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Over Sharing
The queen of revenge comedy is back with a hilariously sharp and refreshing new novel
Can you live a lie without spilling the truth? . . .
Once, Iris was happy. She had the home, the husband, the promise of a family. Now she's divorced and renting out her spare room to make ends meet. Life could be worse. But could have been better - if it hadn't been for Maddy: the woman who ruined her life . . .
Social influencer Maddy's brand is happy families. She preaches about loyalty and the sanctity of marriage, and is quickly becoming famous for her wholesome videos of life with her husband and adorable twin girls.
Iris doesn't believe a word of it. And she's going to prove it's all false.
Because if there's one thing that will bring back Iris's happiness, it's taking away Maddy's . . .
Jane Fallon's whip-smart new novel explores the murky truths behind the versions of ourselves we project online, the lengths we go to when we feel we've been wronged, and the often unlikely places we find true friendship.
Can you live a lie without spilling the truth? . . .
Once, Iris was happy. She had the home, the husband, the promise of a family. Now she's divorced and renting out her spare room to make ends meet. Life could be worse. But could have been better - if it hadn't been for Maddy: the woman who ruined her life . . .
Social influencer Maddy's brand is happy families. She preaches about loyalty and the sanctity of marriage, and is quickly becoming famous for her wholesome videos of life with her husband and adorable twin girls.
Iris doesn't believe a word of it. And she's going to prove it's all false.
Because if there's one thing that will bring back Iris's happiness, it's taking away Maddy's . . .
Jane Fallon's whip-smart new novel explores the murky truths behind the versions of ourselves we project online, the lengths we go to when we feel we've been wronged, and the often unlikely places we find true friendship.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 21, 2023
435 people are currently reading
2664 people want to read
About the author
Jane Fallon
22 books1,507 followersJane Fallon is an English producer and novelist, most famous for her work on popular series Teachers, 20 Things To Do Before You're 30, Eastenders and This Life. She is author of ten novels on the Sunday Times Bestseller List — Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back, Foursome, The Ugly Sister, Skeletons, Strictly Between Us, My Sweet Revenge, Faking Friends, Tell Me A Secret, and Queen Bee. In 2011, Foursome was nominated for the Melissa Nathan Award for Romantic Comedy Fiction, and in 2018, Faking Friends was nominated in the popular fiction category of the National Book Awards and in 2019 was long listed for the Comedy Women In Print prize.
Fallon has been in a relationship with popular comedian Ricky Gervais since 1982, after they met while studying together at the University College London. The couple has lived together since 1984 and are based in North London.
Fallon has been in a relationship with popular comedian Ricky Gervais since 1982, after they met while studying together at the University College London. The couple has lived together since 1984 and are based in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 512 reviews
February 29, 2024
I buddy read this with my Amanda.
At this point, we read so many of Jane Fallon books together that it became our tradition (although we passed on buddy read for Just Got Real because Amanda read it on her own, and I still have to read it alone (which I know won't be as fun)).
I can say Over Sharing was the best book I read in February.
I will admit there was one book I gave the higher rating, but because I read this with Amanda, and we had so much to talk and discuss about, the reading experience was everything. So because of that, Over Sharing was my favorite read this month.
We follow Iris who accidently discovered that a woman who took her husband away from her is a mummy/family influencer now.
Seeing through Maddy's hypocrisy she is on to ruin her goody-good reputation and career.
Once I got to now Iris and her reasons for the grudge she had for Maddy, mu revenge mode turned on and I was all in for it.
I was ready for shit to go down and was happy to witness Iris lighting up the flames (to burn the witch).
However, as the story progressed and we got to see Maddy's side of the story, my revenge mood was not strong anymore and my heart softened (a little bit).
Watching Iris was like watching a train wrack, but in a good way (if that is possible).
The story was entertaining and hypnotizing, and although Iris did so many wrong steps I know will slap her in her face, it was still fun.
I want to accent that Over Sharing would be amazing choice for book clubs.
In fact, all of Jane Fallon books I read so far would be, because they all have so much to talk about.
