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Upside Down Inside Out
“Sparkling . . . it’s all systems go for a wonderful romance . . . a charming story told with large doses of love and humour.”
–The Australian Women’s Weekly
Eva Kennedy is in a rut. After seven years of working at her uncle’s Dublin delicatessen, her artistic aspirations have slipped by the wayside and her latest relationship has fizzled. Whatever happened to the Eva who was going to be someone? Hoping to shake things up and find inspiration, Eva takes a break and ventures to Melbourne, Australia, to visit her old friend Lainey, who, for fun, gives her an exciting new identity. Eva is now exotic and adventurous and . . . not herself.
Joseph Wheeler is a successful London designer. Unfortunately his firm is thriving at such a high level that he doesn’t have time to actually design anymore. And his love life is nonexistent.
In Australia on business, Joseph meets Eva, and the sparks fly–even as Eva is stuck pretending to be someone she’s not. Little does she know that Joseph has some secrets of his own. . . .
When what starts as a holiday fling quickly blossoms into something more, Joseph and Eva discover that romance can turn life upside down and inside out at the bottom of the world.
“The perfect holiday romp . . . A fresh and fun read that will win the attention of its readers for its warm and bubbly tone.”
–Irish Tattler
“There is a huge ‘aaahh’ factor in [Upside Down Inside Out].”
–Irish Examiner
“Refreshing . . . tongue-in-cheek fun.”
–The Sun-Herald (Australia)
–The Australian Women’s Weekly
Eva Kennedy is in a rut. After seven years of working at her uncle’s Dublin delicatessen, her artistic aspirations have slipped by the wayside and her latest relationship has fizzled. Whatever happened to the Eva who was going to be someone? Hoping to shake things up and find inspiration, Eva takes a break and ventures to Melbourne, Australia, to visit her old friend Lainey, who, for fun, gives her an exciting new identity. Eva is now exotic and adventurous and . . . not herself.
Joseph Wheeler is a successful London designer. Unfortunately his firm is thriving at such a high level that he doesn’t have time to actually design anymore. And his love life is nonexistent.
In Australia on business, Joseph meets Eva, and the sparks fly–even as Eva is stuck pretending to be someone she’s not. Little does she know that Joseph has some secrets of his own. . . .
When what starts as a holiday fling quickly blossoms into something more, Joseph and Eva discover that romance can turn life upside down and inside out at the bottom of the world.
“The perfect holiday romp . . . A fresh and fun read that will win the attention of its readers for its warm and bubbly tone.”
–Irish Tattler
“There is a huge ‘aaahh’ factor in [Upside Down Inside Out].”
–Irish Examiner
“Refreshing . . . tongue-in-cheek fun.”
–The Sun-Herald (Australia)
419 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2002
92 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
About the author
Monica McInerney
46 books1,134 followerswww.monicamcinerney.com
facebook.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
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Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, will be published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.
Monica, 56, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They are currently in Australia.
Visit her website at www.monicamcinerney.com
facebook.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
instagram.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, will be published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.
Monica, 56, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They are currently in Australia.
Visit her website at www.monicamcinerney.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
December 5, 2022
EXCERPT: Eva could hardly find her breath. How dare he? How dare he talk to her like that? Hands trembling, heart thumping, she summoned every scrap of pride, stood and picked up her bag. There was nothing else to say. Feeling like a robot, she climbed the steps to the front door, opened it and started walking as quickly as she could.
Then, just a few steps along the footpath, she realised she did have something else to say. So she turned around and came back.
The other customers shifted expectantly in their seats. 'Excellent,' one of them said to her friend. 'Round two.' They settled back to listen.
Eva walked up to Dermot's table and stood right in front of him. She could feel her cheeks burning in anger and embarrassment. This time he had the grace to look uncomfortable.
'One last thing, Dermot. You can forget about the shop. My uncle isn't selling it.' Because he wants to give it to me, she was about to add.
But Dermot interrupted her. 'Oh, well,' he shrugged. 'There'll be others.'
Somehow, that hurt more than anything he'd said before. Standing looking at him, she thought of his deceit, his imagey ways, his American slang. All the things that had annoyed her rushed at her memory.
At that moment his mobile phone started to ring, playing a very loud tune. The sound reminded her of one of his particularly annoying habits. Moving quickly, she picked up the ringing phone, silver-plating and all, and upended it into his pint glass. The dark liquid gurgled and slopped around it.
