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The Shelf
- Narrated by: Daisy Edgar-Jones
- Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
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The Shelf
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Summary
Selected for the Radio 2 summer book club.
A funny, feminist and all-too-relatable novel about our obsession with coupling up, settling down and the battle we all have with accepting ourselves, The Shelf introduces the freshest new voice in women's fiction.
Narrated by Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People, Gentleman Jack, Cold Feet, War of the Worlds)
Ever feel like you're losing a race you never signed up for?
Everyone in Amy's life seems to be getting married, having children and settling down (or so Instagram tells her), and she feels like she's falling behind.
So, when her long-term boyfriend surprises her with a dream holiday, she thinks he's going to finally pop the Big Question. But the dream turns into a nightmare when, instead, she finds herself on the set of a Big Brother-style reality television show, The Shelf.
Along with five other women, Amy is brutally dumped live on TV and must compete in a series of humiliating and obnoxious tasks in the hope of being crowned 'The Keeper'.
While inside the house, will Amy learn that there are worse things than being 'left on the shelf'?
Critic reviews
"Just as addictive as reality TV but twice as juicy! Shocking and hilarious, I devoured it and I just want more.” (Carry Hope Fletcher)
“I really loved it! Subversive, feminist and a real breath of fresh air. I inhaled this!” (Laura Jane Williams)
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What listeners say about The Shelf
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- Panda
- 19-09-20
Applies just as much to me at 60
The red flags set my heart racing as I realised I've been living a slow inner death at the hands of my indifferent husband over 4 yrs or more. This book made me decide at 60 i can go it alone and be good & kind to myself. I wont look back in my quest to find some happiness on my own.. Thank you.
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24 people found this helpful
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- mustangclaire
- 29-04-21
such a great surprise.
I came at this after a couple of heavy crime books. Thought it would be light and fluffy. It was. But had fantastic characters, a great message, and perfect narration.
I genuinely enjoyed every word. Well written, despite me being nearly 50 it felt inclusive, and I loved every word. Heartily recommend.
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2 people found this helpful
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- chantel stewart
- 26-02-21
loved it
loved it was a great listen good story the lady who read it was great 👍
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- L MacMaster
- 14-01-22
I listened to this on Audible and loved it
I enjoy some reality TV shows and have always, since the first Big Brother, have been interested in the psychology of how we all communicate and whether a spotlight changes that. Helly Acton obviously has the same curiosities and puts them down in the book so well.
There was also some key lessons to take from this and I am sure every person reading can pick up a lesson from it but aside from that it's a blooming good entertaining read/listen.
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- Maria
- 22-04-21
Different angle
I love how this wasn’t your stereotypical boy meets girl storyline. Fab idea, super enjoyable listen :)
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- Jenny Mullin
- 19-05-21
Wonderful Book
Uplifting and entertaining. An original idea. I was gripped until the end. Loved the story and characters.
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- Anonymous User
- 23-07-20
Enjoyable and thought provoking
I really loved listening to this (narration by Daisy Edgar-Jones was heaven). I thought the premise of the book was interesting as a reflection of current society: reality TV and the lengths it will go to for ‘entertainment’; social media and the need to stay relevant / ‘liked’; modern relationships and online dating; all reflected from the central perspective of the group of women. The collective group of female characters reflect the nuance of being female and navigating societal pressures. The central message of the novel is a positive one of acceptance, encouraging us to embrace who we are and what we ultimately care about when we disregard societal expectations. The narrative manages to tow the line of being fun and entertaining, whilst also touching on the ridiculousness of the narrative women are fed by society - there are times when I laughed at what appeared to be a silly or old fashioned challenge, and then quickly reflected that those values are sadly still part of the fabric of our society. I’m excited to read / listen to more from this new author! Give it a listen, you won’t regret it.
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- Anonymous User
- 05-11-20
Addictive
A brilliant story which was easy to listen to and that reminded me of some past relationships. Daisy Edgar-Jones was a perfect choice to narrate it.
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- Katherine King
- 13-09-21
Brilliant!
Really loved this book. Loved the message and really enjoyed it, right to the end! Looking forward to the next one!!
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- Trudy Vic
- 21-12-20
A fun read
Really enjoyed this book. It was fun, empowering and profound. It was beautifully read and the characters were relatable. Highly recommend.
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