Book Review | The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary

Move over The Flat Share and The Switch because The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary might just be my new fave.

The Road Trip introduces us to Addie and her sister Deb, on the road heading to Scotland for their friend's wedding. They've got snacks in tow, Deb's breast pump at the ready, and Rodney. We'll get to Rodney later. The journey leaves not a lot to complain about until another car bumps into the back of theirs. Much to Addie's surprise – and dismay - it happens to be Dylan behind the wheel, her ex-boyfriend, with his unforgiving best mate riding shotgun, Marcus. The pair heading to the same wedding. 

With one expensive car busted and one mini offering just enough power, the five are jam-packed in one car and ready for a journey. Among the breath-hitching moments, Rodney's flap-jack delights and Marcus's painful musings, we take a trip back in time to uncover the romantic history between Addie and Dylan. What exactly went wrong those couple of years ago, and how are they really feeling now? Forced proximity and a long road trip leave no stone unturned.

Somehow this book completely slipped through the cracks, but better late to have read it than never.

O'Leary never fails to create characters with a joke or two up their sleeve or a witty comeback at the ready. The beginning of The Road Trip is light and fluffy. But, as it progresses, we get to pull back the layers of Addie and Dylan, their (steamy) history as a couple and why it didn't work out. 

I love Addie's older sister Deb and her 'I couldn't give two shits' mindset. She is an inspirational woman who does what she wants, when she wants, how she wants. She also doubles as a wonderful sister to Addie, sharing that special sisterly bond that you just can't explain.

But on the topic of characters, I LOVE RODNEY SO MUCH. I giggled a lot at Rodney's ways. He is such a wonderfully weird character, and without him, the story would be incomplete. His clickable Tupperware, the odd moments when he chooses to pipe up, and a search and rescue took a little too far. You'll see for yourself, but this book generally has that British humour that I love. An easy five stars from me.