'No, Dermot, don't tell me. Let me guess the brand by the sound it makes.' She waited a beat as they both watched the phone glug to the bottom of the glass. 'Ah, yes. Now I have it,' she said clearly. 'It's a Guinness.'
With that, she walked out again. And this time she didn't come back.
ABOUT 'UPSIDE DOWN INSIDE OUT': Eva is off to Australia, hoping to forget a fizzled romance and find inspiration for a new career. Joseph is taking a vacation from his stressful London job. Each is on a search for some answers about life. Then something unexpected happens: They meet each other.
MY THOUGHTS: I absolutely adored this light-hearted romantic comedy from Monica McInerney. I laughed a lot and cried a little at the comedy of errors that conspired to keep Joe and Eva apart. The characters are wonderful and very realistic, including the two cads Greg and Dermot. As well as love, romance, and friendship, Upside Down Inside Out deals with a particularly poignant family relationship. There's also a wonderful black kitten called Tyrannosaurus Rex who causes his own brand of havoc.
Recommended to be read with a platter of antipesto and a good Australian Shiraz.
I: @monicamcinerneyauthor @penguinbooks
T: @PenguinBooks
THE AUTHOR: Monica grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClxfT9sL5...
Then, just a few steps along the footpath, she realised she did have something else to say. So she turned around and came back.
The other customers shifted expectantly in their seats. 'Excellent,' one of them said to her friend. 'Round two.' They settled back to listen.
Eva walked up to Dermot's table and stood right in front of him. She could feel her cheeks burning in anger and embarrassment. This time he had the grace to look uncomfortable.
'One last thing, Dermot. You can forget about the shop. My uncle isn't selling it.' Because he wants to give it to me, she was about to add.
But Dermot interrupted her. 'Oh, well,' he shrugged. 'There'll be others.'
Somehow, that hurt more than anything he'd said before. Standing looking at him, she thought of his deceit, his imagey ways, his American slang. All the things that had annoyed her rushed at her memory.
At that moment his mobile phone started to ring, playing a very loud tune. The sound reminded her of one of his particularly annoying habits. Moving quickly, she picked up the ringing phone, silver-plating and all, and upended it into his pint glass. The dark liquid gurgled and slopped around it.
'No, Dermot, don't tell me. Let me guess the brand by the sound it makes.' She waited a beat as they both watched the phone glug to the bottom of the glass. 'Ah, yes. Now I have it,' she said clearly. 'It's a Guinness.'
With that, she walked out again. And this time she didn't come back.
ABOUT 'UPSIDE DOWN INSIDE OUT': Eva is off to Australia, hoping to forget a fizzled romance and find inspiration for a new career. Joseph is taking a vacation from his stressful London job. Each is on a search for some answers about life. Then something unexpected happens: They meet each other.
MY THOUGHTS: I absolutely adored this light-hearted romantic comedy from Monica McInerney. I laughed a lot and cried a little at the comedy of errors that conspired to keep Joe and Eva apart. The characters are wonderful and very realistic, including the two cads Greg and Dermot. As well as love, romance, and friendship, Upside Down Inside Out deals with a particularly poignant family relationship. There's also a wonderful black kitten called Tyrannosaurus Rex who causes his own brand of havoc.
Recommended to be read with a platter of antipesto and a good Australian Shiraz.
I: @monicamcinerneyauthor @penguinbooks
T: @PenguinBooks
THE AUTHOR: Monica grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClxfT9sL5...
January 31, 2018
Another lovely read from the talented Monica McInerney. A perfect holiday read, as always it is a choice of mine to read authors such as this on holidays. Romance, wine and coffee; Australia, Ireland and family dynamics are the themes in this contemporary romance.
I have met this author, she really is great. Lots of fun, love, romance and the odd cad makes this easy reading. Everyone from Ireland always seem to be so nice in her books. Fans will love this one!
I have met this author, she really is great. Lots of fun, love, romance and the odd cad makes this easy reading. Everyone from Ireland always seem to be so nice in her books. Fans will love this one!
March 26, 2014
Eva Kennedy decides to take a break from her job in Dublin as a delicatessen and goes to visit her friend Lainey in Australia. Whilst she is there Eva is hoping to forget about her failed relationship she had with Dermot. For a bit of fun Lainey ends up creating a new identity for Eva whilst she is on holidays which is fun until Eva wants to tell people who she really is and never seems to find the right time.
