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On the Up
By reading Style magazine, I was training myself not to want things. It was going quite well. I had already found that I did not want a pair of Yves Saint Laurent mules, a chandelier made from plastic antlers, or a diamond-encrusted necklace in the shape of a pineapple. I was still working on not wanting a fitted farmhouse kitchen in warm wood.
Sylvia lives in a flat on a council estate with her not-quite-husband Obe and their two young children. She dreams of buying a house on a leafy street like the one she grew up in. If she closes her eyes, she can see it all so clearly: the stripped floorboards, the wisteria growing around the door...
It's not ideal that she's about to be made redundant, or that Obe, a playworker, is never going to earn more than the minimum wage. As sleep deprivation sets in, and the RnB downstairs gets ever louder, Sylvia's life starts to unravel.
But when the estate is earmarked for redevelopment, the threat to her community gives Sylvia a renewed sense of purpose. With a bit of help from her activist sister, and her film-maker friend Frankie, she's ready to take a stand for what she believes in.
Warm, witty and brilliantly observed, On the Up is about relationships and community, finding a way through the tough times, and figuring out what's really worth fighting for.
Sylvia lives in a flat on a council estate with her not-quite-husband Obe and their two young children. She dreams of buying a house on a leafy street like the one she grew up in. If she closes her eyes, she can see it all so clearly: the stripped floorboards, the wisteria growing around the door...
It's not ideal that she's about to be made redundant, or that Obe, a playworker, is never going to earn more than the minimum wage. As sleep deprivation sets in, and the RnB downstairs gets ever louder, Sylvia's life starts to unravel.
But when the estate is earmarked for redevelopment, the threat to her community gives Sylvia a renewed sense of purpose. With a bit of help from her activist sister, and her film-maker friend Frankie, she's ready to take a stand for what she believes in.
Warm, witty and brilliantly observed, On the Up is about relationships and community, finding a way through the tough times, and figuring out what's really worth fighting for.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2019
3 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 23, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Sylvia lives in a flat in London with her two little sons and her partner, Obe. She grew up in the leafy suburbs and that’s where her friends live, but with Obe not wanting to further his prospects, preferring to be a spoken poet, and having two little children to look after they can’t afford a house on a leafy street with a garden, so the tiny flat is home, for now!
Sylvia’s home life at the flats hasn’t been easy though and for the last three years, she has been keeping an incident diary of all the anti-social behaviour, especially from her downstairs neighbour who likes her men and the booze. The Anti Social Behaviour Officer, Bill, keeps on putting off dealing with the issues telling Sylvia it’s still at the ‘evidence gathering stage’, although he is the man she turns to for all her problems and he helps her out with his good advice.
However, when her home and the home of those residents who live in the flats are threatened due to a planned redevelopment Sylvia realises that it might not be the best place in the world but it is her home and she is going to fight the developers all the way.
On the Up is an eye-opening read. The book had a nice energy to it and I found myself being taken in by the story as if I was sucked into the book and placed within Sylvia’s life. I felt sorry for her at the beginning as she came across as a woman at the end of her tether. Hardly sleeping, music blasting, and strange smells from downstairs at all hours. She also had a young baby and a toddler to look after.
Obe had lots of wisdom about him and would blurt out a poem on random occasions. He was a thinker rather than a doer and was happy to just watch the world go by – To be perfectly honest with you he really got on my nerves at times and yet I still adored him.
The book is very poignant and gives you a sense of community and lets you see how a part of society lives and what they will fight and come together for. It was touching and very interesting and I was surprised how much I enjoyed the plot, which was quite slow, not something I normally find easy to read, but this book lets you saviour what was happening and all the emotions that came with each page.
It is an amazing book. It is touching, warm, and humorous and you will find yourself routing for Sylvia the whole way through.
Sylvia lives in a flat in London with her two little sons and her partner, Obe. She grew up in the leafy suburbs and that’s where her friends live, but with Obe not wanting to further his prospects, preferring to be a spoken poet, and having two little children to look after they can’t afford a house on a leafy street with a garden, so the tiny flat is home, for now!
Sylvia’s home life at the flats hasn’t been easy though and for the last three years, she has been keeping an incident diary of all the anti-social behaviour, especially from her downstairs neighbour who likes her men and the booze. The Anti Social Behaviour Officer, Bill, keeps on putting off dealing with the issues telling Sylvia it’s still at the ‘evidence gathering stage’, although he is the man she turns to for all her problems and he helps her out with his good advice.
