Separate Lives

by Kathryn Flett

Your partner of ten years, and the father of your children, receives a text. You happen to see it.

It says:

'Start living a different kind of life... P :-) xxx'

You don't know a P. But you know this spells trouble.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2012

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've sat on this book for nearly a month and after about 25%, I just can't make myself stick with it. I even asked my best friend - hey, should I just try to hold out and hope that it gets better? Life is too short for that and there are many more books that will hold my interest so I'm gonna mark this one DNF and move on.

I'm not sure if it's necessarily a bad book or if it's just not for me, but I found it totally uncompelling. It felt like the characters were judgmental, perhaps a bit catty, and largely uninteresting. Again, this is personal opinion and others might not agree, which is totally cool. The plot summary that I read sounded awesome, but it's just taken too much to get to that feeling while actually reading.

So for those reasons, which are entirely my opinion and might be completely different from yours, I am stepping out and moving on to something else.


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[Tina(I can only make 10 comments! Man!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Netgalley and Quercus Publishers for allowing me the opportunity of reading this Advanced Reader's Copy.

4 stars

This was a very well written, enjoyable book. The story starts off with Susie's suspicion of her partner Alex's indiscretion. I like how it is told in 3 different voices. It allows a deeper understanding of what the characters are really feeling. The author made me sympathize with each character (even when I really thought I wouldn't.) I came away feeling as if this story was a journey for all 3 characters involved. It really flowed well and there were some bits of surprises along the way.

I will definitely read more from this author. She is very talented!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Separate Lives by Kathryn Flett

"I Know it's a cliche, but it was the text on Alex's phone that did it."
Susie reads a text message on her boyfriend Alex's phone from Pippa that says ''Start living a different kind of life...P:-)xxx"
Susie starts wondering who is P? And what is up with the smiley? Three kisses? And so begins the story of relationship's and a lot cheating in this community of friends and boyfriends. Susie and Alex may as well be married, they have been together for ten years and share two kids together.
This story is told from three different points of view. First Susie then Pippa and finally Alex.
Susie discovers Pippa's text message to Alex on his iphone while Alex is showering.
Alex comes from a close knit family: His twin brother Guy, his sister Isobel and his brother Will.

This story and it's mishaps happen as Pippa is invited to a small party where Lisa and Guy(Alex's twin) are gathered and Alex stops by and Pippa and Alex strike up a conversation. Pippa is one of Lisa's friends and Lisa is Guy's girlfriend. Pippa and Lisa are friends because Pippa used to be a model agent and Lisa was one of the models. Pippa is now a mother to Hal. Alex calls Pippa a yummy mummy.

Susie Alex's girlfriend is given a beautiful Venetian mirror by Will who is Alex's brother. We find out that Susie was seeing Will before she met Alex and Will and Susie keep it a secret from everybody, meanwhile Pippa overhears a message Susie is leaving for Will to meet her at a hotel. So Susie resumes seeing Will while she is with Alex. Pippa and Alex get together and have sex. So among all of these nice hip group of friends their is a lot of cheating going on.

This was a very enjoyable story except for the cheating and the dissolution of all of these relationships there is a lot of love and friendship. Pippa's dialogue of her point of view is written to her deceased mother. Pippa is really financially doing really well and her love for her son Hal who is growing up is palpable. Pippa is forty-three and thinks she can't have any more children. There is a big surprise. This is a bittersweet story about couple's and triangles and life. It was an excellent story. I loved it. I loved all of the characters and the Setting. For something in contemporary fiction there is a lot of realism. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Net Galley, Kathryn Flett and Quercus Publishing for providing me with my digital copy for and honest review.










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[KAS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite unlike any other book I have read! The author is from England and her writing style is full of British slang, so at times it was a bit difficult to understand. The storyline centers around Susie, Alex, and Pippa, who are involved in a love/adulterous triangle. Each character had their endearing moments and irritating moments. Each had their own secrets as well, so needless to say, "tangled webs were weaved!" The book, written in POV style, was quite entertaining and certainly kept me turning the pages. The dialogue was certainly witty and contained a lot of British humor.

All in all, it was a good, fast paced read!

