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Freckles
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
When a stranger utters these words to Allegra Bird, nicknamed Freckles, it turns her highly ordered life upside down. In her current life as a parking warden, she has left her eccentric father and unconventional childhood behind for a bold new life in the city.
But a single encounter leads her to ask the question she’s been avoiding for so long: who are the people who made her the way she is? And who are the five people who can shape and determine her future? Just as she once joined the freckles on her skin to mirror the constellations in the night sky, she must once again look for connections.
Told in Allegra’s vivid, original voice, moving from Dublin to the fierce Atlantic coast, this is an unforgettable story of human connection, of friendship, and growing into your own skin.
Five people. Five stars. Freckle to freckle. Star to star.
When a stranger utters these words to Allegra Bird, nicknamed Freckles, it turns her highly ordered life upside down. In her current life as a parking warden, she has left her eccentric father and unconventional childhood behind for a bold new life in the city.
But a single encounter leads her to ask the question she’s been avoiding for so long: who are the people who made her the way she is? And who are the five people who can shape and determine her future? Just as she once joined the freckles on her skin to mirror the constellations in the night sky, she must once again look for connections.
Told in Allegra’s vivid, original voice, moving from Dublin to the fierce Atlantic coast, this is an unforgettable story of human connection, of friendship, and growing into your own skin.
Five people. Five stars. Freckle to freckle. Star to star.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2021
1670 people are currently reading
8036 people want to read
About the author
Cecelia Ahern
98 books19.4k followersCecelia Ahern was born and grew up in Dublin. She is now published in nearly fifty countries, and has sold over twenty-five million copies of her novels worldwide. Two of her books have been adapted as films and she has created several TV series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,663 reviews
September 9, 2021
It’s pains me to say this.
Although it’s been a long minute since I read Celia Ahern, I just wish I hadn’t had got this one.
I had it on preorder signed and with nice edging, now I’ve cancelled it as it would have looked gorgeous on my shelf however, not a book I’d want to read again I’m afraid.
This was slow, hard going and the only positive thing I can say is, the characters were well developed.
The story didn’t make me do much other than roll my eyes.
I’ve never felt like that with other books I’ve read by her. Not sure what went wrong.
I won’t stop reading her books though, I’m putting this one down to a one off (hopefully)
Remember, these are my thoughts, you may like it better than me.
Although it’s been a long minute since I read Celia Ahern, I just wish I hadn’t had got this one.
I had it on preorder signed and with nice edging, now I’ve cancelled it as it would have looked gorgeous on my shelf however, not a book I’d want to read again I’m afraid.
This was slow, hard going and the only positive thing I can say is, the characters were well developed.
The story didn’t make me do much other than roll my eyes.
I’ve never felt like that with other books I’ve read by her. Not sure what went wrong.
I won’t stop reading her books though, I’m putting this one down to a one off (hopefully)
Remember, these are my thoughts, you may like it better than me.
November 8, 2021
Jeder Mensch ist eine Mischung aus den 5 Menschen, mit denen er die meiste Zeit verbringt. Umgibt man sich mit "Loosern" macht einen das automatisch selbst zu einem. Eine Theorie, welche die junge Politesse Allegra Bird völlig aus der Fassung bringt. Sie bekommt diese 5 Menschen nicht zusammen und dabei muss sie doch die beste Version ihrer selbst werden, damit sie ihre Pläne, die sie dazu gebracht haben, ihr altes Leben aufzugeben und nach Dublin zu kommen, in die Tat umsetzen kann.
Das Buch fing vielversprechend an. Allegra ist ein schwieriger Charakter, der Verletzungen mit sich herumträgt, sich vor allen Dingen im zwischenmenschlichen Bereich schwertut und auch sonst eher in den Kategorien bissig, stachelig bis unausstehlich einzuordnen ist.
Ich hätte mit Sicherheit Spaß daran gehabt sie kennenzulernen, weil ich Typen wie sie spannend finde, allerdings wurde mir zu viel im Unklaren gelassen und nicht konsequent zu Ende erzählt, sodass ich keinen wirklichen Zugang zu ihr gefunden habe und sie bis zum Schluss in mancherlei Hinsicht ein Fragezeichen für mich geblieben ist. Da das Buch eine charakterfokussierte Erzählung ist, ging daher einiges verloren und auch sonst hatte die Geschichte nicht viel Neues zu bieten, auch wenn sicherlich einige schöne Botschaften enthalten sind, die der ein oder andere für sich mitnehmen kann, wie es bei "Misfit-Tropes" meistens der Fall ist. Das Buch ist recht wirkungslos an mir vorbeigerauscht, das Gelesene hatte ich nach zwei Tagen so gut wie vergessen, was wohl kein gutes Zeichen ist. Einige Nebencharaktere mochte ich, aber die konnten es dann auch nicht mehr herausreißen. Sehr schade, normalerweise lese ich Cecelia Ahern's Bücher sehr gerne, aber dieses hier fand ich vergleichsweise eher schwach.
Das Buch fing vielversprechend an. Allegra ist ein schwieriger Charakter, der Verletzungen mit sich herumträgt, sich vor allen Dingen im zwischenmenschlichen Bereich schwertut und auch sonst eher in den Kategorien bissig, stachelig bis unausstehlich einzuordnen ist.
Ich hätte mit Sicherheit Spaß daran gehabt sie kennenzulernen, weil ich Typen wie sie spannend finde, allerdings wurde mir zu viel im Unklaren gelassen und nicht konsequent zu Ende erzählt, sodass ich keinen wirklichen Zugang zu ihr gefunden habe und sie bis zum Schluss in mancherlei Hinsicht ein Fragezeichen für mich geblieben ist. Da das Buch eine charakterfokussierte Erzählung ist, ging daher einiges verloren und auch sonst hatte die Geschichte nicht viel Neues zu bieten, auch wenn sicherlich einige schöne Botschaften enthalten sind, die der ein oder andere für sich mitnehmen kann, wie es bei "Misfit-Tropes" meistens der Fall ist. Das Buch ist recht wirkungslos an mir vorbeigerauscht, das Gelesene hatte ich nach zwei Tagen so gut wie vergessen, was wohl kein gutes Zeichen ist. Einige Nebencharaktere mochte ich, aber die konnten es dann auch nicht mehr herausreißen. Sehr schade, normalerweise lese ich Cecelia Ahern's Bücher sehr gerne, aber dieses hier fand ich vergleichsweise eher schwach.
September 14, 2021
In a Nutshell: This was a very nice read, better than I had expected. Kinda slow, but with memorable lead characters.
Story:
I’m not a Cecelia Ahern fan. I have read only one book of hers—PS I Love You—and I wasn’t as impressed with it as the rest of the readers seem to be. I opted for this book mainly for two reasons: I wanted to give her another try, and I found the cover cute! No regrets, because the book did click with me.
Where the story worked for me:
• First things first. Why “Freckles”? It sounds like a very light-hearted title for this emotional story, but it actually fits wonderfully. The first reference is to Allegra herself, who has inherited her father’s freckles and is hence nicknamed “Freckles” by her school mates. The title is thus eponymous. But it also stands as a metaphor for the way Allegra tries to find connections with the people in her life, just as she attempted to connect the freckles on her arms in the shape of the constellations during her younger years.
• For a change, the characters were portrayed as per their age. Allegra acted like a twenty-four year old, unsure and underconfident, yet wanting to be an independent adult, gushing over the Garda as it was her lifelong dream to become one, ready to do whatever it takes to turn her life around, even if it involves some questionable decisions. She was a wonderful lead character who knows how to help others but doesn’t know how to help herself. Her character growth is depicted well and quite realistically. She doesn’t stop making mistakes right till the end, but her acceptance of herself, flaws and all, is the differentiating factor. The stranger who shouts at her is also a key character in the book and he is written well too, very true to life.
