The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

I know I’m a little late to the celebration. But, to be really honest, I’d frequently feel let down if I read every book that has positive PR. However, O’Leary’s top-selling romantic comedy debut from 2019 stands up to the promise. The Flatshare is an interesting and entertaining romantic read.

It’s like if all of my favourite ingredients were combined in just the correct amounts in a bowl to make the perfect rainbow cake that rises and is light and fluffy in the middle with those delectable crusty crumbs on the outside. First of all, what a wonderful setting for a love story comedy. The more comprehensive context supplied, the more credible this “new” assumption becomes.

Epistolary Narrative Structure

O’Leary expertly conveys the intimacy of leaving notes (and the joy of finding them) through alternating first-person narratives, as well as the drastically different personalities of her primary characters. Leon’s notes and inner narration are staccato-like and matter-of-fact, and he frequently remarks that being Tiffy must be extremely taxing. While Tiffy’s are verbose and conversational, she appears to expend so much energy even in note form.

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Life, as my father often says, “is never simple.” One of his favourite proverbs is this one. In fact, I believe it to be inaccurate. Life is frequently simple, but you don’t realise how simple it was until things become terribly complicated, such as when you never feel grateful for being well until you are sick or when you shred a pair of tights and have no spares. However, both share a core sense of sincere concern and goodness. Though it did take me some time to adjust to reading Leon’s somewhat terse, note-like thoughts.

Heartwarming Characterization

Although Tiffy and Leon make unusually likeable leads (nearly equally so), The Flatshare’s supporting cast is also exceptional. It is difficult to choose a favourite because they are all skillfully but effectively characterised. Holly, Leon’s bright little hospice patient, is ranked higher than the rest of them, and it’s difficult not to be moved by advice from young children who say that being kind is a wonderful thing. You can be both lovely and strong. You don’t have to choose between the two.

The way this book covers really serious problems, similar to one of my all-time favourite romantic comedies Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, lifts it to the touching and memorable category. In The Flatshare, O’Leary deftly strikes a mix between humour, tact, and solemnity while illustrating how fear and worry can affect even the best among us.

It acknowledges that horrible things can happen to good people and serves as a reminder of the importance and poignancy of the little things, like quiet companionship. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is an endearing celebration of goodness and uniqueness. I strongly advise allowing this book to cast a warm glow over your life for a few days.

About The Book

Tiffy Moore urgently needs a low-cost apartment. Leon Twomey needs money because he works evenings. Although their pals believe they’re insane, this is the best course of action: While Tiffy is at work during the day, Leon lives in the one-bedroom apartment, and the rest of the time she is free to do as she pleases.

They’re about to learn, however, that if you want the perfect home you need to toss the rulebook out the window because of obsessive ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work, wrongfully imprisoned brothers, and, of course, the fact that they still haven’t met.