Over Sharing contents so many things we can talk about and discuss what would we do if we were in characters' shoes.
Overall, this was very good and I highly recommend it.
At this point, we read so many of Jane Fallon books together that it became our tradition (although we passed on buddy read for Just Got Real because Amanda read it on her own, and I still have to read it alone (which I know won't be as fun)).
I can say Over Sharing was the best book I read in February.
I will admit there was one book I gave the higher rating, but because I read this with Amanda, and we had so much to talk and discuss about, the reading experience was everything. So because of that, Over Sharing was my favorite read this month.
We follow Iris who accidently discovered that a woman who took her husband away from her is a mummy/family influencer now.
Seeing through Maddy's hypocrisy she is on to ruin her goody-good reputation and career.
Once I got to now Iris and her reasons for the grudge she had for Maddy, mu revenge mode turned on and I was all in for it.
I was ready for shit to go down and was happy to witness Iris lighting up the flames (to burn the witch).
However, as the story progressed and we got to see Maddy's side of the story, my revenge mood was not strong anymore and my heart softened (a little bit).
Watching Iris was like watching a train wrack, but in a good way (if that is possible).
The story was entertaining and hypnotizing, and although Iris did so many wrong steps I know will slap her in her face, it was still fun.
I want to accent that Over Sharing would be amazing choice for book clubs.
In fact, all of Jane Fallon books I read so far would be, because they all have so much to talk about.
Over Sharing contents so many things we can talk about and discuss what would we do if we were in characters' shoes.
Overall, this was very good and I highly recommend it.
August 23, 2023
I didn’t love this book, which I’m actually gutted about because I was really looking forward to reading it and had high hopes - maybe that was the problem.
Unfortunately, I just could not relate to any of the characters! Iris isn’t a very nice person at all! Even though she comes good in the end, her behaviour is ridiculous! Nobody in their right mind would behave the way that she did and I just found myself really annoyed by the whole thing! The way she treated Carol was childish and at times, plain mean! Even the way she treated the old couple running the B&B… why would you not want to sit and have a cup of tea with lovely, welcoming old people?! I would love that! She just wanted to retreat to her room and moan about her tragic life. Yawn. She was also pretty out of order to her sister. When she asked to bring up her baby… I almost threw the book at the walk. Who does that?!
The coming together of characters at the end was absurd! Again, no one would ever do that!
Some of the behaviour of the characters was so cruel, so unnecessary, and there wasn’t a happy ending really for any of them. It was just a “and then life carried on, the end”. Oh but she got a cat… of course, because no sad, childless troll could ever be complete without a cat..!
What annoyed me most by the end of this book though, was the behaviour of Iris’s two “friends”. Firstly, can we just go back to the start where it was her friend, Fay, who emails Iris to tell her to go onto Instagram and check out Maddy’s page!!! So actually, it’s FAY who fuelled this whole situation! Yet by the end, Fay and their other “friend”, Cally, have all but ditched Iris because “they wouldn’t want someone who behaved like Iris did” around! These are not friends! My friends would never ditch me based on a period of socially unacceptable behaviour! They might talk to me about it and try to understand why, but not just ditch me! These are not friends, and I didn’t like the implication that because they had children and she didn’t they would phase her out. Again, not how real friends behave.
So anyway, to summarise, I found myself annoyed and frustrated by this book and the characters, and disappointed that I didn’t love it because I really wanted to. I will definitely try another Jane Fallon novel though and hope this one just wasn’t right for me.
Unfortunately, I just could not relate to any of the characters! Iris isn’t a very nice person at all! Even though she comes good in the end, her behaviour is ridiculous! Nobody in their right mind would behave the way that she did and I just found myself really annoyed by the whole thing! The way she treated Carol was childish and at times, plain mean! Even the way she treated the old couple running the B&B… why would you not want to sit and have a cup of tea with lovely, welcoming old people?! I would love that! She just wanted to retreat to her room and moan about her tragic life. Yawn. She was also pretty out of order to her sister. When she asked to bring up her baby… I almost threw the book at the walk. Who does that?!