*I received a copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*

[Sarah Obsesses over Books & Cookies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley!! this was a domestic tale of married people not really getting along and finding other interests. The story is told through three characters pov. We have Susie and Alex- they aren't "married" per say but have been together for the last 10 years. They have two children and right from the start they are not okay. She finds a text from a mysterious P and she, correctly, guesses that he's having an affair.
Meanwhile Alex who does see P who is named Pippa (we are in England just so you know) and has a child and a not really fleshed out backstory but she has a rich ex so she can not work and be totally fine financially.
Pippa takes up long chapters not in prose but in letters to her passed away mom. she tells in detail all that's going on in her life mostly about the guy she met through a friends dinner party, Alex. She gets involved despite him being married and you kind of hate her.
Until you find out that Susie isn't the scorned woman but a woman involved in her own side relationship.
Ready for this soap opera fans??....
it's with Alex's brother. We find out this in the first quarter of the book so no big spoilers.
So we kind of dislike Pippa and we are kind of rooting for Alex to fess up but then he becomes kind of an asshole. But Pippa changes towards the end, and without giving it away you'll probably agree too.

Basically it's a game of musical chairs of who knows who's business (people seem to coincidentally know all the same people in this large circle of 'friends')

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even though the drama was everywhere that's what kept me reading. I liked it. It was more woman-lit than chick lit. I got a little lost in the Brittish sayings and references but it didn't detract from my liking the book so much.

[Zarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Separate Lives is catapulted into existence by one of the main characters, Susie, finding a text message on the phone of her long term partner Alex, which is signed off solely by "P". As she doesn't know anyone who could've possibly sent the message it sets of a growing concern in the back of her mind that maybe, just maybe, Alex is having an affair.

What follows is the account of the interactions between several people, some of which have not yet met or only in passing, in which they slowly but steadily move closer in a web of intrigue and infidelity.

The book opens unstructured with new characters popping up without any form of introduction. Add to that the unfocused alternating point of views that for no reason whatsoever (certainly not to add something of construction to the novel) also changes styles - which ranges from a more conservative POV to written letters, emails and even text messages - and it all is a bit of a mess. It definitely makes it very hard for the reader to get to know those central to the story and connect to their struggles.

Gradually however, once the main characters are well established, the plot starts to pick up and the reader can get properly engrossed in the story and dare I say it, relate to the people who's lives are exposed in the novel. Despite not agreeing with 99% of their decisions or even personally being very familiar with their Notting Hill lifestyle I at least felt interested in where their choices were leading them.

Unfortunately, after a rather strong middle section, the last few chapters absolutely ruined Separate Lives for me. I went from slightly understanding where Alex was coming from to absolutely hating his guts for what he was putting his partner, but more importantly, his innocent children through. He had no right to use them to get back at Susie, and I was very close to flinging the novel against the nearest wall in exasperation (had I not been in a train at the time I would've probably not been able to restrain myself).

Of course it's perfectly fine for a character to not be flawless, and even draw a negative emotion from the reader, but in this case it was a pointless addition, which only multiplied the already growing frustrations I felt while reading the novel.

So in all, a reluctant 3 stars from me.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

All my reviews can be found out: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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The premise of the book made me want to read Separate Lives. Unfortunately, I got a different book than I was expecting.

I think I was expecting a ‘fight to save your relationship’ kind of book. Separate Lives was very different from that kind of book. I do like books with multiple narrators, as you get multiple points of view to get the whole story. The three narrators are Susie, Alex and P. Susie’s narration was a ‘standard’ type of narration, Alex’s narration was through emails, and the ‘Mysterious P’s narration is through letters to her mother (P turns out to be Pippa, this is not a secret as we quickly find out who ‘P’ is).

Issues I had with the book:

-All three of the protagonists were not likable. I did not really care what happened to them. Yes, Susie discovers the text, but there is something going on with her. I can’t say what without spoilers.
- There were a few twists that were supposed to shock you but my reaction to them was just the opposite. This must have been because I was not attached to the characters.
-Susie and Pippa’s narrations tended to drag on and mentioned things that were not relevant to the story. I found myself scanning through parts of both of their narrations. This happened more with Susie than Pippa, and some of the things Pippa would say in her letters to her mom I would not even say to my mom!

Towards the end of Separate Lives I did start to like Pippa a small amount. The last few chapters of the book did pick up for me. In the end of the book, that original text has so much more meaning that it did at the beginning of Separate Lives. I know some books are not for everyone and unfortunately Separate Lives was not for me.

I received a copy of Separate Lives from NetGalley.

[Chandra Claypool (WhereTheReaderGrows) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Your partner of ten years, and the father of your children, receives a text. You happen to see it: 'Start living a different kind of life... P :-) xxx.' You don't now anyone with the initial P, so what's with the smiley face and the kisses?"

