastic lockdown throwback!
On balance, if Esther had been less of a dick or the story had been less relatable this book could have swung between a 2 star and a 4 star read so I feel like 3 stars is a solid compromise.
Despite featuring about ten relationships, at its core Seven Exes is a book about personal growth and learning to love yourself. Which is odd because you'd think that with the level of self absorbtion Esther is capable of, that would be no problem for her. She is incredibly selfish and immature and I have to keep reminding myself that she's nearly thirty years old. She makes poor decisions and immediately excuses her own behaviour while holding other's actions against them in the pettiest of grudges and refusing to accept any form of constructive criticism.
Having said that, there were moments in this book that were laugh out loud funny or deeply relatable if you happen to be a British woman in her late twenties to early thirties. Reading about teenage Esther and Louise really had me looking back (not very fondly) at my own fourteen year old self because yes, I really did dress and speak and act like that and yes, it was ludicrously cringey on reflection. I've also known a crappy landlord or two and the reference to Jackie Weaver is just a fantastic lockdown throwback!
On balance, if Esther had been less of a dick or the story had been less relatable this book could have swung between a 2 star and a 4 star read so I feel like 3 stars is a solid compromise.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Emotional abuse