However, when her home and the home of those residents who live in the flats are threatened due to a planned redevelopment Sylvia realises that it might not be the best place in the world but it is her home and she is going to fight the developers all the way.
On the Up is an eye-opening read. The book had a nice energy to it and I found myself being taken in by the story as if I was sucked into the book and placed within Sylvia’s life. I felt sorry for her at the beginning as she came across as a woman at the end of her tether. Hardly sleeping, music blasting, and strange smells from downstairs at all hours. She also had a young baby and a toddler to look after.
Obe had lots of wisdom about him and would blurt out a poem on random occasions. He was a thinker rather than a doer and was happy to just watch the world go by – To be perfectly honest with you he really got on my nerves at times and yet I still adored him.
The book is very poignant and gives you a sense of community and lets you see how a part of society lives and what they will fight and come together for. It was touching and very interesting and I was surprised how much I enjoyed the plot, which was quite slow, not something I normally find easy to read, but this book lets you saviour what was happening and all the emotions that came with each page.
It is an amazing book. It is touching, warm, and humorous and you will find yourself routing for Sylvia the whole way through.
November 14, 2019
This is the story of Sylvia, her nearly husband Obe and their two children- Larkin who is like Tigger, and That Baby Elliot. They live in Priory Court in London which are 70’s flats which need serious refurbishment. They are constantly disturbed by their anti social downstairs neighbour Dawn, with loud music and partying. Syl keeps a journal for the councils Anti Social Behaviour Officer, Bill Baker. Bill becomes a kind of touchstone for Syl as she asks his opinion on a wide range of worries. This is a story of survival, of the worries of parenthood, of financial difficulties, of a desire for something better, set in a rapidly changing multi cultural world.
I like the characters in the novel which are acutely observed and the exchanges between Obe and Syl are often funny but tinged with sadness and at times despair. Obe with his poetry and his aura of calm is fabulous as are the children. I like Syl too as all she wants is something better than they have now although as wise Obe points out this is an endless cycle of want. Life is changing for them now they are parents of two boys and the story is about balancing the need to work(and sleep with a wakeful baby and a noisy neighbour) for financial security which they don’t have and , working out what kind of life they want. I really like how this disparate community came together when the news broke that Priory Court could be sold off for redevelopment and how this reawakens Syl and helps her to reflect on what’s important. Through this she meets her neighbours and real camaraderie develops.
This book shows the reality of life but in a very entertaining way. It is interspersed with humour and gently pokes fun at some of the characters. There are some lovely descriptions of the ‘Hackney Riviera’ demonstrating the cosmopolitan, multi cultural mix. I like the ending as indeed it looks like they are on the up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton
I like the characters in the novel which are acutely observed and the exchanges between Obe and Syl are often funny but tinged with sadness and at times despair. Obe with his poetry and his aura of calm is fabulous as are the children. I like Syl too as all she wants is something better than they have now although as wise Obe points out this is an endless cycle of want. Life is changing for them now they are parents of two boys and the story is about balancing the need to work(and sleep with a wakeful baby and a noisy neighbour) for financial security which they don’t have and , working out what kind of life they want. I really like how this disparate community came together when the news broke that Priory Court could be sold off for redevelopment and how this reawakens Syl and helps her to reflect on what’s important. Through this she meets her neighbours and real camaraderie develops.
This book shows the reality of life but in a very entertaining way. It is interspersed with humour and gently pokes fun at some of the characters. There are some lovely descriptions of the ‘Hackney Riviera’ demonstrating the cosmopolitan, multi cultural mix. I like the ending as indeed it looks like they are on the up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton
November 15, 2019
Sylvia and Obe live I a council estate flat with their two children. She yearns to own her own home. But her dream is cut short when she is made redundant. They are constantly annoyed by the loud music that their neigh our below them plays. Sylvia is keeping a noise diary for Bill Barker, the councils Anti Social Behaviour Officer. And now, Sylvia has heard that they are planning to sell off Priory Court for development. Things couldn't get much worse for the couple. The threat to her community gives Sylvia a new determination. She enlists the help of her activist sister and her film maker friend. Sylvia is ready to take on anyone she has to to save her home.
