The Mum who got her Life Back
Review:
The perfect book to read if you are sending your kids to university or you are going yourself. The freedom of a single mother feels once her twins (Molly and Alfie) start their freshmen year. To be able to find someone whom she can love without the pressure of her children being in the way, and to loosen up her weekends.
This is a love story where Nadia finds her way after her kids have moved out. She is a single parent, divorced, although she still talks with her ex, who is a film-maker. Nadia was too busy to find love, but now she has found someone, similar to her own age. Their first interaction was funny, reading how Nadia pretended to work at the shop due to falling in love with him. His name is Jack, a divorced father with one child, falling in love at first sight with the “staff member.” Their interactions were great, and I enjoyed reading their moments together.
After spending months together, the story skips to near the end of the academic year, showcasing how they are still seeing each other with every moment they can. Until eventually the door opens at Nadia’s flat, and Alfie walks in, earlier than he should’ve been. He couldn’t stay at uni after breaking up with his girlfriend, so he came home early. The awkward moments felt cringe and awkward between the three of them, especially with Alfie and Jack, so the author nailed the writing.
After Molly comes back, Nadia has no time for Jack, helping Alfie get over his breakup. And neither did Jack. He’s in contact with his ex, who is an alcoholic, and wants his daughter to be well kept after. Although they’ve decided to book a holiday together in Spain to return to their freedom and peace.
Until one lovely afternoon party with Jack’s family, which turned into a catastrophe for the pair. Will they still go to Spain? How will the situation be solved?
Each chapter switches character from Jack and Nadia (with one surprise perspective), which I liked, so we could see how each character is feeling with particular moments and how it has affected them in everyday life. Nadia is a freelance artist, and Jack is a store manager for a charity shop.
The characters were well designed, each having flaws of their own, which affected the story and made each character interesting. I loved seeing how they developed through each scenario, making the uncertainty of the ending brilliant and full.
