Reviewer: Robyn Whyte
Title: Roommates Wanted
Author: Lisa Jewell
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN-13: 9780061137471
Release Date: March 2008
Genre/Sub-genre: Contemporary Fiction
Year/Setting: Present day - London, England
Overall Rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None/Mild
Violent Content Rating: None
Lisa's Website:
www.lisa-jewell.co.uk
If you're ready to be transported to into London of modern day, then take the trip by picking up a copy of Lisa Jewell's novel.
The novel starts with a series of letters and ads posted. Toby has been given a house by his father who is a slim part of his life but unfortunately a big part of his self-esteem. Toby is a fledging writer and he imagines that his house will be roomed out to people who need the house. He takes applications and keeps the rent low. The book picks up almost ten years later when Toby gets a letter from his father that he's coming to see what Toby has made of himself.
One of his tenants dies, necessitating in him meeting his first true friend Leah Pilgrim. In the process, this tenant leaves him some considerable amount of money. In the letter, the tenant tells him to do something important with the money. Along with this event, Toby ends up getting a letter from his father who says he is coming to visit and to find out if Toby has made something of himself. Toby sees the house through his father's eyes and realizes that he has to do something. A meeting with a real estate agent tells him that the house could be worth a hefty bundle if he does certain things to it. The only problem to selling is his tenants. They still need the house.
In the years Toby hasn't learned to socialize much and that's when he and Leah join forces to find out more about the tenants. Toby's goal is to make sure that all the people don't need the place anymore, that they're ready to attack life. Toby and Leah grow close through this process and romance flourishes.
Will they be able to get all the tenants out on time?
The book is a real tapestry of different characters with hidden motives and hidden problems. Opening this book is like stepping into a different place fully and once you're in, you'll need to read the book from cover to cover.
Robyn W.
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