I really liked this book. I loved Sylvia and OBE who always seem to be down on there luck. When the news broke that Priory Court might be sold off, it awoke something in Sylvia and made a mutual trust and friendships form within her neighbours. This book is funny in parts. A heart lifting read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author Alice O'Keeffe for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. I loved Sylvia and OBE who always seem to be down on there luck. When the news broke that Priory Court might be sold off, it awoke something in Sylvia and made a mutual trust and friendships form within her neighbours. This book is funny in parts. A heart lifting read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author Alice O'Keeffe for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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December 7, 2023compliqué de noter car à la fois c'était vraiment super dans, genre, l'exécution de ses intentions, ça va totalement au bout de ce que ça projetait de faire, c'est émouvant juste ce qu'il faut et drôle juste ce qu'il faut, c'est très ancré dans la réalité de la société britannique tout en restant universel etc., et dans le même temps ce ne sont plus vraiment des sujets qui font vibrer la corde de ma moelle émotionnelle genre le couple hétérosexuel le calvaire de la maternité de la charge mentale de devoir toujours endosser le rôle de la chieuse qui remet sans cesse le sujet de l'argent sur le tapis de devoir sortir son mec de l'insouciance avant de se faire expliquer par tout le monde que le problème vient de toi et que tu dois te reposer et arrêter d'autant t'inquiéter WELL EXCUSE ME BUT SOMEONE HAS TO!! basiquement ce sont des sujets très importants etc. mais j'ai un peu la flemme de revivre le couple de mes parents durant mon adolescence quand je lis un livre donc genre. je vais pas trop me reruer sur des livres dans les mêmes thématiques pck là c'est bon j'ai eu ma dose de rappels non nécessaires de combien le lesbianisme a sauvé ma vie
sidenote : ça aborde le sujet de la gentrification et de la précarité des travailleureuses de façon plutôt intéressante car il est reconnu que la narratrice est low middle class et pas non plus précaire, et elle l'admet et envisage de façon plutôt juste la façon dont les choses sont pires à bien des égards pour ses voisins. après, once again, ça reste assez peu présent par rapport aux problèmes de #couple et à la #dépressionpostpartum de la narratrice qui prennent bcp de place, à juste titre et de façon pertinente, but i've already read a lot about that stuff and it's not the book's fault it's just, less memorable to me. un très chouette livre donc, j'ai hâte de lire le 2e qui je pense sera encore + proche de ce qui parle à mon petit coeur qui aime le drame
sidenote : ça aborde le sujet de la gentrification et de la précarité des travailleureuses de façon plutôt intéressante car il est reconnu que la narratrice est low middle class et pas non plus précaire, et elle l'admet et envisage de façon plutôt juste la façon dont les choses sont pires à bien des égards pour ses voisins. après, once again, ça reste assez peu présent par rapport aux problèmes de #couple et à la #dépressionpostpartum de la narratrice qui prennent bcp de place, à juste titre et de façon pertinente, but i've already read a lot about that stuff and it's not the book's fault it's just, less memorable to me. un très chouette livre donc, j'ai hâte de lire le 2e qui je pense sera encore + proche de ce qui parle à mon petit coeur qui aime le drame
January 20, 2022
Wonderful
November 19, 2019
Sylvia and her nearly husband Obe live in a council estate flat with their two young children - toddler Larkin and a few months old That Baby (also known as Elliot). She dreams of owning her own home, with a garden for the children, but they will never be able to buy it. Or maybe they will? Is this stinky, old, half - demolished house their salvation? Sylvia is really desperate to move, especially as they're constantly disturbed by their neighbour Dawn, with loud music and partying. Sylvia keeps a journal for the councils Anti Social Behaviour Officer, that slowly turns into her logbook. And then comes the bombshell that Priory Court, where they live, will be sold for development - can things finally get better for the family?
Really, this book was absolutely brilliant in my opinion. It was so uplifting - yes, you've seen the characters struggling and even though they might have lost hope once or twice there was still so much optimism in them and in the way they were written that I simply didn't want to leave their world. I don't always need a rosy fictional world in my books, I really like when the story feels so realistic like this one, but there is still the chance of a happy ending. Yes, here the end was maybe too cheesy but other than that I adored this book.
The characters were really well observed and drawn and I warmed to them immediately. Sylvia and Obe are your normal characters, people we get to meet and see everyday, full of humour but also filled with sadness, being forced to face all your typical troubles and problems that life tends to bring with itself. Yes, Obe made me feel desperate sometimes, with his poetry and his calm aura and the "everything will be OK" attitude, but there was also a charm in it. I've immediately felt a connection with Sylvia and I could truly relate to her dreams, needs and desperation, I'd go crazy with such a neighbour as Dawn with my perfect pitch - I need silence to be able to sleep! Even though, as Obe might have pointed out, Sylvia's needs are an endless cycle of want, I couldn't blame her for wanting something more from life, for wanting something better. Their relationship was really well captured, showing their real struggles, as parents and as a couple.