The coming together of characters at the end was absurd! Again, no one would ever do that!
Some of the behaviour of the characters was so cruel, so unnecessary, and there wasn’t a happy ending really for any of them. It was just a “and then life carried on, the end”. Oh but she got a cat… of course, because no sad, childless troll could ever be complete without a cat..!
What annoyed me most by the end of this book though, was the behaviour of Iris’s two “friends”. Firstly, can we just go back to the start where it was her friend, Fay, who emails Iris to tell her to go onto Instagram and check out Maddy’s page!!! So actually, it’s FAY who fuelled this whole situation! Yet by the end, Fay and their other “friend”, Cally, have all but ditched Iris because “they wouldn’t want someone who behaved like Iris did” around! These are not friends! My friends would never ditch me based on a period of socially unacceptable behaviour! They might talk to me about it and try to understand why, but not just ditch me! These are not friends, and I didn’t like the implication that because they had children and she didn’t they would phase her out. Again, not how real friends behave.
So anyway, to summarise, I found myself annoyed and frustrated by this book and the characters, and disappointed that I didn’t love it because I really wanted to. I will definitely try another Jane Fallon novel though and hope this one just wasn’t right for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2023
Disappointing
Not one of her best. Found myself struggling to stay with it. Lacking any real progression in the story. Shame……
Not one of her best. Found myself struggling to stay with it. Lacking any real progression in the story. Shame……
April 2, 2024
This was a great, easy to read writing style book, but somehow, in spite of this, it didn't grab or engage me. Mainly because I didn't like the main character Iris /Rissi and her need for revenge. The book is about her focus and hatred for Maddie, who she believes broke up her marriage. Maddie is married with twins and an online influencer with a wholesome image that Iris tries to take down. The ending is a bit neat. There were some funny moments, but overall, I felt it wasn't one of Jane's finest. Sorry
August 25, 2023
I am overjoyed to share that
Jane Fallon's "Over Sharing" is a winner.
Nobody does revenge rom-coms like Jane Fallon.
Nobody.
I reveled in the author's acerbic witty banter that dominated the first half of the book.
Jane Fallon's MC was out to "get" the woman she blamed for the demise of her marriage and her plan was to use Instagram as her unwitting accomplice.
Jane Fallon's characterizations were compelling and her control of the narrative was spot-on.
SO WHY NOT 5 STARS?
In concluding the book, Jane Fallon was too "nice".
Perhaps it's because we share the same first name, but I much prefer the mean-spirited Jane to the "nice" Jane.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Dolly Wells, Olivia Darnley, and Dominic Thorburn.
All narrators did an outstanding job with the narration.
Jane Fallon's most recent releases have been disappointing.
Fortunately, this talented author has returned to the plate to share a winner with her devoted fans.
August 20, 2023
I usually love Jane Fallon books but I did find this one quite disappointing. It was an easy read but just didn’t really have anything about it that gripped me or made me want to keep picking it up to read it. It’s was (unfortunately) quite boring.
July 16, 2023
Just not plausible when the legal and emotional aspects of cyber bullying and stalking barely got a mention.
September 21, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
A fairly typical social-media/wronged wife trope.
On the plus: strong female characters, humour, realism related to influencer issues/status in society. Nicely written.
On the negative: the wife blaming the other woman - come on now - it takes two and the cheating partner should cop at least as much flack! Too nice (and tidy). Slightly unrealistic.
A good in-between read.
A fairly typical social-media/wronged wife trope.
On the plus: strong female characters, humour, realism related to influencer issues/status in society. Nicely written.
On the negative: the wife blaming the other woman - come on now - it takes two and the cheating partner should cop at least as much flack! Too nice (and tidy). Slightly unrealistic.
A good in-between read.
March 17, 2024
The most flawed and frustrating main character I’ve encountered in a while, I almost couldn’t cope
September 22, 2023
3.5 stars
The main character was a car crash waiting to happen, but I couldn’t look away. In my head I was screaming at her to stop, but also her manipulative actions were horribly entertaining. I also liked her, despite hating her scheming.
