This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Reviewed by Kelly Allen
Polly and Arthur are married with
three children, a dog and a noticeably messy kitchen. Their relationship has
started to deteriorate and when charismatic James Hammond comes along, Polly is
swept away by the dream of the perfect man; rich, handsome and able to offer
her the job of her dreams. Arthur is an unsuspecting stay at home dad, who is
writing a novel whilst Polly works full time to keep the family afloat. This
alone sparks enough tension to drive the final wedge between the married
couple, and once their argument reaches crisis point, Polly tells Arthur to
leave. He does, but he takes the dog with him.
The following day Polly gives Arthur an ultimatum: he has to make £600 that day and then he can return home. He feels pressured but he is supported by his new found friend Malcolm, a hippy and soulful type who falls in love with Polly and Arthur’s mutual friend Em. Both Malcolm and Em suggest Arthur undertake the challenge to ‘Learn Love in a Week’; a new phenomenon that encourages people to discover how to love more fully and to appreciate love when it is present instead of taking those moments for granted. Arthur thrives each day and eventually things begin to click for him.
It is not only Arthur who is struggling with his romantic situation. Em is also going through some tough changes; her secret boyfriend Dan, who works in the same department, shows a severe lack of commitment. She turns to Arthur for advice who offers a different kind of ultimatum, marriage or it’s over.
Will the couples go their separate ways, or can they all learn to love again, in a week?
When I started to read this book, I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did. It took me a little time to grasp each character as the narrative flits from Polly to Arthur to Em and so on. However, once I understood the loves, hates, needs and feelings of each character I found the story absolutely addictive.
The story is told over the span of one week and throughout this time Arthur completes the challenge to ‘Learn Love in a Week’. Each day he is given a snippet of advice, a daily exercise and challenge. This alone helped the story of Arthur unravel and I felt quite bonded to his character by the end of the book. I loved his relationship with his children and how utterly individual each child was; this shone through thanks to wonderfully written descriptions and dialogue.
Arthur is an amazing character who everyone seems to fall in love with some way or another, and I think as a reader it is easy to fall in love with such a well written character. I also fell head over heel for Em and her manic lifestyle and personality; in particular the comical nudity that befalls her in the hotel and the ‘nipple’ incident made me laugh out loud!
This book is honest and to the point regarding relationships, but the comedy style gives even the worst and sometimes devastating moments a light-hearted feel. As soon as something goes awry, the pace picks up and the laughter begins once more; something everyone can appreciate.
After reading this book, I am planning to ‘Learn Love in a Week’ by using the sections given within the book. The book has made me want to appreciate all the good in life, regardless of the bad. This book has ignited a new passion for life and love, and that alone is worth 10/10.
10/10