Someone Else’s Shoes – Jojo Moyes | Book Review | #SomeoneElsesShoes

Who are you when you are forced to walk in someone else’s shoes?

MEET SAM
She’s not got much, but she’s grateful for what she has: a job she’s just about clinging on to and a family who depend on her for everything. She knows she’s one bad day away from losing it all – and just hopes today isn’t it . . .

MEET NISHA
She’s got everything she always dreamed of – and more: a phenomenally rich husband; an international lifestyle; and . . . she’s just been locked out of all of it after her husband initiates divorce proceedings . .

Sam and Nisha should never have crossed paths. But after a bag mix-up at the gym, their lives become intertwined – even as they spiral out of control.

Each blames the other as they feel increasingly invisible, forgotten, lost – and desperately alone.
But they’re not.

No woman is an island. Look around. Family. Friends. Strangers.

Even the woman you believe just ruined your life might turn out to be your best friend.

Because together you can do anything – like take back what is yours . . .

Publisher: Penguin Michael Joseph
Format: Ebook, Audio, Hardback (2 February 2023) | Paperback to follow
Source: Borrowed from library

MY THOUGHTS

I loved this story of two women from completely different worlds who wouldn’t normally have come into each other’s orbit save for a mix up with a gym bag and a red pair of Louboutin shoes.

Told from the perspectives of both Sam and Nisha. Two completely different characters and one I found easier to initially sympathise with than the other. One woman struggling to deal with a vile male boss and keep her job, as well as taking up the slack at home where she has a rusting camper van on the drive, her husband is having his own mental health crisis, and not to mention the ever demanding parents who think she should be at their beck and call. A pair of high heels make her feel good and empowered, it’s just a pity they don’t belong to her.

The other, married to a wealthy albeit controlling man, she wanted for nothing, however she finds herself with nothing as her life implodes around her. Left high and dry and on her own in London, the brash and brusque American seemed to win few friends and just gave off this vibe of entitlement. However delve further into her character, as the book does, and you get a different picture.

In addition to the main characters, there were many supporting ones that were brilliantly portrayed – Phil the husband, who feels so low he struggles to even get up in the morning. Nisha’s Ray, who seemed so vulnerable and tugged at my heartstrings. And Jasmine – who despite not having very much herself, reached out with friendship and support.

I’ve always enjoyed Jojo’s books and for me this was one of her best. It’s heartwarming, entertaining and will make you laugh one minute and then make you feel that you have something in your eye. I raced through this uplifting (and occasionally mad) story of folk dealing with adversity in all its forms and despite the knock-backs finding a strength of character to keep pushing on. Misunderstandings, drama, a few surprises, but moreover a wonderful sense of friendship to counter balance these awful characters who want to put these women down. I loved it, I had hoped the Epilogue would be a little longer but it wrapped the book up nicely. Another cracking read which deserves a place on your bookshelf. The long wait on the library reservation list was definitely worth it.

Jojo Moyes is a novelist and journalist. Her books include the bestsellers Me Before You, After You and Still Me, The Girl You Left Behind, The One Plus One and her short story collection Paris for One and Other Stories. The Giver of Stars is her most recent bestseller and Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick. Her novels have been translated into forty-six languages, have hit the number one spot in twelve countries and have sold over thirty-eight million copies worldwide.

Me Before You has now sold over fourteen million copies worldwide and was adapted into a major film starring Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke.

Other blog reviews
Me Before You and After You
The One Plus One
The Girl You Left Behind

Follow the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon UK