This is a light read, which is what I wanted at the time so I wasn't disappointed. But there is a lot more to it than I expected.
There are some scatter-brained people getting into hilarious situations but these people begin to seem more and more real as we find out about them. I suspect Beth O'Leary has a quiet social agenda behind her romcom facade and I admire her for it. There are plenty of times whilst reading The Flat Share when you examine your understanding of a whole spectrum of topics: neediness, abusive relationships, manipulation, true friendship, self-esteem, illness, end of life, financial insecurity, injustice, loyalty, imprisonment, racial and gender stereotypes, responsibility, dedication, separation of work from private life, kindness, publicity, creativity - okay, a real mixed bag.
So at 400 pages and such a wealth of content, how can it be a light romcom? It is light-hearted and Beth O'Leary has a light touch. The main characters are attractive and you soon find yourself cheering them on into a sweet developing relationship. There are certainly some laugh aloud moments (even some touches of farce and slapstick) and hints of several other romantic relationships past and present. After an injury and rescue precipitates a closer relationship I eventually realised I was completely at home in Jane Austen's territory.
There are some scatter-brained people getting into hilarious situations but these people begin to seem more and more real as we find out about them. I suspect Beth O'Leary has a quiet social agenda behind her romcom facade and I admire her for it. There are plenty of times whilst reading The Flat Share when you examine your understanding of a whole spectrum of topics: neediness, abusive relationships, manipulation, true friendship, self-esteem, illness, end of life, financial insecurity, injustice, loyalty, imprisonment, racial and gender stereotypes, responsibility, dedication, separation of work from private life, kindness, publicity, creativity - okay, a real mixed bag.
So at 400 pages and such a wealth of content, how can it be a light romcom? It is light-hearted and Beth O'Leary has a light touch. The main characters are attractive and you soon find yourself cheering them on into a sweet developing relationship. There are certainly some laugh aloud moments (even some touches of farce and slapstick) and hints of several other romantic relationships past and present. After an injury and rescue precipitates a closer relationship I eventually realised I was completely at home in Jane Austen's territory.