The Switch - Book Review
Genre: Romance | Fiction
Author: Beth O’Leary
Year: 2020
Pages: 336
I fell head over heels for Tiffy and Leon’s budding romance in O’Leary’s debut novel The Flatshare, so when I found out that she had another book in the works, I could hardly wait. Too eager to wait for the book’s release, I bought the eBook as soon as it was available, later adding the paperback to my collection (I’ve always loved the experience of holding a physical book in my hands – it makes the experience so much more tangible).
The Switch centres around O’Leary’s two central characters as they navigate life’s twists and turns. Twenty-something-year-old Leena finds herself on sabbatical after a blunder at work while Eileen is newly single and nearing eighty. With a story reminiscent of the heart-warming Christmas rom-com The Holiday, the two decide to swap lives. Leena takes respite from the hustle and bustle of the city in her grandmother’s quiet Yorkshire village, allowing Eileen to travel down to London and expand her horizons on her quest to find the perfect gentleman.
As with her previous book, O’Leary cleverly tackles emotional themes such as grief by interjecting wit and humour. This is one of the reasons I always find myself gravitating towards her work. Alternating narrators from Leena to Eileen’s perspective propels you further and further into the story; it took me by surprise when I found myself towards the end. O’Leary has a way with words when it comes to exploring relationships, whether it’s between family or love interests, and the characters are extremely relatable.
The Switch is a perfect, light-hearted story to disappear into. I had a hard time putting this book down and ended up reading it in little under a day! If you’re a fan of Sophie Kinsella or Josie Silver, The Switch is an ideal read to whisk yourself away and will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy.
*Side note – at the time of posting this, I noticed that O’Leary has another book in the works! The Road Trip is set to come out next year, and until then, I’ll be waiting with bated breath.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★