I am a huge Lisa Jewell fan and have read all of her books so you can imagine how happy I was to discover that she was writing a sequel to her best-seller, Ralph's Party.
After the Party joins Ralph and Jem eleven years after they got together. Everyone who knows them looks on their relationship as perfect and everlasting. However, Ralph and Jem now have two young children, a house in suburbia and fond memories of the care-free existence they once had. Ralph still loves Jem but he knows he is no longer her priority and Jem is beginning to wonder who she is outside of her 'mother' role. So they are both struggling to get back to each other and secure the future they believed they would always have.
Out of all of Lisa Jewell's books, I think this one is the darkest. I found this really refreshing; she strips back Jem and Ralph's relationship and shows the problems they are experiencing. The story is written from both of their perspectives as they try to make sense of what is going wrong.
There were certain points in the book where I disliked both Jem and Ralph but again I think that this emphasises how real relationships work. Couples do annoy each other and row; you have to make the decision as to whether the love you feel for the other person is worth putting up with their negative traits.
As usual, I was totally absorbed in Lisa Jewell's writing style and the story she was telling. It is quite a long book but I was swept along with it and had finished in two days. If you have already read Ralph's Party then great but it is not a necessity. Lisa Jewell provides enough information for the reader to understand Ralph and Jem's past without being bored by it. I could not recommend this book enough, it is a realistic take on modern relationships without the sugar coating that some authors seem to go for.
11 comments:
Fantastic - I am so keen to read this, I hope my library gets it soon. I think you're right about what you say about real relationships - the longer I am in one the more I find that the more things get on my nerves but the more prepared I am to put up with them!
I have to admit that I have never read any of Lisa Jewell's books, but lately I am trying to take myself out of my reading comfort zone. I may have to try one of Lisa Jewell's books. Thanks for the fab review. :-)
Hugsxxxxx
Verity- I think that's what real relationships are about, there has to be some give and take. I hope your library gets a copy soon, it's ever so good!
Scattie- I am biased as I am a BIG fan, you should definitely try one though!
Quite a few chick-lit recently have been darker, I like it, it shows that the genre can be more than what people think. The darker chick-lit have also been better than a lot of other genres in highlighting issues.
I read Ralph's Party so long ago I confuse it with the others, I just remember the posh parties and a nice house, but of course considering my last comment it's on my list.
Charlie- I hope that you enjoy it!
Brilliant! I loved Ralph's Party,so I'm excited for this sequel. I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy. Loved your post - made me wish I could read it now. Cheers!!
Nadia- Thank you, I couldn't put it down!
It's a brilliant book - I agree, and scarily real as well.
Rhiana- It was very real which made a nice change I thought.
Now I have to look out for this, I love Lisa Jewell's work and this sounds very interesting.
Thanks for a great review, Dot.
Kim- It was very good and very realistic! Apologies for the delay in my letter back to you! Work has been really busy but I am going to put aside some time this week! xx
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