This book isn't your typical romance, all happy ending, fairly tale of a rom-com you might expect it to be. Told from three different points of view: Susie - told in first person through her eyes, Pippa - told through letters she writes to her mum; and Alex - through emails and text messages to his siblings. This is a story about relationships, commitment, miscommunication, the trials and tribulations of love, friendship and life in general. From a fairly realistic and fresh point of view, this isn't a happy romance, but rather a poignant look at how life usually works. We're not all happy fairly tales or romance novels. We are real people trying to do the best that we can and at often time, not giving ourselves enough credit to live the life we deserve.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley.

I really enjoyed this book. It's amazing how the book makes you sympathetic to everyone (well, almost everyone. I had issues with Alex) by flip flopping through their stories. I also enjoyed how each person had their distinct voice so you never forget who's narrative you're reading.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry but I just picked this up and put it down three times- which meant ultimately I did not finish. The characters were unappealing to me. I did like the three different ways of telling the story- each voice was quite clear. It's nicely written but I just didn't enjoy it. THanks to netgalley for the ARC.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent a copy of this book as part of the Waterstone's cardholder review scheme, in which you are sent a copy of a book in return for a review on their website. I've posted this review there first so now I'm posting it here, too!

Separate Lives follows the lives of several characters. There's Susie, who has just discovered a suspicious text on her partner Alex's phone, Alex and his parents and siblings, and Pippa, the mysterious other woman. The book is told from several points of view, and mixes up the narrative by using letters and email conversations which was something I absolutely loved.

I can safely say that, after reading this book, my faith in chick-lit has been restored! This book was smart and funny (I was giggling from the first few pages in) and brilliantly honest. Most of all it felt real. One of my main problems with chick-lit can be the ridiculous "that would never happen" moments but I had none of that with this book. There were no cringe-worthy, toe-curling moments and no clichés. It was just brilliantly well done, and I'd find myself nodding along in agreement when the characters made a certian hilarious observation.

The plot itself was so engaging, too. I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns along the way and I loved how all the characters' lives were linked. I couldn't put this book down and enjoyed spending time with the characters, which is one of the biggest compliments I can give a book. There were some really heartwarming moments throughout, alongside some fantastic humour and the book deals with the topics of family, relationships and work in a wonderfully entertaining way. I'd recommend it for those who are maybe a bit sceptical about chick-lit, as I have been in the past. If you like Elizabeth Noble then this is definitely a book to check out.

[Jen Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can see the full review at Chocolate Chunky Munkie

I have to say it's been a while since I read something contemporary, but I slipped into the narrative of this one like you slip into a nice hot bath. It felt lovely and relaxing. I've mostly been reading YA for the past year, but it certainly made a nice refreshing change to have a different feel to a book.

I have to say overall I did enjoy this book. I really liked the fact it was told from different POV's it certainly gave each characters side of the story. It certainly showed how each persons life was affected by the decisions they made and the consequences that followed.

I thought the story flowed well and I also liked the fact that there were some parts of the story are told in email and letter format.

My favourite character would have to be Susie, I could really relate to her and I enjoyed how her part of the story panned out. The characters seemed real and I do like that in a book, it has to be believable for me.I didn't like all of the characters but I suppose you are not going to like all of them.

I have to say I liked how the ending panned out, I did feel that it ended on the right note. There were a couple of twists in the plot, a couple were a little predictable.

Would I read anymore books by this author?? Yes I would!

[The Geeky Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley and Quercus.

One text message. That's all it took to set in motion a chain of events that changed the lives of three people directly, which in turn rippled out to affect the lives of those closest to them. Doubt, mistrust, and misunderstandings take hold and choices are made that changes everything, for all of them... and it's all due to that brief text.

What happened before the text was sent, and its aftermath, is gradually revealed in alternating chapters narrated by Susie, Alex, and "P". It doesn't take long to realize that there is a great deal more going on with each of them than you think at first glance. There are several surprising twists throughout the story. Two of them, in particular, shocked me—one more than the other—because I never saw them coming. The final reveal explained a lot of things.

