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The Houseshare
Number 24 Ulysses Crescent is an elegant three storey mansion overlooking the beautiful Dublin Bay. Converted into luxurious seaview apartments, it's now home to a close-knit group of tenants ...
There's former style icon Evelyn, who lives life as vibrantly as ever, not knowing her past is about to catch up with her; enigmatic sculptor Mike, who uses his art as a way to wrestle with his ghosts; café-owner Nessa whose gift for reading the Tarot hasn't yet shown her if she'll find love; and Bruce and Stella, recently separated and now co-parenting their toddler from separate flats.
Then there's Morah, the caretaker, who keeps a watchful eye on everyone - especially, for reasons only known to herself, the irrepressible Evelyn.
When Evelyn's granddaughter Truth, a high-flying London lawyer, arrives for the summer desperate to escape an online hate campaign, the residents of Number 24 are about to discover that the past is never truly over, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.
The Houseshare is a spell-binding summer tale of romance, friendship and how some secrets can never stay hidden.
There's former style icon Evelyn, who lives life as vibrantly as ever, not knowing her past is about to catch up with her; enigmatic sculptor Mike, who uses his art as a way to wrestle with his ghosts; café-owner Nessa whose gift for reading the Tarot hasn't yet shown her if she'll find love; and Bruce and Stella, recently separated and now co-parenting their toddler from separate flats.
Then there's Morah, the caretaker, who keeps a watchful eye on everyone - especially, for reasons only known to herself, the irrepressible Evelyn.
When Evelyn's granddaughter Truth, a high-flying London lawyer, arrives for the summer desperate to escape an online hate campaign, the residents of Number 24 are about to discover that the past is never truly over, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.
The Houseshare is a spell-binding summer tale of romance, friendship and how some secrets can never stay hidden.
384 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2022
36 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 10, 2022
This was a easy enjoyable read for me. I loved travelling to 24 Ulysses’s Crescent and meeting all the wonderful people who live there. The friendships and looking out for each other I really appreciated as all too often nowadays this is not the case.
Evelyn who is a glamour granny falls and breaks her hip, her granddaughter Truth arrives from London to look after her. The two woman haven’t seen each other for years but as time passes events take over and some well hidden secrets come to light. I loved both of these characters, so well written that I felt like I knew them.
The lives and loves of all the other characters were intertwined throughout the story and each character had their own issues and personalities.
I was rooting for Truth to find her happy ending and I admired her ability to make decisions and not just go with the flow. This book is an ideal summer read, light and refreshing .
Evelyn who is a glamour granny falls and breaks her hip, her granddaughter Truth arrives from London to look after her. The two woman haven’t seen each other for years but as time passes events take over and some well hidden secrets come to light. I loved both of these characters, so well written that I felt like I knew them.
The lives and loves of all the other characters were intertwined throughout the story and each character had their own issues and personalities.
I was rooting for Truth to find her happy ending and I admired her ability to make decisions and not just go with the flow. This book is an ideal summer read, light and refreshing .
November 2, 2023
Easy read, enjoyed the development of characters in their own parts of the main story
November 26, 2023
Author: Fiona O'Brien
Page Count: 419 pages
Published Date: 19th May 2022
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SYNOPSIS:
'One of the smartest writers of popular fiction around' Irish IndependentNumber 24 Ulysses Crescent is an elegant three-storey mansion overlooking the beautiful Dublin Bay. Converted into luxurious seaview apartments, it's now home to a close-knit group of tenants.There's former style icon Evelyn; enigmatic sculptor Mike; hopeless romantic and café-owner Nessa; and Bruce and Stella, recently separated and now co-parenting their toddler from separate flats.Then there's Morah, the caretaker, who keeps a watchful eye on everyone - especially, for reasons only known to herself, the irrepressible Evelyn.When Evelyn's granddaughter Truth, a high-flying London lawyer, arrives for the summer, the residents are eager to get to know her - some more than others. But as the summer progresses, it turns out that Truth is hiding a secret and she's not the only one.
