The Switch by Beth O’Leary
Reviewed by: Dawn Dickey
Genre: Romance
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: Leena has a high-powered job in London. Leena’s grandmother, 79-year-old Eileen, lives in a village in Yorkshire – the same town where Leena’s mother lives. All three have suffered the tragic death of Leena’s sister, Carla, due to cancer. On the surface, perhaps, Leena is coping, but the reality is different. Following a disastrous, public meltdown with a client, Leena’s employers order her to take two months’ leave to get herself together. She retreats to her grandmother’s house in Yorkshire, where Leena finds that her recently divorced grandmother is also in need of a change. Leena comes up with the brilliant idea for the two to switch lives, even down to the switching of phones. So Grandma Eileen is off to London, while Leena rusticates in Yorkshire. Let the fun begin!
My Review: I loved the characters in this book! The main characters are funny, quirky, at times angry, and believable. The varied circle of friends in London and Yorkshire (from eccentric old age pensioners to best friends and roommates) add vibrancy and more humor to the switch. The family trio – Grandmother Eileen, Mother Marian, and Granddaughter Leena – are a wounded but determined trio. They find their way to beginning to heal with the support of their numerous friends. It’s a zany, bittersweet, heartwarming tale that you will be glad you read!
Three Words That Describe This Book: heartwarming, funny, cheering
Give This a Try if You Like…romance novels such as One Day in December by Josie Silver, I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella or Meet Cute by Helena Hunting
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.