• I loved how the author used the city of Dublin in Allegra’s narrative. So many books mention the names the story is set in but they hardly go beyond mentioning a couple of local sights. This book doesn’t provide the touristy version; rather, it gives a resident’s view into the functioning of the city. I enjoyed that authentic sound. (Author Cecelia Ahern’s being Irish helps, of course.)
• In spite of looking and sounding like a chick lit (because of the cover and title respectively), the book is quite reflective. When Allegra starts brooding over the five people, you actually feel for her. As it is a famous quote by Jim Rohn and not just something made up for the book, you will definitely mull over its accuracy and wonder how it applies in your life. Thus there is a thoughtful undertone to this seemingly light story.
•
Where the story could have worked better for me:
• It was very slow. While I understand why it was so many pages long (evaluating the five people that exist in your life and the ones you want in your life can’t be a quick process), I imagine it would be tedious to go through the dead end characters while actually reading. Having the audiobook helped me tremendously.
• Some of the side tracks are left incomplete. While this doesn’t impact Allegra’s narrative much, I would have liked to know more about those subplots. Of course, I appreciate this decision partly too because not everything in life is sorted out at once. So in a way, this works for the book too. Because we know that there are still things that Allegra needs to handle and yet, she has found her peace with herself at the end. So this is in the ‘mixed feelings’ category and not much of a negative point.
The audiobook experience:
The 10 hour long audiobook is narrated by Amy McAllister and she is fabulous. She brings not just Allegra to life but imbues all characters with appropriate emotions. Her accent, her enunciation, her moods... all match the character she was voicing. Because of the relatively slow pace of the book, I think it ought to work much better as an audiobook.
All in all, this is like a YA coming-of-age story and it will click with you if you are in the mood for a slow burn, sensible, contemporary fiction with likeable yet vulnerable leads. If possible, go for the audiobook because it sure worked delightfully for this story.
Thank you, HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
Allegra Bird has been a misfit all her life. Her Spanish mother abandoned her at birth but her father raised her up the best he could. After spending all her life at Valentia Island, she now works as a parking warden in Dublin, with a secret agenda in mind and a rigid schedule on hand. However, when a stranger gets into a tussle with her over a parking ticket, he yells at her, “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”, implying that her five people must be losers just like she is. This gets Allegra thinking, and she determines to overhaul her ways and get the five RIGHT people into her life.
The story comes to us in first person from Allegra’s point of view.
I’m not a Cecelia Ahern fan. I have read only one book of hers—PS I Love You—and I wasn’t as impressed with it as the rest of the readers seem to be. I opted for this book mainly for two reasons: I wanted to give her another try, and I found the cover cute! No regrets, because the book did click with me.
Where the story worked for me:
• First things first. Why “Freckles”? It sounds like a very light-hearted title for this emotional story, but it actually fits wonderfully. The first reference is to Allegra herself, who has inherited her father’s freckles and is hence nicknamed “Freckles” by her school mates. The title is thus eponymous. But it also stands as a metaphor for the way Allegra tries to find connections with the people in her life, just as she attempted to connect the freckles on her arms in the shape of the constellations during her younger years.
• For a change, the characters were portrayed as per their age. Allegra acted like a twenty-four year old, unsure and underconfident, yet wanting to be an independent adult, gushing over the Garda as it was her lifelong dream to become one, ready to do whatever it takes to turn her life around, even if it involves some questionable decisions. She was a wonderful lead character who knows how to help others but doesn’t know how to help herself. Her character growth is depicted well and quite realistically. She doesn’t stop making mistakes right till the end, but her acceptance of herself, flaws and all, is the differentiating factor. The stranger who shouts at her is also a key character in the book and he is written well too, very true to life.
• I loved how the author used the city of Dublin in Allegra’s narrative. So many books mention the names the story is set in but they hardly go beyond mentioning a couple of local sights. This book doesn’t provide the touristy version; rather, it gives a resident’s view into the functioning of the city. I enjoyed that authentic sound. (Author Cecelia Ahern’s being Irish helps, of course.)
• In spite of looking and sounding like a chick lit (because of the cover and title respectively), the book is quite reflective. When Allegra starts brooding over the five people, you actually feel for her. As it is a famous quote by Jim Rohn and not just something made up for the book, you will definitely mull over its accuracy and wonder how it applies in your life. Thus there is a thoughtful undertone to this seemingly light story.
•
Where the story could have worked better for me:
• It was very slow. While I understand why it was so many pages long (evaluating the five people that exist in your life and the ones you want in your life can’t be a quick process), I imagine it would be tedious to go through the dead end characters while actually reading. Having the audiobook helped me tremendously.
• Some of the side tracks are left incomplete. While this doesn’t impact Allegra’s narrative much, I would have liked to know more about those subplots. Of course, I appreciate this decision partly too because not everything in life is sorted out at once. So in a way, this works for the book too. Because we know that there are still things that Allegra needs to handle and yet, she has found her peace with herself at the end. So this is in the ‘mixed feelings’ category and not much of a negative point.
The audiobook experience:
The 10 hour long audiobook is narrated by Amy McAllister and she is fabulous. She brings not just Allegra to life but imbues all characters with appropriate emotions. Her accent, her enunciation, her moods... all match the character she was voicing. Because of the relatively slow pace of the book, I think it ought to work much better as an audiobook.
All in all, this is like a YA coming-of-age story and it will click with you if you are in the mood for a slow burn, sensible, contemporary fiction with likeable yet vulnerable leads. If possible, go for the audiobook because it sure worked delightfully for this story.
Thank you, HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
February 24, 2024
Well although this sounded a lovely interesting premise I just could not go on Cecelia Ahern is a good writer but this had triggers for me so I stopped my apologies for not finishing TW cutting Ms Ahern.
March 18, 2022
Freckles by Cecelia Ahern was an okay read for me and I must admit I found I couldn’t connect with the characters and I wasn’t fully invested in the story. I think this was just the wrong time for me to be reading this book and my mind was elsewhere. I see many readers loved this book, but unfortunately, I wasn’t one of them, don’t let my review put you off from reading this book. If you like this author then I suggest you give it a go and make up your mind because more than likely you too will enjoy it as many others have.
March 29, 2021
Freckles is one of the most uplifting and refreshing books I've read this year. I have such a soft spot for stories set in Ireland so this really made my heart feel happy. I was transported to both Malahide and Kerry, all from the comfort of my own home. There's nothing quite like being able to explore this beautiful country and this book really helped remind me of just how beautiful Ireland is and not just the landscape. The characters in this book are an absolute tonic. There's such a diverse group of people from Spanner in the bakery to Pops and Tristan. But the real star of the story is Allegra, of course! How wonderful to meet a protagonist who doesn't have it all figured out, who is struggling and trying to work through her problems. She doesn't realise her worth and is constantly undermining herself, but she's the type of person you'd absolutely love to be friends with and I'd happily have her as one of my five.
Cecelia Ahern can do no wrong. She is one of the greatest Irish writers and makes me feel so proud of this little island and the array of characters we meet in day to day life. Freckles is a charming, uplifting and completely captivating story that will remind you to cherish the glorious people you have in your life, even if we can't see them at the moment. There's something so magical about the books that lift you up during hard times and I'll forever be grateful that Freckles lifted my spirits and put a smile on my face during this lockdown in Ireland.
Cecelia Ahern can do no wrong. She is one of the greatest Irish writers and makes me feel so proud of this little island and the array of characters we meet in day to day life. Freckles is a charming, uplifting and completely captivating story that will remind you to cherish the glorious people you have in your life, even if we can't see them at the moment. There's something so magical about the books that lift you up during hard times and I'll forever be grateful that Freckles lifted my spirits and put a smile on my face during this lockdown in Ireland.
August 29, 2021
Freckles was absolutely heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting and beautiful.