MY THOUGHTS:
Although this book took me a while to get into I did start to enjoy this book I like the storyline of this book. The one thing I would say about this book is that I did keep getting confused with all the characters in this book and trying to remember who is who. I did really enjoy the story of Bruce and Stella and their little boy I was hooked with their side of this story. I think if I didn't get confused with all the characters this book would of been 5 stars. I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars, amazing read.
Page Count: 419 pages
Published Date: 19th May 2022
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SYNOPSIS:
'One of the smartest writers of popular fiction around' Irish IndependentNumber 24 Ulysses Crescent is an elegant three-storey mansion overlooking the beautiful Dublin Bay. Converted into luxurious seaview apartments, it's now home to a close-knit group of tenants.There's former style icon Evelyn; enigmatic sculptor Mike; hopeless romantic and café-owner Nessa; and Bruce and Stella, recently separated and now co-parenting their toddler from separate flats.Then there's Morah, the caretaker, who keeps a watchful eye on everyone - especially, for reasons only known to herself, the irrepressible Evelyn.When Evelyn's granddaughter Truth, a high-flying London lawyer, arrives for the summer, the residents are eager to get to know her - some more than others. But as the summer progresses, it turns out that Truth is hiding a secret and she's not the only one.
MY THOUGHTS:
Although this book took me a while to get into I did start to enjoy this book I like the storyline of this book. The one thing I would say about this book is that I did keep getting confused with all the characters in this book and trying to remember who is who. I did really enjoy the story of Bruce and Stella and their little boy I was hooked with their side of this story. I think if I didn't get confused with all the characters this book would of been 5 stars. I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars, amazing read.
December 10, 2023
Love a good fishbowl book! Experience the summer of a whole house of people with stories intertwined and past dealings simmering to the surface. Great stories with highs and lows that I will definitely put on my reread pile. Like being wrapped in a big comfy duvet!!
March 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
September 24, 2023
Light and enjoyable read. Nothing remarkable about it, though.
October 21, 2023
Unfortunately i rated this story 3 stars. Honestly, I found it a little boring. It was a slow start that i struggled to get into and in all honesty not much of a plot line to keep me engaged. Im not entirely sure which genre it was trying to fit into, i could see elements of romance, maybe psychological thriller and mystery but there wasn't anything to really pull the storyline together to make it exciting enough to fit into any of these boxes fully. It felt like my mum telling me all the gossip from the neighbours, although lots more scandal where we live!
Some of the characters seemed alright, but a few were just really annoying. It feels like there is no moral to the story seeing as the manipulative character seems to get everyone falling at her feet because she is beautiful and charismatic despite knowing how truly awful she is as a person. It seems to celebrate vanity and appearance and make gold digging acceptable.
I found some grammatical errors and words missing that are needed to make sentences make sense, so could do with some proof reading. Overall not personally for me.
Some of the characters seemed alright, but a few were just really annoying. It feels like there is no moral to the story seeing as the manipulative character seems to get everyone falling at her feet because she is beautiful and charismatic despite knowing how truly awful she is as a person. It seems to celebrate vanity and appearance and make gold digging acceptable.
I found some grammatical errors and words missing that are needed to make sentences make sense, so could do with some proof reading. Overall not personally for me.
May 15, 2022
This is my first book by this author and won’t be my last. It was a beautifully written tale of friendship secrets and how events of the past have shaped the future and also of how we all need a little help from our friends or in this case the other residents of
Number 24 Ulysses Crescent who all pull together to help and look out for one another.
This is a contemporary fiction story which charters the lives of the residents of the Ulysses Crescent and how they have all come together to be under one roof residing in their respective flats housed within this property and the events which go on both inside and outside of the closed doors and how they are all fighting their own problems and secrets from the past as the story unravels.
This would make a brilliant tv drama and would be fab to see the character of Evelyn the eccentric elderly lady come alive on the screen.
Number 24 Ulysses Crescent who all pull together to help and look out for one another.
