I was excited to be sent a copy of The Square by Rosie Millard for review. It’s her debut novel, and the blurb that came with it likened it to The Hive, which i reviewed last year and really enjoyed.

The book is based around a garden square of houses in central London, an exclusive neighbourhood where all of the houses look the same, everything is pristine and nobody dares to step out of line. It’s a terribly middle class setting, the kind where everyone secretly hates each other, but they carry on the pretense of being good neighbours, inviting each other around for supper parties (not dinner – that’s so common!) and keeping up appearances for each other.

Of course, as with most real lives, the perfect exterior hides a lot of imperfections. Affairs, debts, more affairs… you get the picture!

The residents of the Square decide during a residents’ meeting to hold a talent show to raise money for some communal fencing. The book charts the preparations for the show, the show itself and the aftermath.

This is not one of those suspense thrillers where you’re turning the page, breathless to know what happens next and who dunnit – but it definitely does hold the attention. It’s wonderfully written, with a super-sharp wit and keen observations. The mention of a certain brand of sparkling water, for example, made me chuckle as I know people who buy that particular brand. The idea of making a nice pot of fresh coffee for dinner guests, but handing the “staff” a jar of instant to deal with themselves; fascination with being on TV; looking down one’s nose at a neighbour who weighs a little more, whose hair is less than perfect, who doesn’t bother with designer sandals in the latest style. It’s all there, and it’s brilliant to read.

This book is a perfect Summer read. Millard has manage to perfectly mix a book that doesn’t require a lot of concentration or thinking, with one that grabs the attention and keeps you reading. It’s filled with gossip and scandal, and I think everyone will recognise someone they know (or wish they didn’t) in this book.

I love the fact that although filled with middle class drama, the book doesn’t pander to the need for ridiculous outrageousness. Although in parts slightly preposterous, one gets the feeling that everything that goes on in this book is probably going on in communities all over the country right now. I also love that it’s just a glimpse of life in the Square, and the feeling that once the book is finished, things in the Square will go back to how they were before – with a few minor differences!

I am delighted to have a copy of The Square to give away. To enter, fill in the Rafflecopter below…
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The Square is available on Saturday 1st August in print or ebook.

Thanks for reading.

You can read my other book reviews here.

 


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Vicky Charles

Vicky is a single mother, writer and card reader.

22 Comments

Catherine · 27/07/2015 at 12:15

This sounds the perfect beach read. A great giveaway :)

#readwithme

Rebecca Barnes · 27/07/2015 at 16:34

My favourite easy summer reads are the Harry Potter series! Even 15 years on… It holds quite an element of escapism, much like a holiday!

    Vicky Charles · 29/07/2015 at 14:33

    Oh, good choice Rebecca!

Michelle Banks · 27/07/2015 at 18:42

i love anything by virginia andrews x

chantelle hazelden · 27/07/2015 at 19:29

Almost sounds like Eastenders in a book!! lol. Thanks for sharing with #readwithme

Elizabeth Rebecca · 27/07/2015 at 20:58

This sounds like a great book. I like reading crime thrillers.

Lizzie Dripping

Ruth Harwood · 28/07/2015 at 09:09

at the moment I’ve discovered some M&B historical regency romance and they’re really easy and fun reads x

    Vicky Charles · 29/07/2015 at 14:27

    ooh really? I’ve never read any M&B!

      Ruth Harwood · 30/07/2015 at 07:19

      you should give them a go if you like romance :)

        Vicky Charles · 01/08/2015 at 21:10

        I actually don’t think I’ve ever read a romance book!

lynn heath · 30/07/2015 at 09:35

I like the Janet Evanowich Stephanie Plum books they are a very easy read and can be quite funny!!!

    Vicky Charles · 01/08/2015 at 21:08

    A couple of people have suggested those to me lately!

Tracy Nixon · 03/08/2015 at 18:54

I have really enjoyed reading Joanna Hislop’s The Island – the story is set on the island of Crete so brought back many happy holiday memories for me!

Sheri Darby · 08/08/2015 at 20:29

Anything by Beryl Bainbridge is a good holiday read

Ellen Stafford · 08/08/2015 at 21:02

I love reading books based around a village…..like by Rebecca Shaw. :-)

    Vicky Charles · 09/08/2015 at 13:09

    I don’t think I’ve ever read any of those, might have to take a look!

Laura Pritchard · 09/08/2015 at 13:02

Are you Experienced by William Sutcliffe – the perfect beach read.

Sheila Reeves · 09/08/2015 at 13:52

Summer Daydreams by Carole Matthews

Laura Jeffs · 09/08/2015 at 14:59

I really enjoy reading The History Keepers books by Damian Dibben.. I know they’re aimed at kids, but I find them ideal for summer reading ;-)

LEE HARDY · 09/08/2015 at 18:03

Anything by Lee Childs

Sarah J · 09/08/2015 at 20:10

Currently reading fangirl! :)

Jessica Townley · 09/08/2015 at 20:58

Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher!

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