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Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella might surprise you. It is a little bit different from Kinsella’s typical novels, however the wonderful writing that we have come to expect is definitely still here. This book is a mix of humour and seriousness. The characters are super quirky and the themes of aging, friendship, and family really pull the book together.
Title: Surprise MeAuthor: Sophie Kinsella
Also by this author: Finding Audrey
Publisher: The Dial Press
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publication Date: February 13, 2018
Rating:
After being together for ten years, Sylvie and Dan have all the trimmings of a happy life and marriage; they have a comfortable home, fulfilling jobs, beautiful twin girls, and communicate so seamlessly, they finish each other's sentences. However, a trip to the doctor projects they will live another 68 years together and panic sets in. They never expected "until death do us part" to mean seven decades.
In the name of marriage survival, they quickly concoct a plan to keep their relationship fresh and exciting: they will create little surprises for each other so that their (extended) years together will never become boring. But in their pursuit to execute Project Surprises, mishaps arise and secrets are uncovered that start to threaten the very foundation of their unshakable bond. When a scandal from the past is revealed that question some important untold truths, they begin to wonder if they ever really knew each other after all.
With a colorful, eccentric cast of characters, razor-sharp observations, and her signature wit and charm, Sophie Kinsella crafts a humorous, yet thoughtful portrait of a marriage and shines a light on the danger of not looking past the many layers of the ones you love to discover how infinitely fascinating--and surprising--they truly are.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella
I have yet to read a book written by Sophie Kinsella that hasn’t made me laugh out loud. Surprise Me begins with a bit of a serious discovery made by Dan and Sylvie. After finding out that their life expectancies and marriage will be 68 more years, they struggle to grasp what the future will hold. What becomes a fun and interesting exploration of how to spice things up through various surprises leads the couple on a path that is both revealing and at times quite funny.
❀ Eclectic and Off-Beat Characters
Kinsella is definitely one for creating a cast of eclectic and off-beat characters that you just can’t help but fall in love with. Sylvie is one that is such an enjoyable and well-developed character that transforms throughout the novel. Her friends are the greatest side characters with their outlandish ideas which gives the book that classic humour seen in many of the authors books.
❀ Meaningful Themes
There are some really deep and meaningful themes that are explored in Surprise Me that give the book a real depth. The concept of aging and how it relates to a life that is both long and full is one that I have not come across before, and it really makes me think. I also loved the friendships that Sylvie has forged and how she seems to have so many different friends to count on. Also, Sylvie’s family is very important to her and these are the parts of the story that get quite interesting.
❀ Not Light and Fluffy
Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella may not be as light and fluffy as some of Kinsella’s other works, but this is definitely one that is just as well-written and contains lots of laugh-out-loud moments. I love the characters and the whole concept of this book. It is one to pick-up if you are in the mood for a book that has a mix of seriousness and fun.
About Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella is the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series as well as the novels Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, My Not So Perfect Life, and, most recently, Surprise Me. She lives between London and the country.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
hmm this sounds interesting — I liked the shopaholic books but have never read anything of hers where she was trying to cover a slightly more serious topic — nice review!
Great review! I’ve never read a book by this author. I can’t believe it. This one sounds good! 🙂
I like the idea of the marriage being the center of the story. Dan and Sylvie sound like a couple that I would enjoy following. Great review, I will have to add this to my wishlist.
I read Can You Keep a Secret by Kinsella and loved it. It sounds like this book might have a slightly different vibe but it still sounds petty good. I can hardly imagine spending 68 years with myself let alone someone else.
Great post!
THIS sounds fantastic! Absolutely fantastic… I don’t believe that, if this technology actually existed, I would ever use it. I think not knowing is the best thing, because you take nothing for granted. But I can only imagine what ensues in this story. I have never read a Kinsella book before, but as soon as I heard about this one, I wanted to read it!
I haven’t read a book by Sophie Kinsella yet but I really like the premise of this one. It sounds fun!!
I agree this was a little different for Kinsella. She always has that serious, heartfelt moment in every book, but this was a lot deeper, but I still laughed a lot and the ending left me quite elated. Great review!
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I love that this is kind of a departure for Sophie Kinsella, yet it’s still just as good! I can’t wait to read it!
Great review. Me and my hubby will be married 18 years this year. I am hoping we can make it as long as this couple. Sounds like a great story! I have to put this on my TBR list!
Mary
Great review! I haven’t read any of Sophie Kinsella’s books but this one sounds good.
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The Shopaholic books are the only Kinsella novels I’ve read. Will see if this one is at the library!
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Nice review! We were debating whether or not to read this novel but such a high rating means it’s gonna be an enjoyable read. It’s not often we find a book that balances out the serious and fun aspects, so we’ll be looking out for this book!
I’m glad this was such a positive experience! At first I wasn’t sure I’d be able to relate to this middle aged couple and their lives but it sounds like there’s a lot of fun and a great cast involved so nothing really to hate.
I’ve started Kinsella’s Can You Keep a Secret? and it’s been enjoyable so far. I hope it really converts me 🙂
Wonderful review!
I feel ashamed to say this, but I’ve NEVER read a Sophie Kinsella book before. D: Buuuut this one sounds totally unique, definitely not something I’d pick up on my own. I’m pretty much sold on the way you described the heroine, though. She sounds quirky and lovable, and I can’t wait to meet her for myself. 😉
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Lovely review, thank you for sharing!
I love Sophie Kinsella and plan to check out her latest book. I am in fact in the middle of reading Wedding Night by her now.
This sounds like a great book.
That sounds like an interesting marriage, full of surprises. 😉
I love reading Sofie Kinsella’s books and this book intrigues me. I love the humor the author brings to her readers. Loved your review! I’ve added it to my “want to read” shelf.
Enjoyed your review.
Cute cover!
Lovely book.
This sounds like a really great read.