Wednesday 16 November 2011

Book Review - The Time Of My Life

Title: The Time Of My Life
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: 13 Oct 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0007350438

Synopsis
Lying on Lucy Silchester’s carpet one day when she returns from work is a gold envelope. Inside is an invitation – to a meeting with Life. Her life. It turns out she's been ignoring it and it needs to meet with her face to face.
It sounds peculiar, but Lucy’s read about this in a magazine. Anyway, she can’t make the date: she’s much too busy despising her job, skipping out on her friends and avoiding her family.
But Lucy’s life isn’t what it seems. Some of the choices she’s made – and stories she’s told – aren’t what they seem either. From the moment she meets the man who introduces himself as her life, her stubborn half-truths are going to be revealed in all their glory – unless Lucy learns to tell the truth about what really matters to her.
Lucy Silchester has an appointment with her life – and she’s going to have to keep it.

My Review
I have read every single one of Cecelia Ahern's books and I love her writing style. I love her elements of mystery and a sort of magic. One of my favourite books is 'A Place Called Here' so when I heard there was a new book by Ahern coming out I had to read it. I was top of the request list at the library (and it's a big list!!!) I knew I would have to read it quite fast, but knew it wouldn't be a problem. I love her books so could get it read in a couple of days.
Lucy's life has gone downhill, she broke up with her boyfriend of five years, lost her gorgeous apartment, lost her job and got a new one that she hates where she nicknames all the staff and sneaks out for as many breaks as possible. She spends her time trying to avoid family and friends and hides away in her box of an apartment. One day she gets an invite for a meeting with Life - her life. It's time she stopped ignoring her life and started living it.
This book was very odd - Life personified is just weird - but it's a weird that works. I was absolutely fascinated. I liked Lucy as a character - she was sassy and had a great with. Her life is great, I actually laughed out loud so many times whilst he was talking.
This story will sweep you away but at the same time will have you thinking about your own life and where it's going. And what he/she would look like if it was personified.
I love the strangeness of it all and it's overall originality. Ahern charms and intrigues with her writing. I was hooked in and couldn't wait to find out what would happen. 
There is a bit of a love triangle but in my opinion it's very one sided - I knew who I liked and was shouting at Lucy to be sensible and pick him (I won't say who - it might spoil it for you)
It hasn't overtaken as my favourite one of hers but it's quite high up the list.


My Rating
I would give this book 9/10. Original, exciting and heart-felt.

4 comments:

Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic said...

This one sounds charming and unique. Sounds like my kind of read.

barmybex said...

It was very enjoyable - give it a go. :D

Anonymous said...

Such a good idea for a plot, I really loved the book! Thanks for your review which made me want to read it in the first place! :)

barmybex said...

Glad you enjoyed it Santurini - and thanks for coming back and letting me know. You've made my day. Gotta love sharing the book love. :D