Blog Blast: ‘Tell Me Everything’ by Laura Kay

Thanks to Milly Reid at Quercus for inviting me onto the blog blast for ‘Tell Me Everything’ by Laura Kay which publishes TODAY!

Thanks to Quercus too for my proof of this quirky and uplifting book – as always, opinions are entirely my own.

My Review

Natasha is in a mess. She is still living with her ex-girlfriend, has issues with her absent father and is living in the shadow of her sister’s perfect family idyll. Still, at least she has a stable job – ironically as a therapist, fixing other people’s issues which are often small compared to her own. When Margot arrives in a group therapy session, Natasha is initially determined to keep the relationship professional – but might Margot be the answer to her happy-ever-after?

I read Laura Kay’s first book, ‘The Split’, and was charmed by the deft and engaging storytelling, the uplifting narrative and the comic touches. I was, therefore, absolutely delighted to be offered a copy of this second book (not a sequel).

It’s fair to say this is a slightly darker book than ‘The Split’ – Natasha’s personal life is chaotic and the book begins (as with ‘The Split’) with a failed relationship and a prompt to move out. However, Natasha also has serious commitment problems – there’s a lot of online dating and hook ups – and a permanent worry about being left, just as she was by her father when she was a child.

As a central character, Natasha is an odd mix of relatable and frustrating. On the one hand, she has a lot on her plate and the reader does feel sorry for her. However, she is also kind of creator of her own problems in her constant search for the next partner and unwillingness to practise what she preaches in terms of therapy.

As with Kay’s first book, the characters are drawn with empathy, skill and (often) wit. I loved Georgia (the ex) and really felt sorry for the issues that Natasha was causing in her life. There is also a big place in my heart for Poppy and her creative cooking, plus Natasha’s sister, Natalie, who has a lot going on in her life and another baby on the way. Kay writes women well – and there is a lot of fabulous female energy in this book. Plus Josh, who made me laugh a lot!

As expected, the book is packed with Kay’s trademark humour. The sleeping arrangements on the holiday, the British accent between the Queen and Dick Van Dyke, the driving lessons – these and so many more other examples kept me thoroughly entertained and smiling.

The only thing I found tricky – because of my advanced age, not Kay’s writing – was the characters’ obsession with Instagram. It made me feel about a hundred years older than the main characters!

This book would make a great beach read for those who like their contemporary fiction with romance, redemption and plenty of sass. You might despair at Natasha’s choices, but you will also be ultimately charmed by her and her network of complex, lively and supportive friends.

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