Allegra’s life is not exactly perfect. Her mother abandoned her as a child, her dream of joining the Garda has been dashed, and the only constant in her life, her father, is taking his eccentricity to a whole new level. Now working as a parking warden, she encounters an irate member of the public she’s ticketed. He tells her, as an insult, that she is the average of the five people she spends the most time with. And so the rest of the book follows Allegra striving to improve her life by ensuring her five are honourable and worthy.
I’ve never read any of Ahern’s other books but her style with this one was captivating. Her descriptive passages were finely detailed and showed some serious skills. When I am mesmerised by everyday actions such as washing hair or eating lunch on a bench, you know the girl can write. Told from Allegra’s first person point of view, Ahern also dispenses with quotation marks and this, for me, just added another layer of intimacy.
The Irish setting is wonderful and realistic and surely everyone will want to visit Valentia Island after reading Freckles.
Allegra’s not the easiest person to like at times. I would assume, although it is not specifically said, she is on the autism spectrum. However, without spoiling, Allegra is used, abused and let down so many times, I just prayed there would be some sort of happy ending eventually. On that score, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say Ahern includes a lovely romance for Allegra. If you’re not a romance fan, fear not, as it’s not the entire focus of the plot. Instead, it’s the strength of family and unexpected friendships which make the book so special.
I must also mention that Freckles features a lot of topical themes, diversity and contemporary attitudes. For me, it was everything I hoped Normal People would be but wasn’t. Highly recommended 5 out of 5
Allegra’s life is not exactly perfect. Her mother abandoned her as a child, her dream of joining the Garda has been dashed, and the only constant in her life, her father, is taking his eccentricity to a whole new level. Now working as a parking warden, she encounters an irate member of the public she’s ticketed. He tells her, as an insult, that she is the average of the five people she spends the most time with. And so the rest of the book follows Allegra striving to improve her life by ensuring her five are honourable and worthy.
I’ve never read any of Ahern’s other books but her style with this one was captivating. Her descriptive passages were finely detailed and showed some serious skills. When I am mesmerised by everyday actions such as washing hair or eating lunch on a bench, you know the girl can write. Told from Allegra’s first person point of view, Ahern also dispenses with quotation marks and this, for me, just added another layer of intimacy.
The Irish setting is wonderful and realistic and surely everyone will want to visit Valentia Island after reading Freckles.
Allegra’s not the easiest person to like at times. I would assume, although it is not specifically said, she is on the autism spectrum. However, without spoiling, Allegra is used, abused and let down so many times, I just prayed there would be some sort of happy ending eventually. On that score, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say Ahern includes a lovely romance for Allegra. If you’re not a romance fan, fear not, as it’s not the entire focus of the plot. Instead, it’s the strength of family and unexpected friendships which make the book so special.
I must also mention that Freckles features a lot of topical themes, diversity and contemporary attitudes. For me, it was everything I hoped Normal People would be but wasn’t. Highly recommended 5 out of 5
August 15, 2021
It took me a little while to get into this book, all the early events seemed pretty random and I wondered what the point was. Allegra Bird is a young woman working as a parking officer in Dublin. Her home is Valentia Island in Kerry where her father, Pops lives. She has never known her mother and seems to have few close friends. Then one day when she’s giving a Ferrari owner yet another ticket, he tells her that “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” so the people she spends her time with must be losers. For some reason this insult really gets to her and she wonders about it constantly. What follows is an interesting journey for Allegra as she finds out more about herself and life in general.
The story is told in first person and Allegra’s voice is original and authentic. In the end I enjoyed this book, some moments made me laugh out loud and the ending is satisfying and “feel good”.
The story is told in first person and Allegra’s voice is original and authentic. In the end I enjoyed this book, some moments made me laugh out loud and the ending is satisfying and “feel good”.
November 13, 2022
Allegra, nicknamed Freckle, works as a parking inspector in a wealthy Dublin neighborhood. She comes from a small island, so she lives above the gym of her landlords, whom she pays inexpensively, but her duties include sitting with their three children three times a week. Dreams of winning the love of a mother who abandoned her as a baby. Looking for his place in life and loved ones, often awkwardly, but sincerely.
Plot-forming idea - the theory of five people: "you are the arithmetic mean of five people with whom you constantly communicate"
Ирландское золото
– У меня намечается выставка, думаю назвать ее «Голод», – говорит он. – Все проявления голода, доступные человеку, все, чего нам так отчаянно не хватает. Любви, власти, молодости, денег, секса, успеха, понимания.
Сесилия Ахерн скрытое ирландское золото. Почему скрытое? Потому что на протяжении примерно двадцати лет она пишет прекрасные книги, оставаясь в стыдном статусе автора дамских романов. За это время взошла и утвердилась на небосклоне звезда Таны Френч, мир вознес на пьедестал Салли Руни, читать и почитать которых престижно. Но признаться в любви к Сесилии Ахерн не комильфо, все равно, что публично расписаться в дурновкусии. Под влиянием этого стереотипа и я чертову уйму лет не читала ее. книг.
Когда в начале века все заговорили о "P.S. Я люблю тебя", думала: "Гляди-ка, такая юная такая хорошенькая, дочь премьер-министра и знаменитая писательница. Верно пишет какую-нибудь фигню?" И нет, писала она отлично. Потом была еще история про невидимого друга, "Посмотри на меня". А потом я решила, что переросла такое чтение. Как-то наверно представилась себе враз помудревшей, готовой отныне читать только нобелевских (пулитцеровских, букеровских) лауреатов. "Веснушку" взяла с изрядным снобским скепсисом.
И оказалась в дивной истории. Нет, не с первых страниц. На первых как раз литература травмы, кто-то на нее, бедняжку, наступил, расколов улиточий домик, а после брезгливо отер слизь с подошвы о траву и продолжил идти, забыв о раздавленной им несчастной. Потом воспоминания о детстве в интернате, где смуглая рыжеволосая девчонка соединяла веснушки на тыльной стороне ладони, вычерчивая созвездия, а после того, как монахини, заметив, стали отбирать у нее ручки, начала процарапывать иглой от циркуля. И ты, такая, думаешь: "Ну что за, мать ее, Янагихара опять!"
И ты не права, дальше соплей в духе "Маленькой жизни" не будет. А будет совсем другое Полусирота Аллегра по прозвищу Веснушка работает парковочным инспектором в богатом дублинском районе. Родом она с маленького островка, потому живет над спортзалом своих арендодателей, которым платит недорого, но в ее обязанности входит трижды в неделю сидеть с их тремя детьми. Мечтает завоевать любовь матери, которая отказалась от нее младенцем. Ищет свое место в жизни и близких людей, часто неловко, но искренне.
Сюжетообразующая идея - теория пяти человек: "ты - среднее арифметическое пяти человек, с которыми постоянно общаешься" Предельное выражение боэцианского: "всякое различие разъединяет, а подобие стремится к подобию" или, на сниженно- бытовом уровне: "скажи мне, кто твой друг и я скажу, кто ты". Этим ее, девицу-с-парковочным-терминалом размазывает владелец выпендрежного желтого "Феррари" после очередного штрафа за парковку, мол, сама ты ничтожество и все твое окружение наверняка яйца выеденного не стоит.
Другая отмахнулась бы - да пошел он. Аллегра задумывается: а кто ее пятерка? Первый номер отец, который вырастил в-одиночку. А потом? Наверно бывший парень, они расстались, когда она отправилась в Дублин поступать в Школу полиции, была у нее такая мечта, видела себя инспектором гарды шихана. Не приняли, пришлось стать парковочным инспектором. Тоже форма и некоторым образом страж порядка. Третья - лучшая подруга детства, правда они теперь почти не общаются. И парень этой подруги четвертый, ну, они тусовались все вместе, когда жили на острове и старый друг лучше новых двух, нет?