This is a contemporary fiction story which charters the lives of the residents of the Ulysses Crescent and how they have all come together to be under one roof residing in their respective flats housed within this property and the events which go on both inside and outside of the closed doors and how they are all fighting their own problems and secrets from the past as the story unravels.
This would make a brilliant tv drama and would be fab to see the character of Evelyn the eccentric elderly lady come alive on the screen.
July 1, 2023
People… liked this book? Just over 4 stars??
I saw the ratings, I saw the reviews, and I thought this sounds like a great book! So of course, I went ahead and bought it.
I can confirm that this is the first time I have ever picked up a book and been unable to finish it. The writing is awful, it’s as if this author hasn’t learned proper sentence structure.
Also, NO book should have a dash separating every thought - I think I counted at least 15 on the first three pages.
I have no idea how this book ever got published, but please do yourself a favour and find something else to read. Anything else.
I saw the ratings, I saw the reviews, and I thought this sounds like a great book! So of course, I went ahead and bought it.
I can confirm that this is the first time I have ever picked up a book and been unable to finish it. The writing is awful, it’s as if this author hasn’t learned proper sentence structure.
Also, NO book should have a dash separating every thought - I think I counted at least 15 on the first three pages.
I have no idea how this book ever got published, but please do yourself a favour and find something else to read. Anything else.
December 13, 2023
Started off as a pretty interesting read and by the end I was bored and frustrated out of my mind. Half of this book wouldn’t exist if the characters actually TALKED to each other as normal people. And the ending, where a certain character doesn’t get any consequences for her actions and gets away with a simple “everyone makes mistakes”, didn’t sit right with me.
August 4, 2022
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again Fiona O’Brien is a vastly underrated Irish author who in my opinion doesn’t get enough recognition in the wider public eye. She writes gorgeous, highly readable stories and this new book, The Houseshare is no exception. The cover is stunning as the door welcomes you into the story and to number 24 Ulysses Crescent which overlooks Dublin Bay. I was made to feel right at home instantly and it had echoes of the great Maeve Binchy whose books I loved so much. It’s a warm and inviting story which I sped through as I was enjoying it so much.
Initially, I was slightly apprehensive that given this story would focus on numerous characters, as the house of the title is split into various flats, that I would be confused and unable to keep track of who was who. I needn’t have worried as it was easy to familiarise myself with each character and their various backstories and how their strand of the plot developed. But I will say I think some of the characters weren’t utilised enough and perhaps could have been left out. Rory and Nessa are the two that spring to mind as I felt their storyline was very fleeting and I found myself wanting to read more about the other characters.
Doctor Ed owns the house and it has been his family home for many years but as he is now in his old age he has retreated to a small flat in the garden and Morah is now the caretaker of the flats contained within number 24. Doctor Ed is like the father/grandfather figure throughout the book. He is always ever present and the various residents always seem to gravitate towards him when they have problems. He is wise and can offer good advice but also keep a confidence when required. He can sense that not everybody that resides in this special house is happy but he bides his time knowing that when things come to a head he will be there to offer a helping hand in any way that he possibly can.
Morah’s life is turned into a nightmare when Evelyn Malone moves in. She knows her from the past and seems to carry a deep resentment towards her. All this is outlined within the first chapter or two and it made for a very intriguing opening. Why is Morah hell bent on vengeance regarding Evelyn? What could have caused such hatred and malice towards a person? Is Evelyn all she makes out to be and really how does she not recognise Morah? Morah harbours long held resentments and she comes across as angry and bitter and that she is nosy and sticks her beak into other people’s business but my interest was certainly piqued as to what could have caused her to be this way?
Evelyn had an air of regality and of being well to do about her. It also came across as if she was slightly above the other residents but her life had come crashing down when her husband died and he had lost everything in the financial crash. She enjoyed a pleasant lifestyle but now things have changed but she doesn’t do regrets or what ifs. She ploughs ahead as it’s the only way she knows how to keep going. Her son Tristan is in New York and the odd phone call is all the contact they have and as for her daughter Pauline who lives in London, the rift between them grows ever wider. So when Evelyn trips and breaks her hip as she leaves the house to swim in the sea she is left helpless and this is not how she likes to be. She always likes to be in control of all aspects of her life. She detests feeling vulnerable or that she has to rely on others and hates admitting defeat. Her granddaughter Truth, whom she last saw many many years ago, volunteers to leave London and to come and look after her.
