Book Review | The Switch by Beth O'Leary
This one had me well and truly Eileened!
If there is one thing Beth O'Leary is good at, it's creating charming, endearing main characters and bringing them to life within the pages of an incredibly feel-good novel.
In The Switch, we have a double-whammy Eileen Cotton combo. A Grandmother, Eileen, and her granddaughter Leena need a change and a fresh perspective.
Eileen, 79 is newly single in her small village called Hamleigh-in-Harksdale. With an inkling to get back into the dating scene, she certainly won't let her age get in the way. However, it's slim pickings in her village as unfortunately, the eligible bachelors don't quite cut the mustard.
Meanwhile, in London, Leena is nothing short of a workaholic on the verge of a burnout. After a critical client presentation gone wrong, she is in desperate need of some R&R and is made to take two months off to switch off from work completely.
Both Eileen's need a change of scenery and something a fresh start. Enter – The Switch. Leena moves into Eileen's cottage and promises to take over her beloved projects, neighbourhood watch meetings, and of course the annual May Day festival. Eileen, on the other hand, packs up her suitcase and sets off to London with fresh ambition, wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Throughout the story, we follow Leena and Eileen as they settle into life in each other's shoes. Leena makes herself at home in Hamleigh, winning over the hearts of Eileen's friends. Over in London, Eileen enters the world of online dating, and let's just say, she's still got it!
I personally am a sucker for an easy-going read with endearing characters and happy endings. The Switch delivered just that! The plot is a creative concept, and I enjoyed following the journeys of these two ladies as they navigated their way through the Switch. It reminded me of the film The Holiday – that sort of feel-good, romantic vibe. But does more than that too, exploring emotion and circumstance through the main characters. Beth O'Leary adds depth and beautifully portrays grief, loss of loved ones and dealing with abusive relationships.
Overall, The Switch is a lot of fun. I especially loved Eileen and the elder's community in Hamleigh – full of cheek and energy with abundant wisdom. I hope I am as sassy when I am 79. I'd love to sit down with Eileen for a cuppa, I bet she'd have a tale or two.
I absolutely recommend this book! If you liked The Flatshare, you would love The Switch! It's the perfect book if you are looking for something light and fluffy. 5/5 stars from me!