The Flat Share, Beth O’Leary | Book Review

I needed a lighthearted, easy to read contemporary that would make me laugh and The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary did just the job. I read it over a weekend and fell completely in love with it.

The Flat Share, Beth O’Leary

Themes: Contemporary, Romance, Adult

Reading Format: Hardback

4.5 STARS // 8.6 CAWPILE

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Tiffy and Leon are two very different characters, with a narrative the wraps together as they become flatmates with a twist… they’re sharing the same bed, but they’ve never even met. With a plot like that, I think you can probably tell where this book is going, but don’t worry, it will still keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to know more. What The Flat Share does well is; make you smile, make you laugh, and make you follow along with the plot despite having a pretty good idea of where it’s going.

I really enjoyed the way the writing split the two characters apart from each other. Tiffy’s personality shone through in her chapters, she is fun and unique and looks at life differently. Whereas Leon is more rushed, his chapters were shorter and were written in short sentences with abrupt speech, like Doctor’s notes. I think this detail made the reading experience even more enjoyable for me. Tiffy’s internal monologues also made me laugh, especially when she started decorating the flat.

I really liked the subtle nods to the similarities of these two characters, their tastes align and I really like that, it feels like they were made for each other. Both characters have their own relationships going on at the start of the book and this goes to stand as a reminder that whilst we may love people, it doesn’t always mean they’re the right person for us. This book did a fantastic job of reminding the reader of this and also encouraging inner strength when it comes to knowing something is over. The Flat Share didn’t fall into cliche contemporary plot points, it felt different and refreshing.

The best part about this story for me is the notes Tiffy and Leon leave each other. This conveys so much fo their character across and is the start of their bond growing. I love that we get to follow along almost at the same pace as the characters, reading the notes at the same time they do. I’d love a side book of all their notes to each other.

I actually attempted to read this book in 24 hours, I didn’t quite manage it, but you can watch me struggle as I decided to vlog the experience.

I think this video definitely shows my enjoyment of the book and lets you follow along live with my reactions.

If you’re looking for a fun, sunny contemporary that will make you smile and laugh, The Flat Share is the one for you.

Buy The Flat Share | Amazon | Waterstones | Audible

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