Joseph Wheeler has a rather stressful job in London and feels the need for a holiday so he heads to Australia. Whilst in Australia, Joseph attends a party where he bumps into Eva. After chatting to Joseph for a short time, Eva assumes that Joseph is a backpacker travelling around Australia and he goes along with it. They want to tell one another who they really are, but there never seems to be a good time. Will they eventually find out the truth about one another?
This was a light and enjoyable read, but I felt it dragged on a bit too much for me in parts. Although in saying that it is still worth a read especially if you're a fan of Monica McInerney like I am.
Joseph Wheeler has a rather stressful job in London and feels the need for a holiday so he heads to Australia. Whilst in Australia, Joseph attends a party where he bumps into Eva. After chatting to Joseph for a short time, Eva assumes that Joseph is a backpacker travelling around Australia and he goes along with it. They want to tell one another who they really are, but there never seems to be a good time. Will they eventually find out the truth about one another?
This was a light and enjoyable read, but I felt it dragged on a bit too much for me in parts. Although in saying that it is still worth a read especially if you're a fan of Monica McInerney like I am.
May 27, 2022
This is a lovely light hearted book told with quite a bit of humour.
Eva Kennedy works in the Dublin delicatessen of her Uncle Ambrose, having given up Art School to assist after her aunt passed away. When travel plans to America fall through, Eva decides to make a trip to Australia to visit her childhood friend Lainey, who is now located in Melbourne. On a whim, Lainey, introduces Eva to her friends a Niamh, a professional sculptor and singer from Galway. Eva decides she likes this 'pretend' self, but soon finds herself trapped in a web of deceit.
A fun and quirky ride in this lovely book.
Eva Kennedy works in the Dublin delicatessen of her Uncle Ambrose, having given up Art School to assist after her aunt passed away. When travel plans to America fall through, Eva decides to make a trip to Australia to visit her childhood friend Lainey, who is now located in Melbourne. On a whim, Lainey, introduces Eva to her friends a Niamh, a professional sculptor and singer from Galway. Eva decides she likes this 'pretend' self, but soon finds herself trapped in a web of deceit.
A fun and quirky ride in this lovely book.
March 25, 2016
A nice light "comedy of errors" style romantic comedy. I didn't think this was Monica McInerney's best, but given it was written 8 years ago, her writing has obviously gotten stronger over the years. An enjoyable read.
August 18, 2011
This book is absolutely brilliant! It warmed my heart and what really made me smile was how the every day colloquial Australian slang hand in hand with our culture was perceived through Eva and Joseph's eyes. McInerney's humour also caught me off guard and was quite a laugh as she brought to life Eva Kennedy's thoughts on paper. The subtle intertwining of Eva and Joe's lives, initially just a brush by at Heathrow airport, which gradually built up their eventual met at a party held in Brighton, was what I loved most about this author's distinct way with words. Having lived in Melbourne majority of my life, the dishwasher's poetic discription of the city was beautifully written and validated the on-point goings on from St. Kilda to Richmond to Phillip Island. I thoroughly enjoyed reading of these places and having the knowledge of knowing exactly what McInerney was depicting. Add a myriad of lovable characters (sans Greg), Upside Down, Inside Out is now a favourite of mine and Monica McInerney a favourite author, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2020
4.5 stars
Struggling to get my TBR pile on my coffee table read I turned to the audio version as it made sense listening while I was doing housework or cooking as one cannot read on the go and as it’s my own personal challenge book I had every intention of switching back and forth between the physical book and the audio version but the narrator was so amazing I couldn’t stop listening so the book did not get a glance, well it did, though only for a second the pull to listen to Melissa Eccleston was too great. Her Aussie and Irish accents were brilliant, what a narrator! She injected so much life into this book it truly was a great pleasure to listen to.
Upside Down Inside Out by Monica McInerney was light, fun and yeah, I would say ultra sweet. The two central characters Eva and Joseph were the cherries on top. I enjoyed the delightful setting in Ireland and England, but the protagonist's time in Australia was the icing on the cake.
*Book #59/72 of my 2019 coffee table to-read challenge, cont. 2020
Struggling to get my TBR pile on my coffee table read I turned to the audio version as it made sense listening while I was doing housework or cooking as one cannot read on the go and as it’s my own personal challenge book I had every intention of switching back and forth between the physical book and the audio version but the narrator was so amazing I couldn’t stop listening so the book did not get a glance, well it did, though only for a second the pull to listen to Melissa Eccleston was too great. Her Aussie and Irish accents were brilliant, what a narrator! She injected so much life into this book it truly was a great pleasure to listen to.