I also really liked the supporting characters, even though we don't get to know them really well, and it was great to see them coming together after the news broke that Priory Court is going to be sold off for re - development and they're going to lose their homes.
The author is a brilliant observer of reality - she sees things as they really are and delivers them with wit, humour but also brutally honest. She wrote a book that shows a real life, but not in a desperate, grey, sad way. Even though it might not have been heavy emphasised in writing, it showed that there is usually a way out of troubles, and it did it in an entertaining way. It was simply warm, inviting and full of feel - good factor despite the fact that the characters' lives were not beds full of roses. After reading the synopsis and the part that the Priority Court may be sold and that it immediately rises the community spirit I was afraid that it may be overdone in the story, that it will feel too cheesy and clichéd but I really like how the author has tackled this topic.
"On the Up" was warm and funny, sometimes touching and poignant read focusing strongly on family, friendships, relationships and community. It felt a little nostalgic but maybe it is the writing style? It was truly brilliant, light and engaging, and it didn't sound like a debut. It was a witty and deep observation on what is important in life that I enjoyed from beginning to end - highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
March 29, 2020
'Polly Samson's' quote sums it up for me - "I love the way this book makes the domestic political, and vice versa" - As it should!
July 30, 2020
Not for me - couldn’t warm to the storyline or any of the characters. Will donate to charity shop
December 20, 2019
I devoured this book in just over 24 hours – this is a rare beast at the best of times – but recently, when I’ve been moving house for what feels like three years – time is very precious and hard to come by. I merrily lost sleep for this book.
I adored the main character of Sylvia. I suspect she may be a bit Marmite for some, but for me, in the current (wonderful) climate of imperfect female characters, I identified with her. For me, the story is one of self discovery and redefining identity post-children. Sylvia has transitioned, very quickly and unexpectedly, from having a career and a Plan, to being a mother, whereby the Plan no longer quite fits, but she hankers after it all the same. Beyond the materialism, it’s finding out what really matters. That’s not to say that it’s soppy and floaty with dreams of love and contentment for evermore. On The Up is seeped in realism. And the narrative delivers this in spades. The observations of modern life are brilliantly witty, and I was a particular fan of Sylvia’s logbook entries for the Hackney Council Anti-Social Behaviour Unit. Intended to be evidence of a complaint, they are rather more revealing of Sylvia and her state of mind!
We live in a world where feminism and equality gives with one hand and takes with the other. Life, especially for working mothers, is a pressure cooker of stress and time management, and this comes over incredibly well. I particularly enjoyed the dinner party scene with Sylvia, Frankie and Phoebe which really drove this home. There was a real sense of solidarity and support.
The cast of characters are great; the relationship between Sylvia and Obe was delivered particularly well. Their struggles as a couple and as parents were very recognisable, but my favourite scenes were with with fellow residents of Priory Court in the latter stages of the book (I actually wanted more of these scenes), or with her best friend Frankie.
The real beauty of this book is the clever narrative, it’s real but yet incredibly uplifting. I finished the book feeling empowered; that as a mother I’m not assigned to the scrapheap after recent events that have taken place in my life (that’s a whole other story!) but that I have purpose – I just need to rediscover me and what I truly want from life. I’ve been inspired to enjoy the now and stop worrying…..thanks to Sylvia, I’ve stepped away from the Hole and can raise my head a little higher.
It truly is a novel of the here and now. It very smartly demonstrates the anxieties of modern life; the way in which the past, the present and the future have converged into a giant melting pot of worry. But that it does all of this with so much heart and in such a way that it makes you feel good – that is the true charm of On The Up.
I cannot highly recommend this enough to women everywhere! A true joy to read.
I adored the main character of Sylvia. I suspect she may be a bit Marmite for some, but for me, in the current (wonderful) climate of imperfect female characters, I identified with her. For me, the story is one of self discovery and redefining identity post-children. Sylvia has transitioned, very quickly and unexpectedly, from having a career and a Plan, to being a mother, whereby the Plan no longer quite fits, but she hankers after it all the same. Beyond the materialism, it’s finding out what really matters. That’s not to say that it’s soppy and floaty with dreams of love and contentment for evermore. On The Up is seeped in realism. And the narrative delivers this in spades. The observations of modern life are brilliantly witty, and I was a particular fan of Sylvia’s logbook entries for the Hackney Council Anti-Social Behaviour Unit. Intended to be evidence of a complaint, they are rather more revealing of Sylvia and her state of mind!