Нет, и в этом Веснушка убедится совсем скоро, съездив на родину. И тогда решит сама создать свой круг, пригласив стать друзьями и наставниками лучших женщин Ирландии: чемпионку мира по боксу, женщину политика и всяких таких людей, пятой в списке будет Карменсита Казанова, глава торговой палаты района, где работает девушка, владелица салона красоты, счастливая мать и жена. Женщина, ради которой Аллегра приехала в Дублин.
В книге много всего, что в пересказе потеряется, а в чтении откликается мгновенным узнаванием. Попытка создать реноме в соцсетях, недолгая дружба с самой крутой из бывших одноклассниц, и понимание, что не все то золото, что блестит. Надежда, которая обернется жестоким разочарованием. Настоящие друзья, которые у нее, оказывается, уже есть и свое место в жизни, которое оказывается было совсем не там. где искала.
Отличная история, захватывающе интересная, трогательная, настоящая.
Plot-forming idea - the theory of five people: "you are the arithmetic mean of five people with whom you constantly communicate"
Ирландское золото
– У меня намечается выставка, думаю назвать ее «Голод», – говорит он. – Все проявления голода, доступные человеку, все, чего нам так отчаянно не хватает. Любви, власти, молодости, денег, секса, успеха, понимания.
Сесилия Ахерн скрытое ирландское золото. Почему скрытое? Потому что на протяжении примерно двадцати лет она пишет прекрасные книги, оставаясь в стыдном статусе автора дамских романов. За это время взошла и утвердилась на небосклоне звезда Таны Френч, мир вознес на пьедестал Салли Руни, читать и почитать которых престижно. Но признаться в любви к Сесилии Ахерн не комильфо, все равно, что публично расписаться в дурновкусии. Под влиянием этого стереотипа и я чертову уйму лет не читала ее. книг.
Когда в начале века все заговорили о "P.S. Я люблю тебя", думала: "Гляди-ка, такая юная такая хорошенькая, дочь премьер-министра и знаменитая писательница. Верно пишет какую-нибудь фигню?" И нет, писала она отлично. Потом была еще история про невидимого друга, "Посмотри на меня". А потом я решила, что переросла такое чтение. Как-то наверно представилась себе враз помудревшей, готовой отныне читать только нобелевских (пулитцеровских, букеровских) лауреатов. "Веснушку" взяла с изрядным снобским скепсисом.
И оказалась в дивной истории. Нет, не с первых страниц. На первых как раз литература травмы, кто-то на нее, бедняжку, наступил, расколов улиточий домик, а после брезгливо отер слизь с подошвы о траву и продолжил идти, забыв о раздавленной им несчастной. Потом воспоминания о детстве в интернате, где смуглая рыжеволосая девчонка соединяла веснушки на тыльной стороне ладони, вычерчивая созвездия, а после того, как монахини, заметив, стали отбирать у нее ручки, начала процарапывать иглой от циркуля. И ты, такая, думаешь: "Ну что за, мать ее, Янагихара опять!"
И ты не права, дальше соплей в духе "Маленькой жизни" не будет. А будет совсем другое Полусирота Аллегра по прозвищу Веснушка работает парковочным инспектором в богатом дублинском районе. Родом она с маленького островка, потому живет над спортзалом своих арендодателей, которым платит недорого, но в ее обязанности входит трижды в неделю сидеть с их тремя детьми. Мечтает завоевать любовь матери, которая отказалась от нее младенцем. Ищет свое место в жизни и близких людей, часто неловко, но искренне.
Сюжетообразующая идея - теория пяти человек: "ты - среднее арифметическое пяти человек, с которыми постоянно общаешься" Предельное выражение боэцианского: "всякое различие разъединяет, а подобие стремится к подобию" или, на сниженно- бытовом уровне: "скажи мне, кто твой друг и я скажу, кто ты". Этим ее, девицу-с-парковочным-терминалом размазывает владелец выпендрежного желтого "Феррари" после очередного штрафа за парковку, мол, сама ты ничтожество и все твое окружение наверняка яйца выеденного не стоит.
Другая отмахнулась бы - да пошел он. Аллегра задумывается: а кто ее пятерка? Первый номер отец, который вырастил в-одиночку. А потом? Наверно бывший парень, они расстались, когда она отправилась в Дублин поступать в Школу полиции, была у нее такая мечта, видела себя инспектором гарды шихана. Не приняли, пришлось стать парковочным инспектором. Тоже форма и некоторым образом страж порядка. Третья - лучшая подруга детства, правда они теперь почти не общаются. И парень этой подруги четвертый, ну, они тусовались все вместе, когда жили на острове и старый друг лучше новых двух, нет?
Нет, и в этом Веснушка убедится совсем скоро, съездив на родину. И тогда решит сама создать свой круг, пригласив стать друзьями и наставниками лучших женщин Ирландии: чемпионку мира по боксу, женщину политика и всяких таких людей, пятой в списке будет Карменсита Казанова, глава торговой палаты района, где работает девушка, владелица салона красоты, счастливая мать и жена. Женщина, ради которой Аллегра приехала в Дублин.
В книге много всего, что в пересказе потеряется, а в чтении откликается мгновенным узнаванием. Попытка создать реноме в соцсетях, недолгая дружба с самой крутой из бывших одноклассниц, и понимание, что не все то золото, что блестит. Надежда, которая обернется жестоким разочарованием. Настоящие друзья, которые у нее, оказывается, уже есть и свое место в жизни, которое оказывается было совсем не там. где искала.
Отличная история, захватывающе интересная, трогательная, настоящая.
September 6, 2021
I’ve missed Ahern’s books so much. Somehow they always make me feel that life is magical, special and that anything is possible.
Read
October 17, 2024“Não digo que mude a vida de toda a gente, mas é certamente uma daquelas histórias que nos aquece o coração e nos dá um pouco mais de esperança no mundo. Sem dúvida que aquilo de que gostei mais foi o desenvolvimento de personagens, não apenas a Allegra, mas toda esta constelação de pessoas que anda à sua volta — tirando uma ou outra que roçaram mais a caricatura, em geral pareceram-me bastante credíveis.”
Review completa em: https://ritadanova.blogs.sapo.pt/frec....
Review completa em: https://ritadanova.blogs.sapo.pt/frec....
April 24, 2021
I think I am going to be in the minority with this book when I say that I was very disappointed in it.
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
When a stranger utters these words to Allegra Bird, nicknamed Freckles, it turns her highly ordered life upside down. In her current life as a parking warden, she has left her eccentric father and unconventional childhood behind for a bold new life in the city.
But a single encounter leads her to ask the question she’s been avoiding for so long: who are the people who made her the way she is? And who are the five people who can shape and determine her future? Just as she once joined the freckles on her skin to mirror the constellations in the night sky, she must once again look for connections.
25 year Allegra was bought up by her father. Apparently, her mother didn't want her at all and other than when Allegra was at boarding school, it's been her and pops forever.
All Allegra has ever wanted was to join the Garda, but when that falls through, she moves to Dublin to work as a traffic warden and look for her mother.
There is a small group of support characters. Some are great, some are less so, but they all add up to making Allegra who she is whether she likes it or not.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Netgalley.
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
When a stranger utters these words to Allegra Bird, nicknamed Freckles, it turns her highly ordered life upside down. In her current life as a parking warden, she has left her eccentric father and unconventional childhood behind for a bold new life in the city.
But a single encounter leads her to ask the question she’s been avoiding for so long: who are the people who made her the way she is? And who are the five people who can shape and determine her future? Just as she once joined the freckles on her skin to mirror the constellations in the night sky, she must once again look for connections.
25 year Allegra was bought up by her father. Apparently, her mother didn't want her at all and other than when Allegra was at boarding school, it's been her and pops forever.
All Allegra has ever wanted was to join the Garda, but when that falls through, she moves to Dublin to work as a traffic warden and look for her mother.
There is a small group of support characters. Some are great, some are less so, but they all add up to making Allegra who she is whether she likes it or not.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Netgalley.
