Free-Falling by Nicola Moriarty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Whilst I prided myself to read pretty much everything, there is actually a type of book I usually try to avoid and that’s any contemporary chick-lit type of story. Nevertheless, I think I still read an average of 2-3 a year (out of my usual 200+ books). So why did I choose to read this obviously girly book?
The first seed of interest was sown when I first read the blurb, it brought to mind PS I Love You by Cecelia Ahern which I have a read a couple of years ago (after the movie) and absolutely loved, mostly due to the supernatural possibility it represent. After the read, I can confirm that whilst the blurb made them sound similar, it’s a very different story whilst tackling same topic (grief).
I actually found out about this book from a flyer at my local library promoting a book launch. My interest was piqued even further when I found out that Nicola Moriarty is a local. I mean that she lives 2-3 suburbs away from me (approx 20 mins drive). This got me totally excited and in a bid to support a truly local author, I took the plunge.
The first line of chapter 1: I really didn’t know whether I was supposed to laugh or to cringe knowing that something is bound to go wrong.
The day after her fiancé died, Belinda drove to the RSPCA and picked up a puppy.
I totally get it why this makes complete “sense” but… if you know me, you know that I’m a proud mother of a gorgeous pug so whilst I wanted to snicker knowing something is bound to go wrong (this is soo not why you get a puppy), I also wanted to cringe for the poor puppy. You’ll have to read it to find out what actually happen 😉
To begin with, I didn’t like Belinda at all due to the way she was dealing with grief however as she dealt with it and her real-self started to show about mid-way of the novel, she grew on me. She was actually quite a sweet, confident, and capable young woman.
This book is told from 2 main perspectives: Belinda and Evelyn. Evelyn was Belinda’s mother-in-law-from-hell-to-be. She doesn’t sound very pleasant at all, huh? But, actually, she’s the one I like from right near the beginning. This is because I feel that I can relate to her better. Okay, not the criminal inclination nor the skydiving but her way of dealing with grief; of anger, of shutting everybody out and yet still seem to be altogether in public. I can understand this and sympathise with her but I just couldn’t sympathise with Belinda’s break-down.
Most memorable bit for me:
But then that moment passed and Evelyn remembered why it was that she kept doing this [skydiving]. That feeling of absolute freedom exploded from within and a gleeful smile was pasted across her face – despite the fact that her cheeks were rather unattractively flapping in the wind and her skin was being stretched back as though she’d just had an intense does of Botox.
Despite my initial reluctance, this was an easy book to read and love. 60 pages from end, I found myself thinking that I didn’t want it to end. It’s a very sweet and heart warming story which tugged and squeezed not only your heart but your tear-ducts. (Disclaimer: I cry pretty easily whilst reading :p) So, what does it say when someone who doesn’t usually read chick-lit type books like a chick-lit type of book? I say, you should give this book a fair go 😉
Stay tuned for An Interview with Nicola tomorrow!
Tien's Blurb 
I enjoyed this one as well–I thought it was a very elegant and witty take on the genre. Looking forward to your interview with Nicola!
PS, I am still very jealous of your gorgeous little pug! 🙂
ha ha, too bad you’re down in Melbourne or you could dog-sit for us 😉
I enjoyed this too – how lucky that you got to meet her! I am meeting her big sister, Liane Moriarty in a week or so!
I know! She’s so lovely & down to earth 🙂
I have to confess that I’ve not read either Liane or Jaclyn – which book of each should I try first, Shelleyrae?
They are very different writers Tien – Liane writes women’s fiction which you state you are not a fan of, though if you are willing to give one ago then I recommend What Alice Forgot.
Jaclyn writes mostly YA, and while I am not sure where you live but if it is near the library where Nicola’s book was launched, you are probably familiar with the Hills area where Jaclyn’s series is set and you may be able to recognise a few landmarks which is always fun (I used to live in Baulkham Hills)
Jaclyn’s new book being released soon – A Corner of White – is sort of adult/ya fantasy and you might find that more appealing, though you will have to wait til September
I checked our What Alice Forgot on GR and whilst I liked amnesia stories, it sounds a bit painful to me actually. This would be a book where I’d check the ending first before I decided if I’d actually want to read it.
Oooh, I will definitely have to check out Jacklyn’s books! I used to work in Baulkham Hills!
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