We live in a world where feminism and equality gives with one hand and takes with the other. Life, especially for working mothers, is a pressure cooker of stress and time management, and this comes over incredibly well. I particularly enjoyed the dinner party scene with Sylvia, Frankie and Phoebe which really drove this home. There was a real sense of solidarity and support.
The cast of characters are great; the relationship between Sylvia and Obe was delivered particularly well. Their struggles as a couple and as parents were very recognisable, but my favourite scenes were with with fellow residents of Priory Court in the latter stages of the book (I actually wanted more of these scenes), or with her best friend Frankie.
The real beauty of this book is the clever narrative, it’s real but yet incredibly uplifting. I finished the book feeling empowered; that as a mother I’m not assigned to the scrapheap after recent events that have taken place in my life (that’s a whole other story!) but that I have purpose – I just need to rediscover me and what I truly want from life. I’ve been inspired to enjoy the now and stop worrying…..thanks to Sylvia, I’ve stepped away from the Hole and can raise my head a little higher.
It truly is a novel of the here and now. It very smartly demonstrates the anxieties of modern life; the way in which the past, the present and the future have converged into a giant melting pot of worry. But that it does all of this with so much heart and in such a way that it makes you feel good – that is the true charm of On The Up.
I cannot highly recommend this enough to women everywhere! A true joy to read.
June 26, 2022
I've been going through a bit of a reading slump lately, unable to settle into the books I've chosen.
On the Up was a breath of fresh air and brought me out of the slump. It's a real slice of life story, following the main character's, Sylvia , journey to find some kind of satisfaction and purpose in her life. I laughed out loud at some points, and shared her frustration and anger at others. I would recommend to women in their 30s, especially mums of toddlers. I don't have kids, but from what friends who have kids tell me, this book is very relatable. I liked how even thouhh Sylvia loves her kids and not-quite husband, at times she has just about had enough of them. Her referring to her toddler son often as The Toddler, and her infant son as That Baby (what The Toddler has dubbed him) may sound hwrsh but is actually a mix of affectionate and hilarious.
On the Up was a breath of fresh air and brought me out of the slump. It's a real slice of life story, following the main character's, Sylvia , journey to find some kind of satisfaction and purpose in her life. I laughed out loud at some points, and shared her frustration and anger at others. I would recommend to women in their 30s, especially mums of toddlers. I don't have kids, but from what friends who have kids tell me, this book is very relatable. I liked how even thouhh Sylvia loves her kids and not-quite husband, at times she has just about had enough of them. Her referring to her toddler son often as The Toddler, and her infant son as That Baby (what The Toddler has dubbed him) may sound hwrsh but is actually a mix of affectionate and hilarious.
April 28, 2023
Really enjoyable and a fast read! Sylvia’s struggles with wanting more - for herself, her home, her family, the world - never having enough, postpartum depression, and just life in general all felt very real and well written. I don’t know what I expected when I started reading On the Up, but it is deeper than I expected. Don’t get me wrong, it is also funny. Every time “the toddler” asked if “that baby” (his brother!) was coming with them, I laughed out loud. I wanted Sylvia to get everything she wanted: to be able to sleep for more than one half-hour, for Elliott (“that baby”) to stop crying; to live in a home (with a wisteria tree) without crazy neighbors blasting Diamonds on repeat at all hours. Would definitely recommend!
February 23, 2023
On The Up is Sylvia's story. Sylvia lives on a council estate with her not quite husband Obe and their two young children. It follows Sylvia as she falls back in love with life after the struggles of being a new mother, feeling trapped in her flat and alone in a world full of people.
The build up of this book was more than the actual main part I felt but I still enjoyed it! I liked that it looked at what "should be" some of the happiest times and how you can still feel alone, despite being loved.
The build up of this book was more than the actual main part I felt but I still enjoyed it! I liked that it looked at what "should be" some of the happiest times and how you can still feel alone, despite being loved.
June 30, 2021
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book and apologies for taking so long to read it.
I read this really quickly as it was such a good book. Well written, good characters and I enjoyed it.
I hope to read more of Alice's books in the future.
Highly recommended
I read this really quickly as it was such a good book. Well written, good characters and I enjoyed it.
I hope to read more of Alice's books in the future.
Highly recommended
April 24, 2024
A generally okay read that I picked up for free at the library, I had some difficulty warming to the protagonist. Parts of her character felt relatable but the story in parts felt disjointed. The frustrations with the economy and society did resonate as a young British woman though.