It was a big step for Truth to come and live with Pauline. For really she didn’t know her at all and it’s not like you could say that they had any kind of relationship of sorts at all. But Truth herself was running from something and needed time away from what was causing so much anxiety and stress in her life. A horrible false narrative has emerged regarding her and this has led to a life of misery and suffering. Will coming to Dublin allow her to come to terms with what has happened and can she forge a relationship with Evelyn who is very closed off, terse and not that forthcoming? I loved the development of the story between Evelyn and Truth because it also allowed other doors to be opened into the various different strands of the story allowing a wide range of issues and emotions to be explored in a sensitive, careful and delicate way.
As previously mentioned there are lots of other characters who make up the house share. Some of which are more memorable than others. Bruce is divorced from Stella but has always wanted to get back with her. They have two apartments in the house which make it easier for co-parenting their young son Fred. But Bruce is changing his lifestyle and moving on and now it’s Stella who is having second thoughts. Stella is a dark character as she goes through some very tough times. She becomes unreasonable, paranoid, controlling and very unstable. It was sad to read her descent into a hole that it seemed like she would never come out of and Fiona O’Brien dealt with this issue very well for sadly it is all too prevalent these days.
Mike is a sculptor and a very intriguing and intensely private character who has invisible barriers erected around himself. But will a certain someone be able to break these down? Rory uses the basement gym and I previously mentioned he was very under utilised as well as Nessa who runs her own vegan café. I would have loved much more development of their storylines or else just leave these two out altogether as everything else going on with the rest of the characters was more than enough to sustain the entire book. But pushing this minor issue aside and perhaps it’s just me who felt like this, overall The Houseshare is a really lovely read which I enjoyed very much. There are plenty of twists and turns which keep you guessing right until the very end and I was particularly hooked by the Evelyn/Morah aspect of the storyline. All the characters go through an awful lot but whether they emerge stronger on the other side you’ll have to read The Houseshare and discover for yourself.
Initially, I was slightly apprehensive that given this story would focus on numerous characters, as the house of the title is split into various flats, that I would be confused and unable to keep track of who was who. I needn’t have worried as it was easy to familiarise myself with each character and their various backstories and how their strand of the plot developed. But I will say I think some of the characters weren’t utilised enough and perhaps could have been left out. Rory and Nessa are the two that spring to mind as I felt their storyline was very fleeting and I found myself wanting to read more about the other characters.
Doctor Ed owns the house and it has been his family home for many years but as he is now in his old age he has retreated to a small flat in the garden and Morah is now the caretaker of the flats contained within number 24. Doctor Ed is like the father/grandfather figure throughout the book. He is always ever present and the various residents always seem to gravitate towards him when they have problems. He is wise and can offer good advice but also keep a confidence when required. He can sense that not everybody that resides in this special house is happy but he bides his time knowing that when things come to a head he will be there to offer a helping hand in any way that he possibly can.
Morah’s life is turned into a nightmare when Evelyn Malone moves in. She knows her from the past and seems to carry a deep resentment towards her. All this is outlined within the first chapter or two and it made for a very intriguing opening. Why is Morah hell bent on vengeance regarding Evelyn? What could have caused such hatred and malice towards a person? Is Evelyn all she makes out to be and really how does she not recognise Morah? Morah harbours long held resentments and she comes across as angry and bitter and that she is nosy and sticks her beak into other people’s business but my interest was certainly piqued as to what could have caused her to be this way?
