This is the first Sophie Kinsella book I've read and certainly won't be the last! My husband officially thinks I'm barmy as there are a number of scenes within this book that I just couldn't help laughing out loud whilst reading (not something I do regularly!).
Sophie Kinsella's style of writing is such that it is a very easy read yet gripping and I just couldn't put the book down. It is written in modern day and it is clear that she researched certain elements well that are vital to the book such as the life-style of lawyers as well as housekeeping.
*** MAIN STORY *** So the main story is based around Samantha. She is a very successful lawyer and working herself into the ground in the hope that she gets a partnership in Carter Spink, the most successful firm in the business. If she succeeds in this, she will become their youngest ever partner. Her life is one of organised chaos. She works all hours day and night. Her lifestyle is such that her day is split into 6-minute billable sections. She has no idea
of anything to do with domestic life. She sends all her clothes to the dry cleaners, has a cleaner in, if the cleaner asks her how something mechanical works, she buys a new one! And on top of all this, she has no idea how to cook - not even the simplest of things. Her family are in similar jobs and frequently let her down for birthdays. Her mum has very high expectations of her.
Not far into the book, Samantha realises she's made a dreadful professional mistake that jeopardises her career. She is totally in shock and gets on a train 'to no-where'. After a long while, she gets off, having no idea where about she was, she ended up entering a house. It all gets a bit confusing. The owners totally misunderstand why she is there and she ends up being employed as the new housekeeper for the Geiger's. Not only that but they are under the impression that she is a cordon bleu cook! Being totally stressed out and wanting to opt out of life as she knew it, she attempts to learn her new job. Nathaniel is the gardener in the house who sees right through her which annoys her. He does eventually come to her rescue and facilitates learning opportunities for her, but is that all? The story concludes with Samantha needing to decide which life is for her, a country housekeeper or a highly paid lawyer. You'll need to read it to find out!!!
*** CHARACTERS *** There are a number of characters that pop into the story, many of whom are from her life as a lawyer but there are five main characters:
SAMANTHA - as mentioned above, a chaotic person. Always wearing dark clothes, with no 'life skills' whatsoever! She is a highly intelligent person who is very clever at talking her way out of difficult spots. If she can't do anything, she lifts the phone and pays for someone who can… whatever the cost! She is able to find the real 'Samantha' by the end of the novel.
NATHANIEL - is a calm, relaxed, chilled, gorgeous-looking man who loves life and loves his Mum. He is an excellent gardener and works at the house. He really gets up Samantha's nose straight away as he can see clearly that she hasn't a clue what she's doing. He challenges her and she is flustered that she is unable to get away with talking her way out of things like she can with most people. They eventually become good friends and we get to find out some of Nathaniel's life outside of the garden as well as his ambition. He challenges Samantha to 'chill' and loose the 6-minute life-style she's be accustomed to.
THE GEIGER's - these are really funny, eccentric and very wealthy. Husband and wife, Trish and Eddie, Trish has the main say in the house and has some very high expectations of Samantha! They are totally oblivious to Samantha's lack of skills and as far as she's concerned, they will continue to be. They do their best to embrace Samantha into their house and even throw a little surprise for her.
IRIS - she is Nathaniel's Mum. She is a very practical, straight-talking woman, who gets to spend a lot of time with Samantha. Although they never talk specifically, she helps Samantha come to terms with her life and come to be proud and accepting of who she really is.
*** OVERALL *** A brilliant, funny read. It is a girly book although it's the type of story my husband would gladly watch if it was ever made into a film. You clearly want a happy ending to this story and although you feel as you near the end it will be a very predictable ending, there is a surprise in store for the readers! I would heartily recommend this to anyone who wants to chill-out with a good novel which is totally entertaining.
*** DETAILS *** www.booksattransworld.co.uk ISBN 0-552-77274-7 RRP £6.99
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Must look out for this one, sounds really good! All the best for your pending new arrival! Nev x
shazzaspannered 10.08.2006 11:26
Sophie Kinsella is such a fantastic author, my favourite in fact. If you enjoyed this you should read the Shopaholic books they are fantastic and also ‘Can You Keep A Secret’ which had me laughing out loud all the way through. Great review!
AnitaM 08.08.2006 02:43
I've read all Kinsella's books and they are all very funny - try the Shopaholic series. Hilarious!
Aug 3rd, 2006
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