The main character was a car crash waiting to happen, but I couldn’t look away. In my head I was screaming at her to stop, but also her manipulative actions were horribly entertaining. I also liked her, despite hating her scheming.
July 3, 2024
I thought this was going to be funny but I found it yo be quite sad and unexpectedly emotional. I felt fir the main character. Better than I expected!
June 4, 2024
Niet heel spannend boek met een paar kleine verrassende wendingen. Leest lekker weg op een zonvakantie op het strand of aan het zwembad in de zon. Dat is precies hoe ik het gelezen heb.
March 14, 2024
Terrible book full of terrible people.
March 5, 2024
Jane Fallon speelt met Oversharing vooral in op de hedendaagse worsteling: delen we soms niet te veel van ons privé leven online? En waarom laten mensen soms van die vervelende en bovenal gemene haat reacties achter? Ik moet toegeven dat Over sharing niet mijn favoriete boek is van Fallon. Normaliter verslind ik haar boeken in één dag, maar deze keer kon ik het boek makkelijk aan de kant leggen en miste ik de plottwist. Uiteindelijk is het een vermakelijk verhaal waarin het hoofdpersonage een belangrijke levensles leert.
Gehele recensie binnenkort op mijn blog! jenniferleest.wordpress.com
Gehele recensie binnenkort op mijn blog! jenniferleest.wordpress.com
April 14, 2024
An average read, not too memorable but nice enough
July 31, 2023
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The Queen of the revenge comedy hits the shelves with her latest hilarious and entertaining book.
A wickedly, devious and funny novel from the internationally acclaimed author.
Once upon a time, Iris was living the perfect life.
She had a wonderful husband, a picturesque home, a good job and the future of a family.
Now everything has fallen apart.
The husband left her, she is bored at work and is now renting out her spare room because she’s broke.
And it’s all because of Maddy, the woman that spoiled it all.
Successful Maddy, is a mega successful social media influencer.
Happy, with the husband, the twins and the great life.
Iris doesn’t believe any of it and is about to prove it.
A revenge plan to expose her fake life.
This will bring the ultimate happiness for Iris by taking down Maddy.
Jane is at her best when giving her fans a witty, clever and delightful story and this one is another to add to her fabulous list of best sellers.
Refreshing, authentic and viciously fun, it’s a hooking narrative as you watch the story and cast evolve over time while laughing along the way.
Lots of characters to love and hate, a plot that drags you in and female solidarity in full force.
I know when I get a Jane Fallon paperback in my hands, I’m going to be enthralled for a few hours and giggle occasionally.
One to be remembered.
Overall this tale delivers a joyful, imaginative and strong read.
The Queen of the revenge comedy hits the shelves with her latest hilarious and entertaining book.
A wickedly, devious and funny novel from the internationally acclaimed author.
Once upon a time, Iris was living the perfect life.
She had a wonderful husband, a picturesque home, a good job and the future of a family.
Now everything has fallen apart.
The husband left her, she is bored at work and is now renting out her spare room because she’s broke.
And it’s all because of Maddy, the woman that spoiled it all.
Successful Maddy, is a mega successful social media influencer.
Happy, with the husband, the twins and the great life.
Iris doesn’t believe any of it and is about to prove it.
A revenge plan to expose her fake life.
This will bring the ultimate happiness for Iris by taking down Maddy.
Jane is at her best when giving her fans a witty, clever and delightful story and this one is another to add to her fabulous list of best sellers.
Refreshing, authentic and viciously fun, it’s a hooking narrative as you watch the story and cast evolve over time while laughing along the way.
Lots of characters to love and hate, a plot that drags you in and female solidarity in full force.
I know when I get a Jane Fallon paperback in my hands, I’m going to be enthralled for a few hours and giggle occasionally.
One to be remembered.
Overall this tale delivers a joyful, imaginative and strong read.