Evelyn had an air of regality and of being well to do about her. It also came across as if she was slightly above the other residents but her life had come crashing down when her husband died and he had lost everything in the financial crash. She enjoyed a pleasant lifestyle but now things have changed but she doesn’t do regrets or what ifs. She ploughs ahead as it’s the only way she knows how to keep going. Her son Tristan is in New York and the odd phone call is all the contact they have and as for her daughter Pauline who lives in London, the rift between them grows ever wider. So when Evelyn trips and breaks her hip as she leaves the house to swim in the sea she is left helpless and this is not how she likes to be. She always likes to be in control of all aspects of her life. She detests feeling vulnerable or that she has to rely on others and hates admitting defeat. Her granddaughter Truth, whom she last saw many many years ago, volunteers to leave London and to come and look after her.
It was a big step for Truth to come and live with Pauline. For really she didn’t know her at all and it’s not like you could say that they had any kind of relationship of sorts at all. But Truth herself was running from something and needed time away from what was causing so much anxiety and stress in her life. A horrible false narrative has emerged regarding her and this has led to a life of misery and suffering. Will coming to Dublin allow her to come to terms with what has happened and can she forge a relationship with Evelyn who is very closed off, terse and not that forthcoming? I loved the development of the story between Evelyn and Truth because it also allowed other doors to be opened into the various different strands of the story allowing a wide range of issues and emotions to be explored in a sensitive, careful and delicate way.
As previously mentioned there are lots of other characters who make up the house share. Some of which are more memorable than others. Bruce is divorced from Stella but has always wanted to get back with her. They have two apartments in the house which make it easier for co-parenting their young son Fred. But Bruce is changing his lifestyle and moving on and now it’s Stella who is having second thoughts. Stella is a dark character as she goes through some very tough times. She becomes unreasonable, paranoid, controlling and very unstable. It was sad to read her descent into a hole that it seemed like she would never come out of and Fiona O’Brien dealt with this issue very well for sadly it is all too prevalent these days.
Mike is a sculptor and a very intriguing and intensely private character who has invisible barriers erected around himself. But will a certain someone be able to break these down? Rory uses the basement gym and I previously mentioned he was very under utilised as well as Nessa who runs her own vegan café. I would have loved much more development of their storylines or else just leave these two out altogether as everything else going on with the rest of the characters was more than enough to sustain the entire book. But pushing this minor issue aside and perhaps it’s just me who felt like this, overall The Houseshare is a really lovely read which I enjoyed very much. There are plenty of twists and turns which keep you guessing right until the very end and I was particularly hooked by the Evelyn/Morah aspect of the storyline. All the characters go through an awful lot but whether they emerge stronger on the other side you’ll have to read The Houseshare and discover for yourself.
August 8, 2024
In the synopsis of the book it says, "Truth is hiding a a secret and she's not the only one" from that I thought the book would be a mystery with some relational aspects thrown in. It wasn't. It wasn't really much of anything. Was I supposed to like the character Evelyn? She was deceptive and manipulative but in the end everyone forgave her and said they just had to move on. The book wasn't bad enough to put down, but I came close. You know when you are so engrossed in a book that you're sad when it ends? The Houseshare certainly wasn't like that for me.
October 11, 2022
This is a real page turner - great pace and I was invested in the characters. As the title says, it's about a houseshare and the various people living there. Would make a great TV series! I hadn't read any of Fiona O'Brien's books before but I'll definitely read more of hers. There was just one disappointment for me - the story on one of the main characters wasn't wrapped up & I didn't see how she came to her decision. Unless there's a sequel on the way ......?! Worth reading though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2022
Was so delighted to hear Fiona O'Brien had a new book out. I'm a big fan and have read all her books.
The Houseshare is a light & easy read. It revolves around the residents all living in separate units in one house.
Deals somewhat with fractured family relationships over 3 generations as well as mental health.
The Houseshare is a light & easy read. It revolves around the residents all living in separate units in one house.
Deals somewhat with fractured family relationships over 3 generations as well as mental health.
November 3, 2022
24 Ulysses Crescent is a beautiful old mansion overlooking Dublin Bay that has been refurbished into flats. this is a beautiful story about the friendships and secrets of the tenants who live there.