September 19, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for the advanced listening copy of Freckles.
Allegra Bird moves away from her small town to the big smoke with a dream job and a huge secret mission that would change her life forever, if only she had the courage to follow it through.
Although things didn't go exactly to plan, Allegra still makes the best of her new life and is content with her lot. Until she meets someone who changes her perception of her life and the people she surrounds herself with.
That is when her journey really begins. And in true Allegra Bird style, the road is pretty turbulent along the way.
Will she find the courage to do what she really moved to the city for???
I can honestly say listening to the audio version of this book left me in such a better mood. Cecelia Ahern has a great way of writing romance, with a huge slice of humour. It's one of those books that you enjoy every second of and find yourself smiling your way through, with some real laugh out loud moments too.
I think the narrator of the audiobook was absolutely perfect for playing Allegra Bird. Her voice was so lovely to listen to, who doesn't love an Irish accent. But she also managed to get the humour down, she was so funny.
I highly recommend the audio version of Freckles.
Allegra Bird moves away from her small town to the big smoke with a dream job and a huge secret mission that would change her life forever, if only she had the courage to follow it through.
Although things didn't go exactly to plan, Allegra still makes the best of her new life and is content with her lot. Until she meets someone who changes her perception of her life and the people she surrounds herself with.
That is when her journey really begins. And in true Allegra Bird style, the road is pretty turbulent along the way.
Will she find the courage to do what she really moved to the city for???
I can honestly say listening to the audio version of this book left me in such a better mood. Cecelia Ahern has a great way of writing romance, with a huge slice of humour. It's one of those books that you enjoy every second of and find yourself smiling your way through, with some real laugh out loud moments too.
I think the narrator of the audiobook was absolutely perfect for playing Allegra Bird. Her voice was so lovely to listen to, who doesn't love an Irish accent. But she also managed to get the humour down, she was so funny.
I highly recommend the audio version of Freckles.
May 31, 2022
Uninspiriert, streckenweise langweilig....fast ein wenig dröge....das neuste Werk von Cecilia Ahern konnte mich wirklich nicht begeistern....SCHADE!
Eine anstrengende Geschichte entspinnt sich....Allegra ist jung, hat ihre beruflichen Ziele nicht erreicht und wird von der Suche nach ihrer Mutter, die sie als Baby bei ihrem Vater zurückgelassen hat, getrieben....
Als sie auf ihren Rundgänge durch Dublin als Verkehrsüberwacherin auf den Ferrari Fahrer Dustin trifft, entsteht die Idee, zu fünf wichtige Menschen eine Beziehung aufzubauen....
Ohne nennenswerten Inhalt und uninspiriert geschrieben ist "Sommersprossen" für mich das bisher schwächste Buch der Autorin....
Leider keine Leseempfehlung....sorry!
Eine anstrengende Geschichte entspinnt sich....Allegra ist jung, hat ihre beruflichen Ziele nicht erreicht und wird von der Suche nach ihrer Mutter, die sie als Baby bei ihrem Vater zurückgelassen hat, getrieben....
Als sie auf ihren Rundgänge durch Dublin als Verkehrsüberwacherin auf den Ferrari Fahrer Dustin trifft, entsteht die Idee, zu fünf wichtige Menschen eine Beziehung aufzubauen....
Ohne nennenswerten Inhalt und uninspiriert geschrieben ist "Sommersprossen" für mich das bisher schwächste Buch der Autorin....
Leider keine Leseempfehlung....sorry!
November 6, 2021
I've seen this audiobook around and thought to myself I should try an Ahern novel.
I didn't bother reading the blurb, so I had no expectations. Based solely on the cover, I was hoping it wasn't going to be a historical fiction novel, and I was glad to discover it was a contemporary novel. It was also great to have just one POV for a change. What stood out for me, particularly since I was listening to the audiobook, was how natural and believable the narrator was. The voice is very important, especially when it comes to the first-person point of view. I was gripped early on and found ways to keep listening.
Allegra is twenty-four years old and works as a council parking warned in Dublin, where she moved in order to track down her mother who had abandoned her when only a few days old. She loves her job, as she believes in rules and order.
Her world is small. Her father is back on the island, he's getting older and more eccentric. Allegra only talks to the village baker where she gets her coffee and pastry every morning, a colleague and a gallery owner who hires Allegra to pose nude for art classes.
An unpleasant encounter with the owner of a Ferrari issued with many parking fines triggers Allegra; she starts looking at who and what made her, especially who are her five people who matter the most. Some unpleasant realisations push her to the limit.
This was a lovely story about trying to figure out one's place in the world and finding one's group of people one can count on, because no one is an island, even if they live on an island.
Amy McAllister's narration was excellent.
I didn't bother reading the blurb, so I had no expectations. Based solely on the cover, I was hoping it wasn't going to be a historical fiction novel, and I was glad to discover it was a contemporary novel. It was also great to have just one POV for a change. What stood out for me, particularly since I was listening to the audiobook, was how natural and believable the narrator was. The voice is very important, especially when it comes to the first-person point of view. I was gripped early on and found ways to keep listening.
Allegra is twenty-four years old and works as a council parking warned in Dublin, where she moved in order to track down her mother who had abandoned her when only a few days old. She loves her job, as she believes in rules and order.
Her world is small. Her father is back on the island, he's getting older and more eccentric. Allegra only talks to the village baker where she gets her coffee and pastry every morning, a colleague and a gallery owner who hires Allegra to pose nude for art classes.
An unpleasant encounter with the owner of a Ferrari issued with many parking fines triggers Allegra; she starts looking at who and what made her, especially who are her five people who matter the most. Some unpleasant realisations push her to the limit.
This was a lovely story about trying to figure out one's place in the world and finding one's group of people one can count on, because no one is an island, even if they live on an island.
Amy McAllister's narration was excellent.
September 18, 2021
OUTSTANDING!
I LOVED this book with a passion.
I adore characters who struggle socially as they tend to be sensitive, clever and capable of teaching me, the reader, so much more about life and myself.
This is a life affirming and inspiring story, a warm embrace, a hand to hold and the resounding chance to join the dots and journey to the stars.
Freckles whose real name is Allegra Bird moved away from her childhood boyfriend, her father and the ferry to live in Dublin for a particular reason. She is searching for a very important person whilst patrolling the streets as a parking warden and sticking rigidly to her daily routine.
The characters sparkle with uniqueness, and their endearing flaws and slowly revealed back stories bring a mix of smiles and tears. I felt wowed and humbled, and basically just wanted to be Allegra's friend.
One person with a flash car gets right under Freckles parking warden skin and poses a question: who are the five in your life? She cannot shake off the growing unease that she cannot answer this question. It is so beautifully written that the reader is drawn into the same quest to reach a level of self belief that allows one to feel comfortable and happy in their own skin. I found myself trying to work out who my five are whilst willing Freckles/Allegra to realise the joy and genuineness of special people right in front of her.
Watered by tears, warmed by sunny smiles and tended to with care and consideration of those around her, Allegra really can blossom into the person she's always wanted to be.
You might have learned all about the constellations in our night sky Freckles, but fir me you were a constellation shining more brightly than any others.
I LOVED this book with a passion.
I adore characters who struggle socially as they tend to be sensitive, clever and capable of teaching me, the reader, so much more about life and myself.
This is a life affirming and inspiring story, a warm embrace, a hand to hold and the resounding chance to join the dots and journey to the stars.
Freckles whose real name is Allegra Bird moved away from her childhood boyfriend, her father and the ferry to live in Dublin for a particular reason. She is searching for a very important person whilst patrolling the streets as a parking warden and sticking rigidly to her daily routine.
The characters sparkle with uniqueness, and their endearing flaws and slowly revealed back stories bring a mix of smiles and tears. I felt wowed and humbled, and basically just wanted to be Allegra's friend.