February 26, 2024
I have always been a Jane Fallon fan, i will
Keep on reading whatever she writes. I feel this fell short of my expectations. It did however keep me interested and I know it will appeal to a lot of readers who enjoy this genre.
Keep on reading whatever she writes. I feel this fell short of my expectations. It did however keep me interested and I know it will appeal to a lot of readers who enjoy this genre.
July 20, 2023
I usually love books by Jane Fallon, but this one was a struggle to get into. It took most of the book before I hooked with the characters and storyline, before sadly I lost interest.
December 8, 2023
Not the best unfortunately, depressing and unsatisfactory ending. Disappointing
September 5, 2023
The most boring book I’ve ever read. Really hard to get through but the last 20 pages were probably the most exciting part which is why it’s 2 stars not 1. Thank god that’s over.
March 29, 2024
A brilliant storyline and I didn't want to put it down. I didn't find it the slightest bit funny, even though was marketed as 'hilarious'. My sense of humour must be different .
February 28, 2024
De cover van dit boek vond ik erg leuk en sprak mij ook meteen aan. De mooie kleuren combinatie deed het hem en ik werd erg nieuwsgierig.
Dit was mijn eerste leeservaring met de schrijfstijl van Jane Fallon en dit stelde zeker niet teleur! In dit boek volg je voornamelijk Iris en Maddy (vanaf de tweede helft van het boek). Ik heb erg gelachen om sommige acties van Iris.
Het is een erg leuk en vermakelijk boek. Het boek leest erg vlot en makkelijk weg. Jane heeft de personages goed omschreven. Ik heb van de personages genoten!
Dit boek komt dichtbij de werkelijkheid, hierin zie je bijvoorbeeld wat een impact het internet op iemands leven kan hebben en hoe gevaarlijk het dus ook kan zijn. Ook komen er in dit boek problemen voorbij zoals het proberen om zwanger te worden wat niet lukt en ik vind het goed dat dit soort dingen aan bod komen in boeken omdat dit soort onderwerpen vaak vermeden worden maar dit komt vaak genoeg voor in de werkelijkheid.
Ik raad dit boek zeker aan, het is een vlot, realistisch en origineel verhaal. Een aanrader als je daar van houdt!
Dit was mijn eerste leeservaring met de schrijfstijl van Jane Fallon en dit stelde zeker niet teleur! In dit boek volg je voornamelijk Iris en Maddy (vanaf de tweede helft van het boek). Ik heb erg gelachen om sommige acties van Iris.
Het is een erg leuk en vermakelijk boek. Het boek leest erg vlot en makkelijk weg. Jane heeft de personages goed omschreven. Ik heb van de personages genoten!
Dit boek komt dichtbij de werkelijkheid, hierin zie je bijvoorbeeld wat een impact het internet op iemands leven kan hebben en hoe gevaarlijk het dus ook kan zijn. Ook komen er in dit boek problemen voorbij zoals het proberen om zwanger te worden wat niet lukt en ik vind het goed dat dit soort dingen aan bod komen in boeken omdat dit soort onderwerpen vaak vermeden worden maar dit komt vaak genoeg voor in de werkelijkheid.
Ik raad dit boek zeker aan, het is een vlot, realistisch en origineel verhaal. Een aanrader als je daar van houdt!
May 7, 2024
Dit boek speelt heel goed in op de wereld van social media en influencers: want is alles wat we online zien wel echt? Is alles wel zo rooskleurig zoals in de filmpjes? Maar ook; wat vinden we van die negatieve (haat) berichten? Die elementen maakten dit een heerlijk verfrissend boek! Want je voelt echt wel mee met Iris, die (in haar beleving) alles is kwijtgeraakt door Maddy. Maar ergens begint het ook wel te schuren naarmate Iris zelf de grenzen van fatsoen op gaat zoeken.
Het boek is vlot geschreven maar op sommige momenten ook wel met wat herhaling; daardoor raakte ik soms wat uit de leesflow! Maar overall is het een boek met grappige en schurende situaties waarbij je blijft hopen op een goed einde! Of dat ook zo is? Dat moet je zelf gaan uitvinden!
