"You've got to say this for desperation: it makes you much more open-minded."
Title: The Flatshare
Author: Beth O'Leary
Source: Own Kindle copy
Published: 2019
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Story
Tiffany and Leon share a flat....
Tiffany and Leon share a bed....
Tiffany and Leon have never met....
Tiffany is in a pickle, she has just split with her boyfriend and now is in desperate need of somewhere to live. Leon works nights and needs money so advertises for a 'flatshare' to occupy his home while he works. Tiffany thinks this is perfect, she only has to ensure she is out of the flat during her working hours while Leon sleeps and then she has full occupancy the rest of the time. I mean what could go wrong?
The two characters correspond via post it notes around the flat and through that small amount of writing they begin to get to know each other. It all seems to be going well but soon jealous partners, a brother in trouble, meddling friends and demanding clients begin to threaten the harmonious living situation.....
My thoughts
As I started this I was intrigued by the premise of two people never meeting but sharing a bed. I thought it was just going to be a predictable 'they get together in the end' romcom story but it surapassed my expectations.
I loved, loved, loved the communication of little notes and all the different side stories. It helped me get to know the characters and watch their friendship develop when they had never even met.
It took a little time to get used to the different styles of writing. Some chapters had no speech marks and were a little more stilted; however the reason becomes clear as you get to know the characters more. The style really suits both characters and made it clear which point of view you were reading. I always enjoy a story told from two peoples points of view.
As well as the two main protagonists there were a host of fantastic characters who gave the story depth. The issues with Justin, the heartwarming hunt for Johnny White, the brother in trouble, the supportive besties all added to the story and made it even more enjoyable to read.
It definitely wasn't your run of the mill boy meets girl and I am so glad I joined the hype and jumped on the flat share bandwagon!
Its a feel good read and if you love a good romantic comedy this is one for you!
Have you read the Flatshare? What did you think about the style of writing when changing between the characters?
About the Author
Beth O’Leary is a Sunday Times bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than 30 languages.
She wrote her debut novel, The Flatshare, on her train journey to and from her job at a children’s publisher.
She now lives in the Hampshire countryside and writes full time.