One person with a flash car gets right under Freckles parking warden skin and poses a question: who are the five in your life? She cannot shake off the growing unease that she cannot answer this question. It is so beautifully written that the reader is drawn into the same quest to reach a level of self belief that allows one to feel comfortable and happy in their own skin. I found myself trying to work out who my five are whilst willing Freckles/Allegra to realise the joy and genuineness of special people right in front of her.
Watered by tears, warmed by sunny smiles and tended to with care and consideration of those around her, Allegra really can blossom into the person she's always wanted to be.
You might have learned all about the constellations in our night sky Freckles, but fir me you were a constellation shining more brightly than any others.
February 9, 2022
Allegra Bird is 24 jaar oud en woont in Malahide, net buiten Dublin, waar ze werkt als parkeerwacht. Ook al was het niet haar droombaan, ze houdt van de orde, de regels en de duidelijkheid van haar werk. Ze leidt een teruggetrokken, routinematig leven en ze houdt vrijwel iedereen op afstand, maar ze is niet eenzaam. Niet altijd. Op een dag wordt haar leven op zijn kop gezet door Tristan, een geïrriteerde Ferrari-bezitter. Na de zoveelste parkeerboete bijt hij haar toe dat iedereen het gemiddelde is van de vijf personen met wie ze de meeste tijd doorbrengen, en dat dat in haar geval niet veel goeds voorspelt.
Deze belediging komt heel hard aan en vormt de start van een zoektocht. Want wie zijn de vijf belangrijkste mensen in haar leven en welke invloed hebben zij op haar? Heeft zij die vijf mensen wel, met wie brengt ze de meeste tijd door? En hoe kan zij gelukkig(er) worden door zich te omringen met de juiste mensen? Kun je kiezen wie je maken tot wie je bent, en zo wie je zelf bent? Ze zal haar bestaande relaties moeten evalueren en ze gaat op zoek naar nieuwe connecties.
Allegra is een bijzonder en eigenzinnig personage. In het begin komt ze erg gesloten en afstandelijk over, maar zodra je meer te weten komt over haar achtergrond, karakter en missie vallen steeds meer puzzelstukjes op hun plek en word je meegenomen in haar leven. Hoewel ik over sommige aspecten daarvan graag nog meer had willen lezen en ik het gevoel heb dat er een ondoordringbaar laagje overblijft, dat je niet volledig tot haar kern doordringt, leef je zeker met haar mee en sluit je haar uiteindelijk in je hart. Ze is onzeker, heeft een laag zelfbeeld en wil zo graag ergens bij horen dat ze regelmatig over haar eigen grenzen heen gaat. Ze vindt het moeilijk om sociale situaties in te schatten en kan soms bot uit de hoek komen, ze is stoer maar kwetsbaar, trekt een pantser op maar heeft een klein hartje. Ze is zeker niet perfect en je wilt haar wel eens aanmoedigen om andere keuzes te maken, maar met vallen en opstaan groeit ze en wordt ze sterker.
Dit is een verhaal over vriendschap en verbinding, over een zoektocht naar wie je wilt zijn en het omarmen van al je karaktertrekken, over het waarderen van de mensen in je leven, over dromen en hopen, over het maken van fouten en leren hoe je het weer goed kunt maken. Het is een boek vol excentrieke, goed uitgewerkte personages en verrassende gebeurtenissen die samen met het originele thema zorgen voor een fijne leeservaring. Het verhaal is warm, ongemakkelijk, eerlijk, ontroerend, soms verdrietig, hartverwarmend, opbeurend, grappig en niet overal even vlot maar wel mooi, geschreven in de unieke, meeslepende stijl van Cecelia Ahern. Een verhaal dat je laat nadenken en verschillende emoties laat voelen, een aanrader!
3.5-4⭐️
Deze belediging komt heel hard aan en vormt de start van een zoektocht. Want wie zijn de vijf belangrijkste mensen in haar leven en welke invloed hebben zij op haar? Heeft zij die vijf mensen wel, met wie brengt ze de meeste tijd door? En hoe kan zij gelukkig(er) worden door zich te omringen met de juiste mensen? Kun je kiezen wie je maken tot wie je bent, en zo wie je zelf bent? Ze zal haar bestaande relaties moeten evalueren en ze gaat op zoek naar nieuwe connecties.
Allegra is een bijzonder en eigenzinnig personage. In het begin komt ze erg gesloten en afstandelijk over, maar zodra je meer te weten komt over haar achtergrond, karakter en missie vallen steeds meer puzzelstukjes op hun plek en word je meegenomen in haar leven. Hoewel ik over sommige aspecten daarvan graag nog meer had willen lezen en ik het gevoel heb dat er een ondoordringbaar laagje overblijft, dat je niet volledig tot haar kern doordringt, leef je zeker met haar mee en sluit je haar uiteindelijk in je hart. Ze is onzeker, heeft een laag zelfbeeld en wil zo graag ergens bij horen dat ze regelmatig over haar eigen grenzen heen gaat. Ze vindt het moeilijk om sociale situaties in te schatten en kan soms bot uit de hoek komen, ze is stoer maar kwetsbaar, trekt een pantser op maar heeft een klein hartje. Ze is zeker niet perfect en je wilt haar wel eens aanmoedigen om andere keuzes te maken, maar met vallen en opstaan groeit ze en wordt ze sterker.
Dit is een verhaal over vriendschap en verbinding, over een zoektocht naar wie je wilt zijn en het omarmen van al je karaktertrekken, over het waarderen van de mensen in je leven, over dromen en hopen, over het maken van fouten en leren hoe je het weer goed kunt maken. Het is een boek vol excentrieke, goed uitgewerkte personages en verrassende gebeurtenissen die samen met het originele thema zorgen voor een fijne leeservaring. Het verhaal is warm, ongemakkelijk, eerlijk, ontroerend, soms verdrietig, hartverwarmend, opbeurend, grappig en niet overal even vlot maar wel mooi, geschreven in de unieke, meeslepende stijl van Cecelia Ahern. Een verhaal dat je laat nadenken en verschillende emoties laat voelen, een aanrader!
3.5-4⭐️
July 26, 2021
I enjoyed this book but I didn’t LOVE it!
Despite the book following Allegra on her journey I didn’t feel like I really knew who she was or that she had any major character development, I just craved a little more depth from her. This, to me, hindered me really feeling connected to her and her story.
The story had some profound and thought provoking moments like most of Cecelia Ahern’s books, which I did enjoy. It made me reflect on who my five people would be and how they’ve impacted and continue to impact my life.
Despite the book following Allegra on her journey I didn’t feel like I really knew who she was or that she had any major character development, I just craved a little more depth from her. This, to me, hindered me really feeling connected to her and her story.
The story had some profound and thought provoking moments like most of Cecelia Ahern’s books, which I did enjoy. It made me reflect on who my five people would be and how they’ve impacted and continue to impact my life.
May 8, 2021
All emotions erupt towards the end of this story in a revelation of clarity and wonder. For most of the book, despite moments of bravado and humour, I felt the desolate sadness of Allegra. Personally, I struggled a little with the presentation of text without speech, confusing the tense and voice at times. However, by the end, I applauded the characters and their resilience.
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April 3, 2022....fast hätte ich es bis zur Hälfte geschafft... habe mich dann aber entschlossen abzubrechen, da mich die Geschichte, so toll sie auch klingt, einfach nicht abholen konnte... die Charaktere empfand ich leider durchweg nichtssagend, hinzu kamen belanglose Dialoge etc. ... Leider eine große Enttäuschung👎
April 24, 2021
Freckles by Cecelia Ahern a five-star read that would be worth getting freckles for. (if you are someone like me who no matter the SPF still has freckles sprot when the sun comes out) I was lucky enough to read this sat in the garden on an unusually sunny warm weekend, I started it, I finished it and then spent the rest of the weekend thinking about it, who are my five? Who would I want to be my five? Who makes up those fives around me? This is one that will stay with you, it will make you sit up and think, but most of all it will make you read. Maybe it was the freckles that made me identify with Alegra so much, she is withdrawn and its shown so well. But the little Birdy decides to fly and with flight comes something different, that’s what made me smile and shed the occasional tear.
