The Square (1)

'The Square' tells the entertaining story of a group of residents who all live in the same upscale neighbourhood in the north of London. There's the always perfect Jane, who has it all: the beautiful house, a loving husband and son, and her neighbour Harriet's husband as her secret lover. Only a few houses down we have eccentric artist couple Philip and Glinda, who are known for the pornographic photos displayed around their home, and there's Tracy and Larry, who unexpectedly won the lottery which resulted in them being able to suddenly send their kids to private school and move to the Square. In order to raise some money for new communal fencing, the residents of the Square decide to organise a talent show; an event that will not only lead to some of them showcasing their talents, but perhaps also a secret or two...

I really flew through the pages of 'The Square' and finished it within just two sittings, while having thoroughly enjoyed each chapter. It's clear author Rosie Millard knows her way around the English language, resulting in quite a specific writing style which fit the idea of a modern comedy of manners perfectly and which I personally really liked. Each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the residents of the Square, making it possible for the reader to climb into the mind of several characters. There's a diverse collection of characters in the novel, including ones I instantly warmed to (such as lottery-winner Tracy, piano teacher Rebecca, and young George) and a few I loved to hate (such as the snobby Jane).

The novel reminded me a bit of a soap opera with its different storylines to focus on, and more than enough to keep the reader entertained: from a cheating housewife to celebrity financial wizards to eccentric artists and young romance... I'm sure there's something to please everyone, hidden within 'The Square.' I have to admit I personally thought the ending of the novel was a bit sudden and it feels like there are still some unanswered questions. However, who knows, perhaps we can expect a sequel one day...? Overall, 'The Square' was a highly entertaining, quick and juicy read that had me captivated from start to finish, and a book that once again shows that you never know what goes on behind closed doors!

I read this on vacation and it was the perfect diversion even though it felt a bit dreary with all the cheating going on. In The Square, this closed residential enclave of privilege, the marital cheating take on complicated geometric shapes while the frienemy situations are overlapping venn diagrams making the whole a dizzying disaster of a group. I can't even begin to go into detail about it all but I will say that while I didn't like most of these people, I did want to know how things turned out for them. Most of all I was glad that Jane was losing her side screw to a house sell up & Tracey who thinks she's home free, isn't, if that last look in at Alan is any indication. Those were both satisfying ends. I liked Roberta, the piano instructor and also her best little student, George (Jane & Patrick's son). The other children in The Square weren't as well rendered as George but I didn't mind. This was definitely a good look in at a group of people who don't genuinely like one another but who go to great lengths to pretend they're friends, pretend they're more successful & together than others and are expert at telling themselves they're superior to some while seeking approval from others they perceive best them. It was distressing to me the financial & personal risk they put themselves through for a facade for people they didn't much like. It made me uncomfortable, felt real and I felt that was worthy. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a weekend, vacation read or loves women's fiction & brit chick lit.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.