Upside Down Inside Out by Monica McInerney was light, fun and yeah, I would say ultra sweet. The two central characters Eva and Joseph were the cherries on top. I enjoyed the delightful setting in Ireland and England, but the protagonist's time in Australia was the icing on the cake.
*Book #59/72 of my 2019 coffee table to-read challenge, cont. 2020
June 11, 2009
Ugh.... this book was so boring to me. I kept reading... hoping that it would pick up, but it never did. Even the ending bored me. I also didn't really love many of the characters. Eva's inner-dialogue drove me mad and their reasonings for carrying on lies were pretty lame, in my opinion. The story never grabbed me and I had to force myself to continue reading. When I finished I found myself wishing I'd spent the time taking a nap instead...
February 18, 2014
honestly, i find it a bit "refreshing" to be reading romantic novels again. haha. and this one is definitely one of them. the book has the formula of a romantic novel but what i like most about the book is not the love story, but somehow it made me reflect a bit about my life in general. in the middle of reading this book, someone made a remark about "missing half of our life.." (i wish i could tell you the whole story about it but i do not think its a wise idea.) and somehow, i connected the story of this book to the remark. like the character eva, i was made to pause and think, do i feel i'm in a rut? right now, my life is home-work-home routine and a few hours of me-time or time with friends.
check out the book if you are looking for a light read in fiction. but i definitely find the book entertaining.
check out the book if you are looking for a light read in fiction. but i definitely find the book entertaining.
April 22, 2018
I very rarely read chick lit or romance novels any more, but having overdosed on psychological thrillers recently, was urgently in need of something fluffy with no cruelty, murder or missing children. This was the most lightweight option on my book club pile, and I’ve read a few by this author before, so knew it would fit the bill. It was written in 2002 so some aspects were a bit dated, but 5at didn’t spoil my enjoyment of it.
30 something Eva works in her uncle’s cafe in Dublin but dreams of feeling less ordinary so when she is offered the chance to visit her best friend in Melbourne she takes it. Joseph owns an industrial design company and travels to Oz for a conference. For various complicated reasons, they each pretend to be someone else, fall in love, there are the usual misunderstandings and mishaps delaying the inevitable path to true love. Each obstacle is so well signalled that the plot is entirely predictable, but charming nonetheless.
I liked this better than your average romance because of the characters. While the neurotic self deprecating Singleton is standard chick lit, Eva does at least have insight into her problems, although the woman doesn’t like cats - major character flaw - and Joseph is thoughtful, kind and humble - I can’t stand the standard arrogant macho males in most romance novels. For two supposedly smart people they make a lot of silly mistakes, but the comedy of errors style plot kinda relies on this. It had a happy ending, nobody was abused, and no animals were harmed (apart from poor Rex losing his bits and being locked in a bathroom...)
The descriptions of Australia made me want to jump on a plane (I sometimes wonder if Ms McInerney is sponsored by the Australian Tourist Board, although the way she presents all her Australian characters as complete nobs, maybe not!
30 something Eva works in her uncle’s cafe in Dublin but dreams of feeling less ordinary so when she is offered the chance to visit her best friend in Melbourne she takes it. Joseph owns an industrial design company and travels to Oz for a conference. For various complicated reasons, they each pretend to be someone else, fall in love, there are the usual misunderstandings and mishaps delaying the inevitable path to true love. Each obstacle is so well signalled that the plot is entirely predictable, but charming nonetheless.
I liked this better than your average romance because of the characters. While the neurotic self deprecating Singleton is standard chick lit, Eva does at least have insight into her problems, although the woman doesn’t like cats - major character flaw - and Joseph is thoughtful, kind and humble - I can’t stand the standard arrogant macho males in most romance novels. For two supposedly smart people they make a lot of silly mistakes, but the comedy of errors style plot kinda relies on this. It had a happy ending, nobody was abused, and no animals were harmed (apart from poor Rex losing his bits and being locked in a bathroom...)
The descriptions of Australia made me want to jump on a plane (I sometimes wonder if Ms McInerney is sponsored by the Australian Tourist Board, although the way she presents all her Australian characters as complete nobs, maybe not!
August 7, 2017
Overall, I give this book a 1 star for many reasons.
1) I saw it at a thrift store, bought it for a few cents, hoping to be a great book according to the book description.
2) Nevertheless, I still remember how I felt when I bought it: doubtful. I did not pay attention to my sixth sense saying "do not buy it, it is boring"; but I did it anyways, I just wanted to give a shot to a type of literature I don't normally read.
3) I tried to read it for the first time in 2014, but the first few pages did not keep my attention. I put it back in the bookshelf to give it a shot a second time later. I picked it up again until March 2017!!
4) AGAIN, the first few paged did not appeal me, but I wanted so bad to give it a shot before saying I did not like it. And so I did, HALF-BIG mistake.
5) The only reason I give 1 star is because it gave me a few spots to visit when I go to Australia, and my English vocabulary expanded by learning a few words here and there (half a star). Another reason is because this time I sort of identified with the main character who needed to take a time off from work to analyze a big decision (half a star). Total points 1.
6) But overall, I did not like the sequence of the story. Various chapters were detailed and boring. Sometimes I could not find the point of each chapter and where it lead me.
7) It is really disappointing that I could not learn more of this book, or at least enjoy it a bit more. I wouldn't recommend it. The genre seems to be romantic, drama, comedy. At least I gave it a shot, hopefully others do enjoy it.
Thanks for reading!
1) I saw it at a thrift store, bought it for a few cents, hoping to be a great book according to the book description.
2) Nevertheless, I still remember how I felt when I bought it: doubtful. I did not pay attention to my sixth sense saying "do not buy it, it is boring"; but I did it anyways, I just wanted to give a shot to a type of literature I don't normally read.
3) I tried to read it for the first time in 2014, but the first few pages did not keep my attention. I put it back in the bookshelf to give it a shot a second time later. I picked it up again until March 2017!!
4) AGAIN, the first few paged did not appeal me, but I wanted so bad to give it a shot before saying I did not like it. And so I did, HALF-BIG mistake.
5) The only reason I give 1 star is because it gave me a few spots to visit when I go to Australia, and my English vocabulary expanded by learning a few words here and there (half a star). Another reason is because this time I sort of identified with the main character who needed to take a time off from work to analyze a big decision (half a star). Total points 1.
6) But overall, I did not like the sequence of the story. Various chapters were detailed and boring. Sometimes I could not find the point of each chapter and where it lead me.
7) It is really disappointing that I could not learn more of this book, or at least enjoy it a bit more. I wouldn't recommend it. The genre seems to be romantic, drama, comedy. At least I gave it a shot, hopefully others do enjoy it.
Thanks for reading!
August 22, 2009
A cute, fun, and easy read - perfect for summer. Shopkeeper Eva leaves her native Ireland for a vacation visiting a friend in Australia, where she meets Englishman Joseph, who's a successful designer on a work-related vacation. Sparks fly (of course) and they fall for each other. The only problem is, due to some misunderstandings (and some lies Eva and her friend had made up to fool another person), Eva believes Joseph is a backpacker staying in hostels and working his way around Australia, and Joseph believes Eva is named Niamh and is a singer and artist who lives in a caravan in Galway.
The narration skips around between points of view, so the reader knows exactly what's going on, even as the characters do not, but it's not jarring to go back and forth. The writing is simple and breezy, and I thought the story got more interesting as the book went on, which is always nice. I did get a little frustrated near the end, where Eva and Joseph seemed to continually miss each other's attempts at contact, but otherwise it flowed smoothly. Lighthearted and fun are good words to describe it overall, and it made me want to visit Australia and Ireland. It was also predictable, but I still thought it was cute.
One complaint though: On the cover, there's a blonde woman getting her red dress stuck in a car door on the cover. In the book, the main character had black hair and never got caught in a car door. So who is this woman on the cover?? That really bothered me. It's like they used a stock image that completely didn't relate to the book's content!
The narration skips around between points of view, so the reader knows exactly what's going on, even as the characters do not, but it's not jarring to go back and forth. The writing is simple and breezy, and I thought the story got more interesting as the book went on, which is always nice. I did get a little frustrated near the end, where Eva and Joseph seemed to continually miss each other's attempts at contact, but otherwise it flowed smoothly. Lighthearted and fun are good words to describe it overall, and it made me want to visit Australia and Ireland. It was also predictable, but I still thought it was cute.
One complaint though: On the cover, there's a blonde woman getting her red dress stuck in a car door on the cover. In the book, the main character had black hair and never got caught in a car door. So who is this woman on the cover?? That really bothered me. It's like they used a stock image that completely didn't relate to the book's content!