October 26, 2021
On a superficial level this book is an easy read but there are so many fundamental flaws.
First, if you are a feminist or really consider how Allegra came into the world ,you will see that it is completely wrong for a professor to have a relationship with a student. I can’t write more about this element as it will spoil things but this whole part was complete BS for me. In fact it makes me angry.
Then I just feel this was an attempt to write something similar to Eleanor Oliphant. I would forgive this and accept this as a nice easy read but I really do not like how the author has portrayed nearly every woman in this book.
First, if you are a feminist or really consider how Allegra came into the world ,you will see that it is completely wrong for a professor to have a relationship with a student. I can’t write more about this element as it will spoil things but this whole part was complete BS for me. In fact it makes me angry.
Then I just feel this was an attempt to write something similar to Eleanor Oliphant. I would forgive this and accept this as a nice easy read but I really do not like how the author has portrayed nearly every woman in this book.
September 7, 2021
2.5★
this was overall an okay read. definitely not my favorite book by cecelia ahern, even though it was different. the format was jarring but i got used to it. my main complaint is the pacing, the book dragged in parts that were unnecessary and i really wasn't enjoying it at too many parts of the story, sadly. still a good read though and fans of cecelia ahern and unconventional formats would like it!
— digital arc and audiobook provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
this was overall an okay read. definitely not my favorite book by cecelia ahern, even though it was different. the format was jarring but i got used to it. my main complaint is the pacing, the book dragged in parts that were unnecessary and i really wasn't enjoying it at too many parts of the story, sadly. still a good read though and fans of cecelia ahern and unconventional formats would like it!
— digital arc and audiobook provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2021
Beautiful, beautiful story!
I’m ve read almost all of the author’s books and always looking forward to what she comes up with next. Freckles didn’t disappoint one second. I loved the interactions so much, the inner dialogue was perfect for a younger adult life Freckles and all her adventurous story to find herself and her life in a world full of strangers but also people close to her.
If you want to get lost in a great story , read this book!
4.5 stars
Arc review from Netgalley
I’m ve read almost all of the author’s books and always looking forward to what she comes up with next. Freckles didn’t disappoint one second. I loved the interactions so much, the inner dialogue was perfect for a younger adult life Freckles and all her adventurous story to find herself and her life in a world full of strangers but also people close to her.
If you want to get lost in a great story , read this book!
4.5 stars
Arc review from Netgalley
May 25, 2021
There’s always something so warm and familiar about reading a Cecelia Ahern book, and Freckles is no different.
Parking Warden Allegra Bird is someone you could set your watch by. She lives a very highly ordered life since moving to the city, leaving behind her childhood and her beloved Pops. But when a stranger tells her “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” she starts to question everything, revaluating all her relationships.
First of all, I can’t read an Ahern book without wanting to visit Ireland. She brings the towns and cities to life; creating such interesting characters that I want to walk down the street and meet for myself. I certainly feel myself immersed in the worlds she creates.
I like the fact that he has also written a protagonist who isn’t always likeable. Allegra is often awkward and frustrating at times, but there’s something about her that’s so lost, that you can’t help but find her endearing. I felt myself wanting to befriend her, to guide her to the right people, rather than watch her make some questionable choices.
It’s not perfect by all means; it’s a little bit predictable in places, but then I can’t think how else I would have wanted it to end if it wasn’t. I also wish we could have learnt a little more about some characters, but it didn’t matter so much, there was just something about it that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This book found me at just the right time, and I really enjoyed reading it. Like Allegra, I’ve found myself pondering on my five people and wondering about what they say about me. Is it time I made some changes?
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Parking Warden Allegra Bird is someone you could set your watch by. She lives a very highly ordered life since moving to the city, leaving behind her childhood and her beloved Pops. But when a stranger tells her “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” she starts to question everything, revaluating all her relationships.
First of all, I can’t read an Ahern book without wanting to visit Ireland. She brings the towns and cities to life; creating such interesting characters that I want to walk down the street and meet for myself. I certainly feel myself immersed in the worlds she creates.
I like the fact that he has also written a protagonist who isn’t always likeable. Allegra is often awkward and frustrating at times, but there’s something about her that’s so lost, that you can’t help but find her endearing. I felt myself wanting to befriend her, to guide her to the right people, rather than watch her make some questionable choices.
It’s not perfect by all means; it’s a little bit predictable in places, but then I can’t think how else I would have wanted it to end if it wasn’t. I also wish we could have learnt a little more about some characters, but it didn’t matter so much, there was just something about it that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This book found me at just the right time, and I really enjoyed reading it. Like Allegra, I’ve found myself pondering on my five people and wondering about what they say about me. Is it time I made some changes?
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2021
It kills me that I'm giving a Cecelia Ahern book two stars. She's my comfort author and when I saw that Waterstones had a gorgeous signed editions with sprayed edges, I was on it, like straight away.
But if I look at the fact that it took me 3 weeks to get through it, I'm reminded that a pretty cover isn't everything.
I really struggled with this one. It took me like 3 weeks to get through the first half and then I finished the last half in like 1, but because I forced myself to finish it.
It was slow and honestly a bit too quirky for me. It feels (to me) like Allegra might have been on the Autism spectrum, but she also needed therapy (not because of the Autism aspect of her personality but the other parts: obsessing over one phrase, sleeping with men she doesn't know at her own peril, changing her whole personality to match the people she's with, her (compulsive?) lying, etc.). I liked her as a book character but I couldn't really connect to her at the same time.
Her friends (or lack thereof) were quickly announced and then just never seen again. The story about her dad and the rumours about his love life took forever to be uncovered, only to be ignored after. The story just really dragged.
I did enjoy Tristan (I did not expect that?!?!) and Spanner. They were my favourites and I wish there had been more of them in this.
I sort of liked the ending but also wish it hadn't been so "happy ending". Was it perfect? Well, no ... .
I was a bit disappointed to be quite honest, which makes me sad.
But if I look at the fact that it took me 3 weeks to get through it, I'm reminded that a pretty cover isn't everything.
I really struggled with this one. It took me like 3 weeks to get through the first half and then I finished the last half in like 1, but because I forced myself to finish it.
It was slow and honestly a bit too quirky for me. It feels (to me) like Allegra might have been on the Autism spectrum, but she also needed therapy (not because of the Autism aspect of her personality but the other parts: obsessing over one phrase, sleeping with men she doesn't know at her own peril, changing her whole personality to match the people she's with, her (compulsive?) lying, etc.). I liked her as a book character but I couldn't really connect to her at the same time.
Her friends (or lack thereof) were quickly announced and then just never seen again. The story about her dad and the rumours about his love life took forever to be uncovered, only to be ignored after. The story just really dragged.
I did enjoy Tristan (I did not expect that?!?!) and Spanner. They were my favourites and I wish there had been more of them in this.
I sort of liked the ending but also wish it hadn't been so "happy ending". Was it perfect? Well, no ... .
I was a bit disappointed to be quite honest, which makes me sad.
December 11, 2022
Disappointing read, the story never gets going, main character very two dimensional and the lack of speech marks throughout made it difficult to read.
April 11, 2022
24-year-old Allegra Bird has the perfect routine to her daily life. She lives in the garage extension of a wealthy family - rent cheap on the assumption she will babysit whenever they need her, and every day she starts her morning with a coffee and Belgian waffle before starting her beat as a parking enforcement officer. But there's a reason Allegra moved from her small Kerry town, away from her beloved dad, to a seaside suburb in Dublin but she hasn't built up the courage yet to fulfil her mission. When a man angry at his parking ticket berates her one day, he says something that shakes Allegra to the core and she starts a new project to surround herself with the type of people she wants to learn from but in the process she learns more about herself.