December 20, 2019
Dull sorry
May 7, 2020
It isn’t a terrible book, but I wouldn’t recommend. It is a very slow pace, and isn’t as gripping as I hoped it would be.
January 24, 2024
I found this book to be ok, slow to start and the premise of the book was the last 100 pages, felt like a lot of setup.
November 20, 2019
‘On the up’ is a perceptive and well observed novel about modern day living.
Sylvia is definitely at a crossroads in her life, struggling with two small children, financially unstable and living in a cramped flat above the anti social Dawn who seems to be the noisiest neighbour ever! Added to that her relationship with poetry loving but very laid back Obe is suffering. What happens when disillusionment with your current circumstances colours your view and you can only see the ugly in your surroundings?? That’s exactly what is happening with Sylvia.
We probably all recognise a bit of ourselves in poor Sylvia and the dynamics of her and Obe’s relationship. This is a novel written from the heart in my opinion and so relevant to many of us. Exploring many themes,this novel highlights the ever increasing responsibilities and demanding roles that adulthood brings and how this can impact on our view of the world and the way we interact with others.
The author writes so eloquently about modern day living and with such humour, which for me is what really brings this novel alive. It also proves that humour can be found in the direst of situations, giving Sylvia the hope she needs to survive. The references to That toddler and That baby really made me laugh as does the exaggerated caricature of the estate agent desperately trying to sell Sylvia and Obe ‘the dream house’ in an upcoming area, when in reality it is a complete hovel!!
Setting is so important in this novel so London is the ideal place for the themes that are explored;lack of space, community (or lack of),property prices and what happens when your love affair with a place turns sour. A sense of community is often lacking in our modern times, with many of us locking ourselves away behind closed doors. Sylvia and Obe are no exception and it doesn’t help that they have outgrown where they live in more than just the physical sense, a common phenomenon when children arrive on the scene. ‘On the up’ is also a commentary on motherhood, negotiating sleep deprivation, post natal depression, the boredom and repetitiveness of each day that goes hand in hand with being alone all day, every day with very small children.
There are some great characters in this novel, that could easily be people we know or live next door to and they all add to the richness of the storyline.
How will Sylvia and Obe resolve their issues? Is it really time to grow up and move on or should they resign themselves to their current situation?? Please read this wonderful novel as in my opinion it deserves to be on the bestseller list!!
Thanks as always to the author and publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.
Sylvia is definitely at a crossroads in her life, struggling with two small children, financially unstable and living in a cramped flat above the anti social Dawn who seems to be the noisiest neighbour ever! Added to that her relationship with poetry loving but very laid back Obe is suffering. What happens when disillusionment with your current circumstances colours your view and you can only see the ugly in your surroundings?? That’s exactly what is happening with Sylvia.
We probably all recognise a bit of ourselves in poor Sylvia and the dynamics of her and Obe’s relationship. This is a novel written from the heart in my opinion and so relevant to many of us. Exploring many themes,this novel highlights the ever increasing responsibilities and demanding roles that adulthood brings and how this can impact on our view of the world and the way we interact with others.
The author writes so eloquently about modern day living and with such humour, which for me is what really brings this novel alive. It also proves that humour can be found in the direst of situations, giving Sylvia the hope she needs to survive. The references to That toddler and That baby really made me laugh as does the exaggerated caricature of the estate agent desperately trying to sell Sylvia and Obe ‘the dream house’ in an upcoming area, when in reality it is a complete hovel!!
Setting is so important in this novel so London is the ideal place for the themes that are explored;lack of space, community (or lack of),property prices and what happens when your love affair with a place turns sour. A sense of community is often lacking in our modern times, with many of us locking ourselves away behind closed doors. Sylvia and Obe are no exception and it doesn’t help that they have outgrown where they live in more than just the physical sense, a common phenomenon when children arrive on the scene. ‘On the up’ is also a commentary on motherhood, negotiating sleep deprivation, post natal depression, the boredom and repetitiveness of each day that goes hand in hand with being alone all day, every day with very small children.
There are some great characters in this novel, that could easily be people we know or live next door to and they all add to the richness of the storyline.
How will Sylvia and Obe resolve their issues? Is it really time to grow up and move on or should they resign themselves to their current situation?? Please read this wonderful novel as in my opinion it deserves to be on the bestseller list!!
Thanks as always to the author and publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2019
On The Up is an absolutely lovely book. Although the blurb gave me an idea of what the story was going to be about, there are so many more themes bubbling away underneath the surface.