A compelling novel that was an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A compelling novel that was an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 15, 2023
I give this 3.5 stars because it was an easy and somewhat enjoyable read. It was a nice book to wind down to but I kinda expected more. Maybe because I'm used to fast paced thrillers but I expected the secrets to be more diabolical.
March 26, 2024
Not really sure on what I just read? I didn’t feel connected to the characters at all and the story just didn’t seem realistic. I had high hopes as other ratings were high but I just did not enjoy this at all. I found myself rushing the pages and just wanting to finish it.
Would not recommend.
Would not recommend.
September 3, 2022
This was a lovely easy read . I enjoyed learning about the lives of the people in 24 Ulysses. Road .
Very well written
Very well written
May 19, 2023
3.5 stars
September 17, 2023
Really good all about the residents of Ulysses crescent
November 28, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was definitely a rollercoaster but the storyline was brilliant, and the characters were very well-thought and relatable.
April 21, 2024
Lovely story very well written with good plots ...found hard to put the book down. Look forward to reading some more written by Fiona
May 23, 2024
A charming read with some lovely characters - it was a delight.
June 17, 2024
Beautifully descriptive of the location in Dublin Bay and a good few twists and turns. I really felt like I was in the story, watching from the wings 👌🏻 I kinda want to read it again already!
August 16, 2024
It was only OK. I didn't like the main character in it. She was very selfish. Very predictable.
October 17, 2024
Such a fun book to read! Honestly at first couldn’t get into it as romance is more my thing but I love each character and their story lines! The ending had me on edge, so well written🥰
March 22, 2025
2.75⭐️
This book was ok but nothing remarkable. The story didn't keep me engaged.
This book was ok but nothing remarkable. The story didn't keep me engaged.
June 20, 2022
I'm not sure what it was about this book but I just couldn't get into it.
I will say what did save the book for me was the plot of Morah and Stella.
Although I did dislike Stella when initially reading about her, her story and character development was really interesting. I kind of wish the whole novel has been based on her story as it was the only one that really captured my attention. I will say though to live with a doctor and for him to not notice signs of her breakdown was alarming. Everyone could have helped Stella because they knew something was wrong but didn't think about it. I think that's why I actually hated Bruce. Yes what Stella did was wrong but did he clearly not think to question it, to get her help, to understand why especially when post partum depression is a very common thing (even though it turned out not to be that)! I felt like giving Bruce a new gf was needed for the story because of the direction the writer was going in but I felt it didn't need that.
Morah's story of revenge and the build up was also interesting to read and because of what happened to her I cannot help but hate Evelyn throughout the whole book (and her character was just unlikeable to me).
The other characters were ok but nothing much of interest. There wasn't a single character who I liked or enjoyed reading - Stella was for the plot not the character. The plot was not for me as I think personally I would have preferred the focus be on 1 to 3 of the characters rather than multiple.
I will say what did save the book for me was the plot of Morah and Stella.
Although I did dislike Stella when initially reading about her, her story and character development was really interesting. I kind of wish the whole novel has been based on her story as it was the only one that really captured my attention. I will say though to live with a doctor and for him to not notice signs of her breakdown was alarming. Everyone could have helped Stella because they knew something was wrong but didn't think about it. I think that's why I actually hated Bruce. Yes what Stella did was wrong but did he clearly not think to question it, to get her help, to understand why especially when post partum depression is a very common thing (even though it turned out not to be that)! I felt like giving Bruce a new gf was needed for the story because of the direction the writer was going in but I felt it didn't need that.
Morah's story of revenge and the build up was also interesting to read and because of what happened to her I cannot help but hate Evelyn throughout the whole book (and her character was just unlikeable to me).
The other characters were ok but nothing much of interest. There wasn't a single character who I liked or enjoyed reading - Stella was for the plot not the character. The plot was not for me as I think personally I would have preferred the focus be on 1 to 3 of the characters rather than multiple.
May 30, 2022
Another wonderful book by Fiona O'Brien with many twists and turns along the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews