A review by creolelitbelle
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

emotional funny tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I do not normally read romance and can admit to probably enjoying this more as a rom-com movie. In the beginning, Leon felt very one-dimensional and like he was just moving through the motions in his own life. That happens to people, but I nearly quit the audiobook from boredom through his chapters. His brother is more interesting from jail. Tiffy has a chorus of people surrounding her, passions in life, and depth of her character that contribute to real plot points. Leon and Tiffy each grow greatly as people through either self-awareness or being more active in their own lives. Both narrators do a good job of putting emotions into their characters. A textbook toxic gaslighting relationship is in the book, but overcoming abuse is done respectfully without being patronizing. The expected 3-act romance formula happens, and I did not care for how the break-up act played out. 

I loved how the phone calls throughout the book really sounded more electronic and distant as if the listener was actually hearing it through a phone and not just more regular audio. The difference in audio styles of the phone calls is a nuance and attention to detail I do not typically hear in audiobooks. 
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