This book was such a welcome treat after the disappointment of The Library of Borrowed Hearts that I devoured it. Marian Keyes writes books that seem fluffy but pack a punch. I’ve enjoyed several of them and was happy to add this one to the list.
The book is centred on the people living at Star Street 66. The address contains multiple apartments. Maeve and Matt, married, live on the ground floor. Then there’s Jemima with her dog, Lydia with Polish roommates Alexei and Jan, and Katie on the top floor.
We learn about them and their lives through a presence that floats in one evening and observes them. This presence is also able to sense heart beats, recognizing when people’s hearts are a match or not. This is how it slowly becomes clear that something is off between Maeve and Matt.
Jemima’s foster son comes to stay with her and he brings a complicated energy with him.
Lydia’s roommates are scared of her but the reasons for her stand-offish and blunt behaviour quickly become clear and turn her into a much more likeable character.
Katie’s boyfriend Conall is a workaholic and she faces the realization that he might never prioritize her over his work.
These are ordinary people, leading ordinary lives. Things get messy and complicated like life tends to get. Difficult decisions need to be made sometimes.
This story is an example of an easy read that still contains complicated and real characters who learn and grow, and we learn who they are through their actions and not just through descriptions.
Spoiler alert for trigger warnings: rape and suicide attempt
Bookworm in the City 