A slow read in general (Suddenly Single - Sheila O'Flanagan)

Member Name: dippykitty

Product:	Suddenly Single - Sheila O'Flanagan
Date:	05/06/09 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It's not an awful book as such but it didn't do much for me

Disadvantages: Slow to pick up, not a lot really happens

***The Plot***
Alix Callaghan is a well-respected trader in Europa Bank in Dublin and living with her boyfriend Paul. She thinks that her life is running smoothly, until Paul makes the shock announcement that he wants to settle down and start a family. Although stunned at first, Alix begins to come round to the idea but Paul has a second bombshell to deliver: he never saw Alix as part of that plan. Having met a French designer during a work trip with Alix, he has decided to end their relationship in favour of setting up home with his new girlfriend. Alix is understandably knocked for six and struggles to keep it altogether in her high-pressured job environment. It doesn't help that her colleagues Gavin and Dave look set to shaft her professionally. Now that she's suddenly single again, can Alix get herself back together or will this be the start of a downward spiral for her?

***The Characters***
Alix is a likeable enough character who gets a big shock when Paul suddenly dumps her. It is obvious from the outset how much this hurts her, and this gives her character a real sense of vulnerability that made me feel sympathetic towards her. Though she is struggling to cope with his unexpected departure, Alix knows that she has to keep going with her life and puts on a brave face at work. She appears strong to others, but we have the inside knowledge that this isn't really the case.

Alix's colleagues are somewhat annoying. Gavin is clearly out to take advantage of Alix's preoccupation and she is well aware of this. Dave is less transparent and appears quite decent to begin with until his real character begins to shine through.

***The Writing Style***
It is written in the third person, mostly from Alix's viewpoint but we sometimes have the advantage of seeing the viewpoints of others such as her colleagues which is interesting as we know a lot more than Alix herself does and can use that to our advantage when guessing how the story may unfold.

***Overall Thoughts***
The plot may sound very basic and it is, to be honest. I found the story to be very slow and almost stopped reading it after around four chapters as I was finding it quite boring. I persevered though as I had nothing else to read. By the time I finished the book, I was left feeling that it was an ok read but nothing particularly special. I have read other books by the same author and preferred those, while this book did nothing for me really.

Summary: I've read much better books by the same author