April 5, 2020
I was quite enjoying this book until all the stupid lies. While it was a joke at first it started to become ridiculous. By the end of the book I just wanted to toss it, and not finish. Eva seemed childish, the friend Lainey was a horrible friend. All the incidents were things were not said, messed up, interrupted was just too much. A comedy of errors that stopped being funny halfway through the book.
April 16, 2020
A sweet little romantic adventure to escape the current doom and gloom of “The Covid” ! Let’s be honest, this one is not going to break any records or blow any minds but I really got swept away in the story and enjoyed it just because! 3.5 stars
June 3, 2019
Upside Down, Inside Out
by
Monica McInerney
My first Monica McInerney book set in Ireland and Australia and features Eva and Joe both on holiday, in Australia, from their normal lives as a hospitality worker and industrial designer respectively.
Both have assumed slightly different identities while down under. Eva due to a mischievous friend has become ‘Neve’, an artist, sculptor and vocalist on some of Enya’s songs, no less. While Joe, who owns Wheeler Designs has assumed the role of a broke back packer while he does some research into a new back pack design. In these guises Eva and Joe meet, romance blooms and the time never seems quite right to tell the truth.
Upside Down, inside out was a very enjoyable story. It was well paced and never once did I feel overwhelmed with superfluous details. However, many times was I wishing they would just reveal their true identities to each other.
Narrator, Melissa Eccleston made this eleven hour novel pass in no time at all. Her character voices were excellent, in my opinion. Melissa has definitely made it to my preferred narrators list.
Definitely a four star read and I am looking forward to more of Monica McInerney’s novels in the not too distant future.
At the time of writing my review other Goodreads readers had rated Upside Down, Inside Out an average of 3.71 stars from 1,979 ratings and 154 reviews.
by
Monica McInerney
My first Monica McInerney book set in Ireland and Australia and features Eva and Joe both on holiday, in Australia, from their normal lives as a hospitality worker and industrial designer respectively.
Both have assumed slightly different identities while down under. Eva due to a mischievous friend has become ‘Neve’, an artist, sculptor and vocalist on some of Enya’s songs, no less. While Joe, who owns Wheeler Designs has assumed the role of a broke back packer while he does some research into a new back pack design. In these guises Eva and Joe meet, romance blooms and the time never seems quite right to tell the truth.
Upside Down, inside out was a very enjoyable story. It was well paced and never once did I feel overwhelmed with superfluous details. However, many times was I wishing they would just reveal their true identities to each other.
Narrator, Melissa Eccleston made this eleven hour novel pass in no time at all. Her character voices were excellent, in my opinion. Melissa has definitely made it to my preferred narrators list.
Definitely a four star read and I am looking forward to more of Monica McInerney’s novels in the not too distant future.
At the time of writing my review other Goodreads readers had rated Upside Down, Inside Out an average of 3.71 stars from 1,979 ratings and 154 reviews.
June 2, 2025
Eva is off to Australia, to heal after a broken relationship and to spend time with her childhood friend Laney. Joe is delivering a conference speech, catching up with his father, and spending some time re evaluating his profession and life...
Laney and Eva spin a tale to Laneys friends about Eva, and the tale goes on a little too long, and causes some problems along the way.
Laney and Eva spin a tale to Laneys friends about Eva, and the tale goes on a little too long, and causes some problems along the way.
August 24, 2019
Absolutely wonderful.
Oh I do love a good romance with twists and turns, and this one did not disappoint.
Moving between Ireland, London, Sydney, Melbourne and the delightful Clare Valley in South Australia, Monica McInerney just knows how to weave an intriguing story.
A truly magnificent read by a fantastic writer, and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Oh I do love a good romance with twists and turns, and this one did not disappoint.
Moving between Ireland, London, Sydney, Melbourne and the delightful Clare Valley in South Australia, Monica McInerney just knows how to weave an intriguing story.
A truly magnificent read by a fantastic writer, and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
June 21, 2018
Wurde von mir nach 50 Seiten abgebrochen. Konnte mit dem Schreibstil einfach nichts anfangen. Der Humor ist leider auch nicht so meins. Schade.
June 12, 2020
Very interesting. The characters are lifelike and most are likeable. There is lots of tension in the book that made me want to keep on reading. It has a happy ending.
September 7, 2023
A fun, escapist novel. I really enjoy this author.