Het boek is vlot geschreven maar op sommige momenten ook wel met wat herhaling; daardoor raakte ik soms wat uit de leesflow! Maar overall is het een boek met grappige en schurende situaties waarbij je blijft hopen op een goed einde! Of dat ook zo is? Dat moet je zelf gaan uitvinden!
February 1, 2025
2.5
I feel really sad and bad giving this rating.
This book was fun and intriguing until it wasn't anything. It seems as though the author had this clever idea but never mapped and worked it out, leaving us with nothing. The build up in the first third was great and set out the book's potential and the remainder of the story had all that disappear.
I feel really sad and bad giving this rating.
This book was fun and intriguing until it wasn't anything. It seems as though the author had this clever idea but never mapped and worked it out, leaving us with nothing. The build up in the first third was great and set out the book's potential and the remainder of the story had all that disappear.
October 14, 2024
This was billed as a comedy but I found it to be an uncomfortable read with a very unsatisfactory ending that felt quite depressing. Not my favourite from this author.
January 20, 2025
Ben de negatieve toon van dit boek nu al zó zat, en ik denk niet dat het beter gaat worden.
May 5, 2024
This book left me scathing and angry. Potentially feminine rage. It feels everyone did Iris wrong yet gets to live happy blissful lives but her. I’m not sure if the message is something like if you hold on to hate your left with nothing but it hardly seems fair. I would have relished the ending to be a joint interview in which they expose the true criminal as Tom.
Iris takes more than her fair share of the pain, and whilst yes obviously a terrible thing to have done, she didn’t need to put herself out there to apologise and when she did as a bare minimum I think she should have exposed Maddy as the other woman which she was knowingly or not.
Maddy regardless still started up with a very newly single still married man, and don’t even wait for the divorce before starting up and completely missed every fact going. I don’t think as a woman I could entertain a man who has just left his wife on the cusp of IVF having wasted her best years. In the end she still stole Iris’ husband, costing her a final chance at having a child, for nothing to then end up getting all the happiness and children herself.
Tom ends up with a new wife and two children in happiness and bliss having exuded a multitude of hurt and pain around him.
Lee whilst expressing his hurt in a very dramatic way, was still willing to go back with another woman and cheat on his wife, yet also gets a happy ending and even has the absolute cheek to state that Iris “owes them that” which boiled my blood.
Her friends were awful. Fair enough with children play dates but to forget about their struggling lonely friend outside of that. Yet still they have happiness.
The final message/chapter implies some sense of finding happiness in family and peace of being childless against her will feels hollow and weak. This needed to be explored a lot more for it to not come across as weak almost like the author herself didn’t believe it. Whilst I like that the characters in the authors books are grey and the villain isn’t always black and white as the main character has traits themselves. This one was very disappointing and left a somewhat sour after taste.
Iris takes more than her fair share of the pain, and whilst yes obviously a terrible thing to have done, she didn’t need to put herself out there to apologise and when she did as a bare minimum I think she should have exposed Maddy as the other woman which she was knowingly or not.
Maddy regardless still started up with a very newly single still married man, and don’t even wait for the divorce before starting up and completely missed every fact going. I don’t think as a woman I could entertain a man who has just left his wife on the cusp of IVF having wasted her best years. In the end she still stole Iris’ husband, costing her a final chance at having a child, for nothing to then end up getting all the happiness and children herself.
Tom ends up with a new wife and two children in happiness and bliss having exuded a multitude of hurt and pain around him.
Lee whilst expressing his hurt in a very dramatic way, was still willing to go back with another woman and cheat on his wife, yet also gets a happy ending and even has the absolute cheek to state that Iris “owes them that” which boiled my blood.
Her friends were awful. Fair enough with children play dates but to forget about their struggling lonely friend outside of that. Yet still they have happiness.
