Beautifully Written and Highly Recommended!

This novel’s protagonist, Alex, begins by facing the challenges and complexities of being a startup founder, of which Molly is clearly an expert as there are numerous enjoyable nods to the current London scene, and as a startup founder myself, there were so many moments that resonated with me here, particularly with Alex’s revelations about her motivations, and the contrasts and balancing act between her public and private selves. Even when things get, let’s say ‘distracting’, we experience her mental burden of responsibility, both to all those around her and to herself. She must navigate all the expectation surrounding her, and as unique as her particular journey is, it feels wholly relevant and applicable to everyone wanting to examine their self-understanding. Overall, it is difficult to describe without spoiling the ‘twist’, so I will rather vaguely state that this struck me as a fascinating exploration of our foundations and what drives our ambition in life. Highly recommended!

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention the wonderful read by Sophie Bleasdale. A beautifully emotive and engrossing performance.

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2 people found this helpful

A charming first Story by first time author.

Can be charming at times,but has re-read most chapters to make sense of the story, but has very light ending. It is her first her book so I not put off her any books she may put out in the near future. The story has a strong sense of originality then most chick lit out thare, be no surprise "The charmed life of Alxe Moor" turn into a online tv series. I could also see that Molly Fleet could do book series of advents of life of the unusual Islanders life and how Alex life decided to go when she starts her life with Fin; but end of note I don't mind that it a one show story.

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Hmmmmm....

It was like listening to 2 stories... the introductory story which seemed funny and with humorous teasing of our society.
It then morphed into the unbelievable...
I have to admit that I hadn't read the blurb before buying and so can't really criticise the story line.
However.... if the story had build on the absurdities of her start-up (as clearly teased up by the author), with that level of comedy, I think I would have emerged chuckling rather than head scratching...
In short, I was properly confused!

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not for me

I was intrigued by the premise, imagining some sort of magical realism that saw her step into someone else's life. maybe that's what did happen, I'll never know because I gave up listening at the 'Mac something else' comment which was the cherry on the already incredibly stereotypical depictions of Scottish people.

The story started in media res but if felt like it was taking way too long to provide any clues to explain the thoroughly dislikeable protagonist's apparently meteoric rise to keep me reading on through the one dimensional stereorypical characters to find out what the twist actually was.

The London start up information is clearly something the author was well versed in as it's not something I'm familiar with and much of it went over my head. However, her research into how to get to Orkney left a bit to be desired - I'd like to get a train that took only 7 & a half hours to get from London to Thurso where the ferry leaves for Orkney - a quick Google search will tell you it's closer to 20 hours! That and the fact no such mall exists at the train station which also does not link directly to the ferry terminal. I appreciate artistic license but even if the author didn't actually travel the route of her protagonist it's not hard to find out online.

I felt the book couldn't decide if it was humourous or ernest and just fell flat on both counts for me.

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