CW: Self harm
This book surprised me in how much I ended up enjoying it by the end (genuine tears in my eyes/lump in my throat at some bits at the end!). I think I was being a bit snobby thinking this was going to be fine, but nothing amazing and while it wasn't the best book I've read this year, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and Allegra's journey.
While not specifically stated on page, it definitely reads like Allegra could be neurodivergent- she isn't always the best socially in terms of understanding social cues and etiquettes and the best thing to say, and she also likes order and routine, and if these are messed up, she can get very upset. I felt for Allegra as she sought to understand the '5 people in your life' saying, and how she reached out to those she admired in the desire to learn from them.
I was iffy about Tristan developing a close relationship with Allegra at first, considering how he had acted towards her but I actually grew to really like their friendship and how we leaned more about Tristan, his 'Rooster' identity and how he was striving to be more, and how Allegra helped him do this.
I loved the father-daughter relationship in this too and Allegra's bond with Pops was just so, so lovely though I'm biased as I am also very close to my dad so I love reading similar. Sometimes a girl just needs her dad, and it was this type of scene near the end that brought me to tears. Pops was a wonderful character, odd in his own way exactly like Allegra but totally accepting of the type of person she was.
There were moments in this that were hard to read due to a myriad of reasons from Allegra's experience of self harm when she was younger, to even the awkward and second hand embarrassment a reader could feel when she was committing a social faux pas. I loved Allegra's job as a still life model, and this control over her body, and the way she was able to see parts of herself in others work was just so interesting to read.
I'd definitely recommend this book, and would also recommend the audiobook if people had access to it as it was a great listen.
CW: Self harm
This book surprised me in how much I ended up enjoying it by the end (genuine tears in my eyes/lump in my throat at some bits at the end!). I think I was being a bit snobby thinking this was going to be fine, but nothing amazing and while it wasn't the best book I've read this year, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and Allegra's journey.
While not specifically stated on page, it definitely reads like Allegra could be neurodivergent- she isn't always the best socially in terms of understanding social cues and etiquettes and the best thing to say, and she also likes order and routine, and if these are messed up, she can get very upset. I felt for Allegra as she sought to understand the '5 people in your life' saying, and how she reached out to those she admired in the desire to learn from them.
I was iffy about Tristan developing a close relationship with Allegra at first, considering how he had acted towards her but I actually grew to really like their friendship and how we leaned more about Tristan, his 'Rooster' identity and how he was striving to be more, and how Allegra helped him do this.
I loved the father-daughter relationship in this too and Allegra's bond with Pops was just so, so lovely though I'm biased as I am also very close to my dad so I love reading similar. Sometimes a girl just needs her dad, and it was this type of scene near the end that brought me to tears. Pops was a wonderful character, odd in his own way exactly like Allegra but totally accepting of the type of person she was.
There were moments in this that were hard to read due to a myriad of reasons from Allegra's experience of self harm when she was younger, to even the awkward and second hand embarrassment a reader could feel when she was committing a social faux pas. I loved Allegra's job as a still life model, and this control over her body, and the way she was able to see parts of herself in others work was just so interesting to read.
I'd definitely recommend this book, and would also recommend the audiobook if people had access to it as it was a great listen.
February 6, 2022
'Zijn woorden kwamen net als het paard van Troje onschuldig over mijn grenzen, en toen bam, bedrogen, alle troepen sprongen eruit, raakten me hard, achter elkaar door, regen me steeds weer en weer en weer aan hun speer.'
Met het schaamrood op mijn wangen moet ik bekennen dat de boeken van Cecelia Ahern, tot een week geleden, een compleet mysterie voor mij waren. De schoonheid van haar verhalen, was voor mij onbekend. En daar heb ik spijt van. Spijt dat ik niet eerder een boek van Cecelia opgepakt heb.
Gelukkig heb ik daar verandering in gebracht. Ik heb er verandering in gebracht toen ik 'De som van jou en mij' oppakte. De cover van dit boek is prachtig. Het schreeuwt: lente!
Als ik ernaar kijk hoor ik de vogeltjes fluiten en ruik ik de geur van verse bloemen. Dit boek oppakken, voelde voor mij als een feestje.
Cecelia heeft een vlotte schrijfstijl. Een vlotte schrijfstijl als een schaatsenrijder die over het water scheert op een zonnige lentemorgen. Hierdoor werd ik opgeslokt door het verhaal én in het leven van Allegra aka Sproetje aka Freckles. Wél moest ik wennen aan de ontbrekende aanhalingstekens bij de dialogen. Maar gelukkig kon ik het verhaal príma volgen zonder deze leestekens.
Het verhaal dat je aan de zijde van Allegra beleeft. Doordat Allegra je aan de hand meeneemt, leer je haar goed kennen. Allegra wordt levensecht neergezet. Ze is niet perfect en dat weet ze. Je voelt haar emoties én ze wordt je vriendin. Allegra werd míjn vriendin.
Een vriendin met een rugzak en vanaf het moment dat ze Tristan ontmoet gaat ze op zoek naar haar vijf. Ze gaat op zoek naar zichzelf en naar wie ze wil zijn. En op een gegeven moment herkende ik delen van mezelf in Allegra. Die stoere, lieve meid. Die onwijs sterke meid, een doorzetter. Ze werd een voorbeeld voor mij en ik heb haar in mijn hart gesloten. Ze hield me een spiegel voor: álles kan als je in jezelf gelooft.
'De som van jou en mij' is een boek dat binnenkomt. Soms was het hartverscheurend. Het raakte mij. Het verhaal van Allegra was er één dat verteld móést worden. Het was feelgood met alle feels. Ik geef het ****
Met het schaamrood op mijn wangen moet ik bekennen dat de boeken van Cecelia Ahern, tot een week geleden, een compleet mysterie voor mij waren. De schoonheid van haar verhalen, was voor mij onbekend. En daar heb ik spijt van. Spijt dat ik niet eerder een boek van Cecelia opgepakt heb.
Gelukkig heb ik daar verandering in gebracht. Ik heb er verandering in gebracht toen ik 'De som van jou en mij' oppakte. De cover van dit boek is prachtig. Het schreeuwt: lente!
Als ik ernaar kijk hoor ik de vogeltjes fluiten en ruik ik de geur van verse bloemen. Dit boek oppakken, voelde voor mij als een feestje.
Cecelia heeft een vlotte schrijfstijl. Een vlotte schrijfstijl als een schaatsenrijder die over het water scheert op een zonnige lentemorgen. Hierdoor werd ik opgeslokt door het verhaal én in het leven van Allegra aka Sproetje aka Freckles. Wél moest ik wennen aan de ontbrekende aanhalingstekens bij de dialogen. Maar gelukkig kon ik het verhaal príma volgen zonder deze leestekens.
Het verhaal dat je aan de zijde van Allegra beleeft. Doordat Allegra je aan de hand meeneemt, leer je haar goed kennen. Allegra wordt levensecht neergezet. Ze is niet perfect en dat weet ze. Je voelt haar emoties én ze wordt je vriendin. Allegra werd míjn vriendin.
Een vriendin met een rugzak en vanaf het moment dat ze Tristan ontmoet gaat ze op zoek naar haar vijf. Ze gaat op zoek naar zichzelf en naar wie ze wil zijn. En op een gegeven moment herkende ik delen van mezelf in Allegra. Die stoere, lieve meid. Die onwijs sterke meid, een doorzetter. Ze werd een voorbeeld voor mij en ik heb haar in mijn hart gesloten. Ze hield me een spiegel voor: álles kan als je in jezelf gelooft.
'De som van jou en mij' is een boek dat binnenkomt. Soms was het hartverscheurend. Het raakte mij. Het verhaal van Allegra was er één dat verteld móést worden. Het was feelgood met alle feels. Ik geef het ****
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