Happy publication day to ‘The Road Trip’ by Beth O’Leary – published today by Quercus.
I absolutely loved Beth O’Leary’s previous two books – ‘The Flat Share’ and ‘The Switch’ – and so was very happy to be granted an advance copy of this one by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Continue reading ‘The Road Trip’ by Beth O’LearySo far, I’ve written my top 10 non-fiction books of 2020, top 10 historical fiction and top 10 crime fiction. That just about covers my favourite genres!
However, it misses out some absolutely fabulous books that don’t really fit those lists, so here are 6 more books I’ve loved in 2020 and wanted to shout about!
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‘The Great Godden’ by Meg Rosoff
I loved this YA coming-of-age tale which captured a long, hot summer and the obsession of young love.
The story follows an unnamed narrator as they spend a summer with their family by the beach – and the Godden brothers whose arrival changes everything.
It isn’t a book that I’d usually pick up but comparisons to ‘I Capture the Castle’ in the blurb won me over – and I’m so glad I read it.
‘Zeus is a Dick’ by Susie Donkin
This is a hilarious retelling of the Greek myths by one of the writers on the very funny ‘Horrible Histories’ BBC TV programme. Although that show was for kids, this is very much an adults’ book as Donkin points out all the ways in which Zeus was – as the title suggests – a dick. There’s a lot of swearing and irreverence…and I loved it!
You can read my original review here.
‘Longhand’ by Andy Hamilton
This was a book that I read for a blog tour and I was totally caught up in the premise – a man leaving a handwritten letter for his long-term partner explaining why he has to leave. It is totally unexpected, funny in places and also very moving.
I would totally recommend this brilliant, quirky book – you can read my review here.
‘The Switch’ by Beth O’Leary
Another book that is outside of my usual genres, but I loved O’Leary’s ‘The Flat Share’ and knew that I had to read this one.
This is the story of Leena and her grandmother Eileen and their plan to switch lives for two months. Eileen heads for London and a chance to find a man while Leena looks forward to a relaxing time in her grandmother’s home in a tiny Yorkshire village. Of course, nothing works out as expected – but this is a heart-warming gem so you know nothing too bad will happen!
‘Grave Secrets’ by Alice James
This was one of my surprise favourite books of the year – and another one that isn’t one of my usual reads at all.
This is the story of estate agent by day, necromancer by night Lavington Windsor and her encounters with zombies, vampires and the dark side of a small village in Staffordshire! It’s packed with humour of a very British variety – and is brilliant.
You can read my original review here.
‘Cows Can’t Jump’ by Philip Bowne
This was another blog tour read and another surprise hit – this is one of the books that I’ve told everyone I can about!
This is a coming-of-age story that is full of humour and quirks. Billy is a 17 year-old boy who lacks direction – he begins the novel as a trainee gravedigger before embarking on some rather odd schemes to allow him to take a road trip across Europe in pursuit of a girl. The characterisation is fabulous and the reader is totally pulled into Billy’s story.
This is a great debut novel and I hope there is a lot more to come from this writer.
You can read my review here.
This is another book that’s on the shortlist for the Comedy Women in Print 2020 prize. Beth O’Leary’s second novel, ‘The Switch’ is another gem if you liked this one!
Tiffy has broken up with her horrible boyfriend, Justin, and needs somewhere to stay. Her job publishing rather niche crochet books pays a pittance, so she is tempted with an interesting flat-share proposition; for cheap rent, she can inhabit Leon’s flat during the nights and weekends while he is at work at the hospice and staying with his girlfriend, Kay.
So Tiffy and Leon share a bed, but never at the same time. It seems like an ideal solution, but things change and life gets in the way of the best laid plans.
I really enjoyed this. Yes, it’s a bit predictable and there are some amazing coincidences that the plot relies on heavily. However, it’s a cheerful and lively read that will keep you turning the pages as Tiffy and Leon get to know each other without meeting – the trails of notes are really sweet.
There are also lots of likeable characters and some real pantomime villains. It does occasionally get a bit dark in places, but there are some lovely humorous touches too; I especially liked Katherin, the crochet queen, and Rachel, the oversharing work friend.
Overall, there is a lot to enjoy here and it was great to read something light and happy. I’d recommend this and will look for more from this writer in the future.
I received a free copy of the novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Header photo with thanks to Scott Webb for sharing their work on Unsplash.