The final message/chapter implies some sense of finding happiness in family and peace of being childless against her will feels hollow and weak. This needed to be explored a lot more for it to not come across as weak almost like the author herself didn’t believe it. Whilst I like that the characters in the authors books are grey and the villain isn’t always black and white as the main character has traits themselves. This one was very disappointing and left a somewhat sour after taste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2023
Fallon is infallible in her handling of revenge. On the surface, a mummy influencer gets her just desserts when a woman whose husband she stole, Iris, decides to troll her online. Isn't that the normal spin, that successful influencers are leading a life of lies? Not in Fallon's hands. Her believable characters, and deftly revealed twists along the way make us re-evaluate our perceptions.
Iris, in her early 40s, grieves for the life she should have had with husband Tom and a few kids. Instead she is childless, divorced, and having to share her house with an irritating flatmate. Her elder sister is a flake, forever going to wellness retreats funded by their mother. And Iris is worried about how her mother is increasingly lonely in a village with no amenities.
Fallon is always so adept at honing in on what matters to women, in this case in their 40s and 70s.
This sounded so familiar to me: "Mum is in uber people-pleasing mode, something she does when she's over compensating for feeling a little anxious."
There is always humour and reality.
Iris, preparing to spy on her nemesis, has sandwiches from Sainsbury's, a bottle of water and a huge coffee from Starbucks. She has located the toilets by the cafe for emergencies.
I read recently that Fallon worries she may sound out of date. She's never sounded more contemporary.
Iris, in her early 40s, grieves for the life she should have had with husband Tom and a few kids. Instead she is childless, divorced, and having to share her house with an irritating flatmate. Her elder sister is a flake, forever going to wellness retreats funded by their mother. And Iris is worried about how her mother is increasingly lonely in a village with no amenities.
Fallon is always so adept at honing in on what matters to women, in this case in their 40s and 70s.
This sounded so familiar to me: "Mum is in uber people-pleasing mode, something she does when she's over compensating for feeling a little anxious."
There is always humour and reality.
Iris, preparing to spy on her nemesis, has sandwiches from Sainsbury's, a bottle of water and a huge coffee from Starbucks. She has located the toilets by the cafe for emergencies.
I read recently that Fallon worries she may sound out of date. She's never sounded more contemporary.
June 22, 2023
I have literally devoured this in one sitting today when it dropped on my kindle. I am a huge fan of Fallon’s books and this one is no exception. To say she writes books with a revenge theme does not do justice to just how good her stories are. This one is masterful: we have Iris the scorned ex wife coping with the ashes from the bonfire of her marriage. But there’s so much more to it than that. In Just Got Real we see the sisterhood helping the rotter get his just desserts but this book is more nuanced with lovely twists and turns. The plotting is masterful and little touches like one of the protagonists publishing a book on 22 June, like this one, are sublime. I love all the characters and the themes of oversharing and social media:be careful what you ask for and what you say. The sisterhood is strong with this one too but unlike many books of the genre, the sisterhood is flawed too with people taking different paths and moving apart. Loved it and only sad I read it so quickly. 5⭐️
February 24, 2024
Many years later, Iris is still not over her husband having an affair and leaving her for social influencer Maddy. After seeing a wholesome video of Maddy’s family, it stirs up something inside of her and Iris is ready to get her revenge.
Jane Fallon is one of those rare non-thriller authors who is just a no brainer auto buy for me!
There are no vomit inducing icky romance scenes in the story, toxic people are not romanticised (there are toxic people in the story of course, but they add to the fun of the story) and there is still an element of suspense in the plot that you would see in a thriller book.
This has been the perfect read while being poorly over the weekend. It is such an easy, fun and gripping story to follow.
Part of the book is set in Marlow too which is where my husband and I got engaged. ☺️
Jane Fallon is one of those rare non-thriller authors who is just a no brainer auto buy for me!
There are no vomit inducing icky romance scenes in the story, toxic people are not romanticised (there are toxic people in the story of course, but they add to the fun of the story) and there is still an element of suspense in the plot that you would see in a thriller book.
This has been the perfect read while being poorly over the weekend. It is such an easy, fun and gripping story to follow.
Part of the book is set in Marlow too which is where my husband and I got engaged. ☺️
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