I love reading and always try to have a book on the go. This week I have been reading The People at Number 9 by Felicity Everett.
It's a story that gripped me right from the start so that made it an easy read. I actually finished it in the middle of the night because I woke up about 2am and couldn't get to sleep so decided to finish where I had left off and I didn't go back to sleep until I had finished it! Now I think that's a sign of a good book!
It's essentially a satire of how life can be in the suburbs, and given that this is a life I know all too well I found it really interesting and relevant. The story is told from the point of view of Sara, a happily married woman, with 2 children living the perfect but slightly boring and unfulfilling life in the suburbs. When a new family, Lou and Gav and their four children move next door they seem different and glamorous and immediately alluring to Sara. Lou and Gav are creatives - Gav is an artist and Lou is a film producer and when Sara decides to befriend them it takes her on a long journey of jealousy and ultimately betrayal.
We all have our moments when we are jealous of our friends and neighbours. We want what they have so much that we forget that what we already have ourselves is actually quite amazing as it is. Sara finds herself seduced by Gav and Lou, envious of their style, their house, their creative passions and their parenting style. She has a crush on both of them in many ways. She wants to be stylish and alluring like Lou and she admires Gavin's parenting and camaraderie on the school run and enjoys their little flirtations a bit too much.
She is thrilled when they return the compliment by accepting her as friends and she is initially inspired to make changes to her life that she thinks will benefit herself and her family. However, as time wears on Lou and Gav seem to be taking advantage more than they should and Sara ultimately finds herself losing a lot more than she has gained in this one friendship.
I didn't feel that I really identified with any of the characters or even admired any of them but I certainly recognised the issues that this book raises. I really feel for Sara, who faces many of the pressures and struggles that all modern mothers face. She is trying to juggle a job around looking after her children, whilst in search of something more than a 'job'. She would like a career she is passionate about, but it's difficult to put yourself out there to face the likely rejection. Sara often puts herself down and doesn't have belief in her abilities. She's also desperately seeking that connection with someone, a lasting friendship. At the start of the novel she is friendly with several people but you sense that she really longs for that 'close friendship' that she will find with Lou.
I think as modern mothers we are continually comparing ourselves to others, wondering if we could do better. Sara's worries about the school that her children go to will echo with mothers all across the country, we can all relate because we all worry that our children are getting the best education that they can. We see though that Sara can be quite critical of others too and quick to drop old relationships for new. Sara's focus on changing their lives actually in the end damages her family, and that makes me feel really sorry for her. She was too blinded with her fascination with her new friends that she failed to see the bigger picture.
Suburbia is full of people just like the characters in this book, continually looking outwards and trying to keep up with or be better than others. I find it mentally exhausting and try not to be like it myself, but it's hard when it almost seems to be a way of life in the modern world. This book definitely touches upon these issues and I'll be recommending it to all of my friends because it really touched a nerve with me as it is completely socially relevant. A very interesting read!
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adam says
What a great thoughtful review. I felt the same; it tells us so much about inner feelings of insecurity, aspiration, envy etc.
We Made This Life says
It definitely does. Thanks for commenting 🙂
Laura Dove says
Ooh this sounds like the kind of book Id like to read, I need to download it on my kindle for when I grab a moment!
Sarah Bailey says
This sounds like a really interesting read, something that a lot of people can relate to which is always interesting when it comes to a read.
The Inner Circle says
This certainly sounds a LOT better then the book I just finished...enjoyed your review...
Kayleigh Bestwick says
Such a great review. Once my course is over with, I've told myself to read more book reviews to then pick a new book to read each month. This one is now on my list!
myrabevlife says
Someone how I feel as though as I have seen a movie made but I think the movie had assassins in it lol. I loved the review it is well written
Agata @BarkTime says
I personally really dislike people like this... why trying to keep up with others insted being happy... I don't understand modern sociaty and a rat race... adding this book to my read list as it sounds like a great read
We Made This Life says
It's totally weird to me too, but I have friends who are exactly like this. So frustrating when they should just appreciate how great their own lives are.
rhianwestbury says
Sounds like an interesting read, and it must have been gripping enough if you finished reading it in the middle of the night x
We Made This Life says
I couldn't sleep so thought instead of just lying there I would read this and was gripped until the end!
kirstyralph11 says
It sounds like a really interesting book and certainly one I might enjoy I tend to read crime, psychological thrillers so it might be nice to change genre! X
We Made This Life says
Yes, sometimes a change is good!