The thing I liked most about this book is real it felt. Life is messy, and it wasn't difficult to imagine such a thing actually happening to someone. Anyone who has been in a relationship for many years knows how unpredictable life as a couple can be sometimes, often in ways that seem crazy when you look back on it. Separate Lives illustrates that unpredictability in ways that are sometimes funny, often poignant, and never boring. Fans of women's fiction would likely find this a very enjoyable read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of people experience what’s commonly known as a ten year slump/mid-life crisis but when Alex and Susie’s worlds collide it spirals into more than a little bump in the road. Having been partners for more than a decade with two young children, exciting careers and Alex’s big boisterous family by their side, a silent wall has quietly kept them divided. Their London life not as perfect as it always appeared. When Susie glances a text on Alex’s phone, from someone known as P followed by X’s and smiley faces, she must find a way to confront him. What implodes is a world of secrets and betrayals that had been brewing for years. The story is narrated from three different points of view (which I loved) Alex, Susie and P – who happens to be Pippa. There truly are three sides to every story: his, hers and hers, each with their own truths, about marriage, family, friendship and all the different kinds of love that exist - none with a warranty to last a lifetime. Author Kathryn Flett easily kept me turning the pages of this heartfelt saga which was unpredictable filled with twists and turns I could never have imagined. Highly recommend this look at everyday lives turned upside down because of one little text. Life and romance with a smartphone, pretty tricky.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

So let me just start by saying I normally LOVE British books but I did not love this one. There was so much slang in this book I had a hard time keeping up with the dialogue but the dialogue was also very discombobulated at times that it could have been written simply and I still wouldn't have understood it. Secondly, none of the characters were like able. Even in the end when the author tried to redeem all of them I still felt nothing for them. In fact, I went nearly a full week without reading this book because I just didn't care for the characters and what happened to them.

I did give it 2 stars because it was interesting in the way it was written (via emails/text messages/perspective/letters) but that's about all I really enjoyed in this book.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of these characters were some really mixed up people. And one was truly messed up.

Three characters entertained, one is the mother of his children and the other is the woman he wants. He proves himself a total arse as he meanders down his road of life. The mother of his children did a bad thing, but she didn't to the father of the children and it was before she met him. Yet he treats her like total crap and starts stalking another woman.

As romance is not my favorite genre, I thought this one sounded out there to be enough to keep me interested. It did the job and I finished the book. So kudos to the author for keeping me hanging in.

Thanks to Querqus Books and Net Galley for the benefit of reading this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bibi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book dragged forever. I disliked every single character. I felt nothing but relief when it was all over.

I feel bad giving a negative review especially when it's an ARC...but ugghh...I'm sorry.

[Fluff Smut & Murder · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has such potential!! But then Pippa's letter to her mother began to seriously annoy me (who tells her mother via a letter about her makeout and sex sessions?) and then it all started the domino effect of why I really didn't like this book after that. The last straw? It was originally published in 2011. I get that it is a British Import and its the first time published in America but stop giving us old recycled novels passed off a new.

[Kat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well written, but unfortunately the story was a bit poor. Half of Pippa's story, to me, was nothing but page filling, and for the first time in a long time I actually skipped pages. The idea of the story was good, it just lacked, well, everything.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful story of families and relationships and marriage and parenthood.

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite frankly, this was just miserable.

[Gilden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea at all, for me it is the worst kind of chick lit! I found it all ridiculous with, in parts, a lot of irrelevant ramblings.

[Emilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book told in three very different styles. A conversational, a diary like entry, and text/email. It did an interesting job of piecing the story together from these view points. I did find it hard to go back to the beginning of a six month period as we moved through each view point and I often felt like we stuck with one character a little too long, that they were wearing out their welcome at my kitchen table as it were. It was however an interesting play of characters with everyone having their role. I was a little disappointed in the end that we didn't really get as much of Alex's perspective especially in the end the closure for him felt off. Because of how it dragged in places I considered not finishing the book but being the person I am I kept going and was in some ways rewarded, in others I felt I would have been justified in stopping.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book told from three view points. Susie, who suspects her partner, Alex, is having an affair with Pippa, starts off by reading a text from "P" P thinks Susie is cheating on Alex. Lot of family overlap and drama as they all of same tangential connection to Pippa. There is a set of twins, which I always like and it's set in London. I really love English slang, including numpty and saddo, both of which I plan on incorporating into my everyday conversation.

[Jennifer MacMullin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I've always been a big fan of British chick-lit. While I didn't exactly like all of the cheating that went on, I thought it was overall a very raw and real look at the twists and turns of relationships. I found myself getting angry with some of the characters, which shows that I was pretty invested in them.

[Merrilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really unsure how to even rate this book. It was a quick and easy read and the story flowed but I didn't find a single character in this book to be relatable or likeable.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tale of love and heartbreak, vengeance and deceit, Flett's characters are witty, fun and might even demonstrate behaviors we wish we could.

[Sinead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

[Nicole Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok

[Julie Howes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twists and surprises! Great book. Thoroughly enjoyed it.