Sylvia and Obe live with their two children, The Toddler and That Baby (otherwise known as Larkin and Eliot) in Priory Court, a block of flats in London. Sylvia hates it there; there's constant noise from her downstairs neighbour which she is documenting for the authorities, it's grey, it's concrete, there's no garden for her children to play in. In short, she dreams of a better life. Yet Obe doesn't share her dreams and seems to have no ambition to get away from Priory Court. All he wants to do is quote poetry at her!
I loved how subtle the writing is. Sylvia is the narrator and most of the time she doesn't have to say exactly what she's thinking, I just knew. She's such a well-rounded character and I felt like I totally understood her. Even when she was verging on the irrational I got her. She's drowning in her life and they can't afford to buy even the grottiest house on the outskirts of London, let alone somewhere half decent. And yet, when Priory Court is earmarked for demolition she finds something to fight for and a reason for living.
In many ways On The Up is a light-hearted book. I found myself smiling or laughing to myself quite a lot, and yet it's all there under the surface as I said. Money worries, job woes, life with young children and post-natal depression are all explored.
I just loved Sylvia and I loved this uplifting story of life, hope, friendships, community spirit, and having something to believe in. I liked the London elements that were proving so hard for Sylvia to deal with, and I really loved the ending. This is the sort of book you close with a sigh of satisfaction and a smile on your face.
Sylvia and Obe live with their two children, The Toddler and That Baby (otherwise known as Larkin and Eliot) in Priory Court, a block of flats in London. Sylvia hates it there; there's constant noise from her downstairs neighbour which she is documenting for the authorities, it's grey, it's concrete, there's no garden for her children to play in. In short, she dreams of a better life. Yet Obe doesn't share her dreams and seems to have no ambition to get away from Priory Court. All he wants to do is quote poetry at her!
I loved how subtle the writing is. Sylvia is the narrator and most of the time she doesn't have to say exactly what she's thinking, I just knew. She's such a well-rounded character and I felt like I totally understood her. Even when she was verging on the irrational I got her. She's drowning in her life and they can't afford to buy even the grottiest house on the outskirts of London, let alone somewhere half decent. And yet, when Priory Court is earmarked for demolition she finds something to fight for and a reason for living.
In many ways On The Up is a light-hearted book. I found myself smiling or laughing to myself quite a lot, and yet it's all there under the surface as I said. Money worries, job woes, life with young children and post-natal depression are all explored.
I just loved Sylvia and I loved this uplifting story of life, hope, friendships, community spirit, and having something to believe in. I liked the London elements that were proving so hard for Sylvia to deal with, and I really loved the ending. This is the sort of book you close with a sigh of satisfaction and a smile on your face.
November 17, 2019
I remember reading about On The Up in The Bookseller earlier this year and thought then that it sounded like my sort of read. I was delighted when I was offered the chance to read a pre-publication copy and even more delighted to find that I was right. It's such a fabulous story; the characters are large and warm and the narrative is absolutely perfect. I read this in just over a day, hardly putting it down at all.
Sylvia and Obe are almost-married. They live in a poky council flat on a busy estate with their two small children; The Toddler (aka Larkin), and That Baby (aka Eliot). Theirs is an accidental family; two children, much loved, but unplanned, and signalling the end to Sylvia's Plan for life.
Her latest plan is to get off the estate. The leave their tiny flat behind and live on a long road with trees and gardens; in a house with space and light. Much like the house that she grew up in. It is this alternative plan that forms the basis for the story, but there is so much more going on.
This is a delicately, often hilariously funny depiction of modern day life for a young family with very little money. It concentrates on the dreams for the future, and the hopes of the past, and what has been lost.
Alice O'Keeffe's character building is really quite wonderful. I adored Sylvia and whilst she and I have nothing in common, I really could empathise with her, and who she felt. Obe is a laid-back guy who tends not to worry; I can understand why he would drive Sylvia mad sometimes, but he's basically a good, kind bloke who loves his family, and ultimately would do anything for them.
The author's supporting cast of characters are just as perfect, and I had a special soft spot for Bill; the Anti Social Behaviour Officer for the local council who becomes much more to Sylvia than a council official.
On The Up is a story of family, community and hope. It is cheering and uplifting with characters who begin to feel like actual friends. A sparkling debut, I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Sylvia and Obe are almost-married. They live in a poky council flat on a busy estate with their two small children; The Toddler (aka Larkin), and That Baby (aka Eliot). Theirs is an accidental family; two children, much loved, but unplanned, and signalling the end to Sylvia's Plan for life.
