The Switch-Book Review

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Book: The Switch

Author: Beth O'Leary

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

“Is it really an adventure if you don't make at least one ill-advised decision?”

There were two books of Beth O'Leary doing the rounds in social media a lot. And I chose Switch after reading the blurb. With another lock-down looming over us I needed something lighter to calm the surrounding anxiousness. 

WeReflect: Leena Cotton was forced to take sabbatical of two months from work after having a panic attack during the presentation. After losing her sister to cancer she immerses herself in the work to forget the pain. She returns to her grandmother's place in rural Yorkshire for much needed break.  Eileen Cotton, her grandmother is recently divorced at the age of 79.  She wants to explore romantic liaisons, but her tiny town has limited options. Both Leena and Eileen decides to switch their places for two months and explore the opportunity.

Both Cotton women are exceptional organizers, with Leena pitching in for neighbourhood watch committee and related activities. In London aided by Leena's friend Eileen has her own dating apps and scouts the prospects.  Also, she sets up Silver Shoreditch Social Club after seeing lonely Letitia. In their journey both find stepping into each other's shoes is not as easy as it sounded in the beginning.

The story is dual narrated from both the protagonists' perspective. The story line was quite predictable, yet the reading simple. Usually I don't prefer contemporary feel-good or chick-lit (for lack of better word) types. The writing is crispy and humorous. The relationship between grandmothers and grandchildren is special and in Switch it is delightful. Having said that I was interested in the septuagenarian part than the vicenarian.