Joanna says
It sounds like an interesting book and I would love to read it as well. I like that the subject can relate to any of us in different ways and it's always nice to read about experiences that we might have been through ourselves.
We Made This Life says
Yes, I think that's what I liked so much about it.
Deborah Butler (@SuperBusyMum) says
This sounds like an interesting read - I'll have to keep an eye out for that one.
Ana De Jesus says
It is a shame you were not able to identify with the characters but I am happy to hear that you were able to enjoy the book nevertheless. I will have to add it to my reading list x
We Made This Life says
I think I identified with parts of them, not being able to relate to them didn't spoil my enjoyment of it at all.
Emily (@amummytoo) says
I think I'd like this one! I do love a good satire, especially one I can relate to.
We Made This Life says
It's very relatable for us suburban mums!
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
The people at number 9 sounds interesting, I would not mind trying to read this to pass time. I'm always up for a good book.
We Made This Life says
It definitely was an interesting read.
Jacqueline says
I can understand why you finished this book in the small hours of the morning. It sounds like a real pate turner with a lot of intrigue. Although I don't live in the suburbs I've heard many real life stories that are similar to this book. Happy I don't live in that world. Love and peace to all I say 🙂
We Made This Life says
Suburbia is definitely a world of it's own, in good ways and bad! I don't love it myself, but it's my reality!
Ashleigh says
I need some new books to read on the way to/from work, so will look at buying this for sure!
We Made This Life says
I used to read loads when I commuted! I hope you enjoy it!
forkwardthinkingfoodinista says
I have been looking for a new read so may give this a whirl :)x
forkwardthinkingfoodinista says
I have been looking for a new read so this looks like it's worth a whirl :)x
forkwardthinkingfoodinista says
I have been looking for a new read so this is ideal for my travel time :)x
We Made This Life says
Definitely! I hope you enjoy it.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
I love books that keep me captivated sounds like this one did with you. It's good it had interesting issues to keep you reading although a shame you didn't identify with the characters.
We Made This Life says
It definitely did keep me captivated. I think I identified with parts of them, but definitely not completely. It didn't spoil it for me though.
serenityyou says
I have heard that this book is really good, but wasn't sure what it was all about. I have added it to my to read list
We Made This Life says
I'm glad you have found out more about it! I hope you enjoy it!
Shoshana Sue says
I want to read this book so much. I have heard about it on Goodreads and you have just confirmed that it is gripping right from the start and a must read. I rarely identify myself with any character and I don't think I will with this book just like you.
We Made This Life says
I really enjoyed it, I hope you do too!
@JaxFortyNorth - Mummy's Little Monkey says
Ah, book reading - a pastime I used to enjoy before having children... I literally don't think I've finished a single book since the evening before my youngest was born! x
helerinablogs says
This sounds like something I would enjoy reading. It seems to be a story we can all relate to too. I'm going to add it to my Amazon wishlist now.
Jaymee (@_TheMumDiaries) says
I do love a good book and this sounds great! I think it helps to be able to identify to some aspects of the characters. Fab review!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I am making it my aim to read more at the moment, so I am adding this to my reading list!
BeautyAndThePrince (@Lisasbeauties) says
oh i love a good book recommendation i need to check this out
We Made This Life says
I hope you enjoy it!
16bitdad says
My OH has almost finished American Gods now, and will be looking for another book. Might have to suggest this.
We Made This Life says
I haven't heard of American Gods, I'll have to look that one up too!
trinimamabebe says
Sounds like an interesting read my down fall is falling asleep reading a book I lean towards audio books or films mainly
We Made This Life says
I fall asleep sooo often reading too!
Danasia Fantastic says
My girlfriend just had her first baby and loves to read! I'll have to tell her to check it out!
We Made This Life says
Aw congratulations on the baby! I hope she gets time to read!