Her latest plan is to get off the estate. The leave their tiny flat behind and live on a long road with trees and gardens; in a house with space and light. Much like the house that she grew up in. It is this alternative plan that forms the basis for the story, but there is so much more going on.
This is a delicately, often hilariously funny depiction of modern day life for a young family with very little money. It concentrates on the dreams for the future, and the hopes of the past, and what has been lost.
Alice O'Keeffe's character building is really quite wonderful. I adored Sylvia and whilst she and I have nothing in common, I really could empathise with her, and who she felt. Obe is a laid-back guy who tends not to worry; I can understand why he would drive Sylvia mad sometimes, but he's basically a good, kind bloke who loves his family, and ultimately would do anything for them.
The author's supporting cast of characters are just as perfect, and I had a special soft spot for Bill; the Anti Social Behaviour Officer for the local council who becomes much more to Sylvia than a council official.
On The Up is a story of family, community and hope. It is cheering and uplifting with characters who begin to feel like actual friends. A sparkling debut, I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
February 13, 2020
The protagonist in this book is Sylvia, a woman in her thirties with a partner who loves poetry and is always quite laid back, The Toddler – full of energy and wit, and The Baby – who is the reason of Sylvia’s sleepless nights. 🙂 Sylvia is sharing her life story from a single perspective, that sounds very real, complex and incredibly funny. I liked the main character a lot, she sounds very relatable and realistic. I was wondering how much of the reality the author put in this book because Sylvia’s life has quite a few things that match with the author’s bio. I found the protagonist’s relationship with her partner Obe quite interesting. They sound like two completely different people, but yet they are together, raising children.
The narrative kept me very intrigued, I really wanted to know how Sylvia’s worries and wants will end. It wasn’t a very difficult book, but it had very interesting topics entwined together, such as life with small children, wish of a better life, struggle for money, complex family relationships, couple relationship difficulties, loss of job and many more. I really enjoyed how the author used supporting characters in this book, she picked unusual and amusing characters, that made this book even more entertaining and “colourful”. There are no many twists or plot changing turns, but this book has the quite relaxing quality to it.
I really liked the setting of this book, council flat, surrounded by different but unique neighbours. The writing style was very pleasant and easy to read, and I liked the way Alice made the whole story flow. The chapters were to the longer side (I love short chapters) but for some reason, it didn’t bore me, and if the little partitions would have been made into short chapters, I think the book would’ve been a true page-turner. I liked the ending of this book, it left me happy for Sylvia and her family, however, I want to know what was the outcome of the protest!? What happened to the buildings???
So, to conclude, I think many people can relate to Sylvia, her dreams, wishes and day to day woes. This book has interesting characters and quite amusing but relaxing plot, so if you are looking for a realistic story, this book would be a good pick.
The narrative kept me very intrigued, I really wanted to know how Sylvia’s worries and wants will end. It wasn’t a very difficult book, but it had very interesting topics entwined together, such as life with small children, wish of a better life, struggle for money, complex family relationships, couple relationship difficulties, loss of job and many more. I really enjoyed how the author used supporting characters in this book, she picked unusual and amusing characters, that made this book even more entertaining and “colourful”. There are no many twists or plot changing turns, but this book has the quite relaxing quality to it.
I really liked the setting of this book, council flat, surrounded by different but unique neighbours. The writing style was very pleasant and easy to read, and I liked the way Alice made the whole story flow. The chapters were to the longer side (I love short chapters) but for some reason, it didn’t bore me, and if the little partitions would have been made into short chapters, I think the book would’ve been a true page-turner. I liked the ending of this book, it left me happy for Sylvia and her family, however, I want to know what was the outcome of the protest!? What happened to the buildings???
So, to conclude, I think many people can relate to Sylvia, her dreams, wishes and day to day woes. This book has interesting characters and quite amusing but relaxing plot, so if you are looking for a realistic story, this book would be a good pick.
November 28, 2019
A decent enough read but I have to admit that I found Sylvia quite irritating. The author's insistence on having her constantly refer to her children as 'That Baby' and 'The Toddler' really started to grate. I understand why other reviewers found the book uplifting. At the heart of it is a sweet story, overcoming adversity and fighting for what you believe in but I cringed every time the two names were used.
My thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for this copy.
My thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for this copy.
November 27, 2024
If I was like 10 years older this would probs have hit a bit more but rn it’s quite irrelevant to my life so I have very little to say
January 21, 2020
Lovely uplifting easy read about family, life and finding the best in every situation
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