Review - Worst. Idea. Ever by Jane Fallon

Publisher: Michael Joseph (part of the Penguin Random House group)

Publication Date: 29 April 2021 (Out now)

Worst. Idea. Ever

Synopsis

Best friends tell each other everything.

Or do they?

Georgia and Lydia are so close they’re practically sisters.

So when Lydia starts an online business that struggles, Georgia wants to help her – but she also understands Lydia’s not the kind to accept a handout. Setting up a fake Twitter account, Georgia hopes to give her friend some anonymous moral support by posing as a potential customer.

But then Lydia starts confiding in her new internet buddy and Georgia discovers she doesn’t know her quite as well as she thought. Georgia knows she should reveal the truth, especially when Lydia starts talking about her, but she just can’t help herself. Until Lydia reveals a secret that could not only end their friendship but also blow-up Georgia’s marriage.

Georgia’s in too deep.

But what can she save? Her marriage, her friendship – or just herself?

My review

This story of two old friends falling out over unresolved issues, buried resentment, jealousy and desire of revenge is one most people can relate to. Don’t look at me like that and raise your hand if you have never been there (I want to know your life tricks if you haven’t!). Seriously, who hasn’t felt, at one point or another in their life, that other people have it easier or that everything is handed to them on a plate? Who hasn’t been paranoid that some of their nearest and dearest might be playing them? We all make up scenarios in our minds but are they sometimes based on genuine concerns or conscious acts of sabotage?

Fear not, however, this book is certainly not all doom and gloom and there are a lot of touching, beautiful and emotional moments when your heart will wants to burst. Genuine healthy friendships, forgiveness, courage and love are also the order of the day.

Fallon is a master at writing life as is, with all its ups and downs. Reading this book felt like catching up with a mate describing the latest events in her life. It felt real and plausible (don’t we all overreact from time to time??). I could easily imagine the characters of this book and felt as if I knew them. I was particularly fond of Georgia and Anne Marie (ok, my favorite was Igor the dog but that is neither here nor there), however every character had their part to play in the story.

For me, this book embodies the definition of unputdownable. It was definitely a case of just one more chapter and, without giving anything away, I loved the ending. I would highly recommend Worst. Idea. Ever. and I am eagerly awaiting Jane’s next book….