May 29, 2020
Nice story, easy read.
May 10, 2020
Some really funny moments but also a bit drawn out and predictable
April 26, 2020
A nice light "comedy of errors" style romantic comedy. I didn't think this was Monica McInerney's best, but given it was written 8 years ago, her writing has obviously gotten stronger over the years. An enjoyable read.
August 11, 2008
When Eva Kennedy goes on vacation to Australia to visit her friend Lainey, she and Lainey create a new identity for Eva to pretend while she's on vacation. But, Eva doesn't plan on falling in love during her vacation either. Joseph Wheeler is the CEO of his own company and in Australia for a conference and a long overdue vacation afterward. When he bumps into Eva at a party she assumes that he is a backpacker traveling around Australia and Joseph goes along with it. Each wants to tell the other their truth, but there never seems to be a good time as one thing after another gets in their way. Will Eva and Joseph find out the truth about the other? I don't want to give it away, but I'll say this is another good novel from Monica McInerney!
May 17, 2017
Format: Audiobook
This book was one of those stories where a character tells a small lie at the beginning and then can't get themselves to tell the truth for the life of them for the rest of the story. That in itself can get a bit frustrating. However, the story handles it pretty well. It has a pretty good pace and I like how the characters aren't obsessed about love and sex 100% of the time like in other romance novels. They have other real problems.
One annoying part that stands out in my mind is the part where the male MC decides to surprise the female MC with a train ride at the end. It was a bit much. At that point I was just like ok get on with it! Overall cute story that didn't make me hate its guts. Wouldn't really recommend it though.
This book was one of those stories where a character tells a small lie at the beginning and then can't get themselves to tell the truth for the life of them for the rest of the story. That in itself can get a bit frustrating. However, the story handles it pretty well. It has a pretty good pace and I like how the characters aren't obsessed about love and sex 100% of the time like in other romance novels. They have other real problems.
One annoying part that stands out in my mind is the part where the male MC decides to surprise the female MC with a train ride at the end. It was a bit much. At that point I was just like ok get on with it! Overall cute story that didn't make me hate its guts. Wouldn't really recommend it though.
April 16, 2020
Two people- an English man whose successful business has overwhelmed him, and an Irish woman who feels like a failure- meet in Melbourne, Australia. Each is sort of pretending to be someone they are not: a poor backpacker, and a successful artist. They fall in love, but are they in love with real people? Or just the pretend versions?
It was ... fine. Probably more of a “high-ish 3” than a true four, but it was an easy, cheerful read, and I was ready for an easy, cheerful read.
Some parts are a little overdone- it’s true that there was a little too much “I should tell them now...” And Eva’s arguments with her inner self got old.
It was ... fine. Probably more of a “high-ish 3” than a true four, but it was an easy, cheerful read, and I was ready for an easy, cheerful read.
Some parts are a little overdone- it’s true that there was a little too much “I should tell them now...” And Eva’s arguments with her inner self got old.
July 2, 2016
This is a delightful, entertaining read sprinkled with gentle humour and a large dose of romance as Eva and Joe, the two protagonists, weave their way through a complicated maze of untruths and misunderstandings. Set in Australia, England and Dublin, there are some picturesque descriptions of the three countries as well some eccentric characters thrown into the mix to make the book more interesting. Would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, fun summer read.
March 5, 2010
Fairly predictable romantic comedy of errors. At times I grew exasperated at the continual obstacles that always seemed to pop up at the worst times. Nonetheless, the book really redeemed itself with an ending that made me smile. In typical MnInerny stly there is plenty of bouncing back and firth between England, Ireland, and Australia.
March 27, 2018
Thank goodness that one is over. I picked it because it seemed light and non-offensive.
But everyone in it was just a little bit dull.
And the two main characters were hiding the truth from each other - and I think the author could probably have saved about 5 chapters if she cut all that 'I will tell him/her next time' bullshit.
This book reminded me why I usually hate rom com.
But everyone in it was just a little bit dull.
And the two main characters were hiding the truth from each other - and I think the author could probably have saved about 5 chapters if she cut all that 'I will tell him/her next time' bullshit.
This book reminded me why I usually hate rom com.
April 29, 2018
Book was nice enough chick lit, not very surprising or exciting. Personally I liked that it was based on Melbourne and Dublin. Brought me lot of memories from both cities. And yes I was curious how the love story might evolve, there was no doubt it wouldn't.
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