*I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free by Readers First in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *
Title: The Flat Share
Author: Beth O'Leary
Publisher: Quercus
Source: Readers First
Rating: 4/5 stars
Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey each have a problem and need a quick fix.
Tiffy’s been dumped by her cheating boyfriend and urgently needs a new flat. But earning minimum wage at a quirky publishing house means that her choices are limited in London.
Leon, a palliative care nurse, is more concerned with other people’s welfare than his own. Along with working night shifts looking after the terminally ill, his sole focus is on raising money to fight his brother’s unfair imprisonment.
Leon has a flat that he only uses 9 to 5. Tiffy works 9 to 5 and needs a place to sleep. The solution to their problems? To share a bed of course...
As Leon and Tiffy’s unusual arrangement becomes a reality, they start to connect through Post-It notes left for each other around the flat.
Can true love blossom even in the unlikeliest of situations?
Can true love blossom even if you never see one another?
Or does true love blossom when you are least expecting it?
Book Review:
I had been hearing a lot of good reviews from The Flat Share even before it came out, which made me really eager to read it. I was then, really happy that I enjoyed the book. It was a great summery read and rom-com but also tackles some hard-hitting topics.
The Flat Share is not the typical book that I read. I am normally stuck in my little YA bubble which I like but this book pushed me out of the bubble and I am so happy that it did because I really enjoyed.
I think that this book really did push me out of my comfort zone and I think that one of the reasons was because the premise is really interesting and I really enjoyed how it played out. It didn't sugarcoat the events that happened and it viewed all the characters as human. They were flawed, they had insecurities and they made mistakes. All of these made Tilly and Leon really likeable characters and I was rooting for them throughout the novel.
I think that the book does also challenge the idea of toxic relationships especially with Tilly and I was surprised that what I perceived as a light and fluffy book, was going to these lengths but it did. While I can't say that I enjoyed this part, I do think that it was an important part of the story. This happens with Tilly and her ex rather than with Leon.
I also think that the book is very much rooted in the present day which again I found really interesting. It follows Tilly who is working minimum wage as an editorial assistant who is struggling to find a house in London which is affordable and sees Leon's offer for them to share a house as he works a night. This had some really nice ideas with it as their relationship is formed from notes that they leave each other. It was so nice to see this and their relationship form.
The book also has some really nice sub-plots which I really think helped flesh out the characters and I really liked the narratives from them. It was also a really quick read which deserves all the hype that it is getting.
The Verdict:
The Flat Share is an interesting and unique read which is perfect for summer reading.
Have you read the Flat Share? If so what did you think of it? If not, do you want to? Leave me know in the comments!
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