An enjoyable and imaginative collection of short stories, which read more like modern fairy tales as there is a big dollop of magic realism mixed in, about many of the predicaments faced by contemporary women. Some stories were spectacular, others felt a little repetitive in terms of theme and symbolism. But when Ahern hits the mark, she hits the mark. A mixed bag, but a bag that contains some gems.

This book contains 30 short stories, about 30 different women, which each come with a little special message or meaning behind them. I found myself laughing and chuckling along with the stories. They may not be for everyone, and some were better than others, standing out more. I love having a book of short stories on the go, always able to go back to, read one every now and again. Only this one just kept me reading the next one, then the next straight afterwards. This book does take a more feminist fell and written for women, but who says men won't enjoy it too.

Roar is the latest novel from Cecelia Ahern. The book has thirty short stories that has something for every woman.

I have made no secret of the fact that I absolutely adore Cecelia’s novels. When I heard about this one, I was very intrigued to read it. Roar is slightly different to anything she has written before.

This assortment of stories carry a similar theme but all have something unique to say.

All the way through, it looks at women, our sense of self, self-esteem, our relationships with ourselves, with men and other women also.

It’s an interesting and very powerful look at how some of us look at the world and where we see ourselves within it.

There are not just stories about women finding their voice. Some explore relationships with spouses too.


There were some stories that resounded with me more than others but I am sure if I ask another person who has read it, they will have a different list.

Although all of the stories carry an overall theme, none are directly connected so this is easy to dip in and out of if you find you only have five minutes to read something at a certain point.

Each chapter starts with ‘the women who’ and has Cecelia’s magical way of looking at things. A couple of them reminded me a little of Black Mirror (which I love.)

I fully enjoyed this book. I think it is one that every woman should read (especially if you’re a little unsure of where you fit in.)

Another gem from Cecelia. With recent events, I feel this book has an important message for women; we have the ability to roar.

I bypassed this gem on my Netgalley list a number of times for very dumb reasons. First off, I’ll be frank, I just don’t like the cover- I think I put it well into the ‘will go over my head’ category. The other thing was I assumed it would be a colossal read and I honestly do not have time this year for anything over 450/500 pages. Oh how I could kick myself now, but look we are where we are and I am so glad to have read this beautiful book!

So to start with, it’s a group of short stories, all centred around different women, some to make you laugh, for example a group of women who have fallen through the floor from various embarrassing moments, others that,I can’t even begin to put across how emotional I became, as they put me right back to times I felt lost, or at the ‘is this really all I can be from here on in?’ time in my life.

To say they took hold of my heart doesn’t even begin to cover it. There was one in particular that caught me and made me smile too, but still stung as I thought about people’s daily challenges. It began simply, with people being defined by a pink or blue wristband, but soon descended into showing us how gender issues of course should never be that simple.

This is a book where the short stories are all encompassing, unbiased and educational, with perhaps one I wouldn’t have agreed with myself, deeming it to be a little sensational and not as clear cut as portrayed and definitely open to interpretation, especially if you hold different beliefs.

Saying that in general they pretty much all held me, gripped me and took my breath away. One I’ll be buying for friends in the future and beyond recommended. Thanks so much to Harpercollins and Netgalley for the book in return for an honest review.

Rating:5/5

This was an interesting premise, but it didn't quite work for me. Maybe I like to indulge in the luxury for one ful length story, rather than short stories.

I found this book very strange to start with and in all honesty quite weird. I appreciate the moral for want of a better word behind the stories and some I could relate to but it was not my favourite of Cecilia's books.

Roar is a collection of such varied stories that I am sure all readers will find some they can identify with. Some are humorous, some are bizarre, some hit home with their realism, but all were able to draw me in. Quite a number of them touch on modern day issues in a non-confrontational but thought-provoking way.

I received a digital ARC but ended up buying a physical copy so I could go back and re-read my favourites easier. They are so short that it's easy to do this, but each story feels complete.

A very different style of book from previous novels by Cecelia Ahern, each of the stories was emphasising women in various roles and I think each woman would be able to select a story that would be close to their heart. Though not a fan of the short story each was an insightful look at what happens to each female in the world and they are all beautifully crafted. Well done!

This collection of stories is great if you haven't got the time to sit reading long novels. Some relevant modern day issues covered and although some stories held my interest more than others I'm still glad I read the book

I received this book of short stories from Netgalley. Cecelia Ahern is recognised as a great modern writer and I was curious as to what she could offer in this shortened form of story- telling. Well I definitely wasn't disappointed.

Some of the stories are humorous, some poignant but they all have an element most women will recognise. In fact I found some a little too close to the bone with regard to my own past experiences. A number of them reminded me of that old tv series that not many younger folk will know I appreciate, Tales of the Unexpected.

A great little book to cosy up with if you like your entertainment in smaller doses.

You could also call this book, “Fairy Tales for Modern Women.” I loved the magical conceit of this novel, with 30 short stories with amazing women in extraordinary circumstances that many of us could easily imagine (the older woman who no one could see, the woman who wanted to take flight from the mum playground bullies, the woman who wanted to exchange her husband.)

To be fair, it sometimes did get a bit much. When that was the case, I put it to one side for a few days and then picked it up when I needed to smile. This is a lovely book for any woman who needs a laugh.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have enjoyed Cecilia Ahern's books in the past but this one I just couldnt get past the first 15 pages or so - I'm afraid I just could not understand what was going on and the book didnt 'grip' me, so I am afraid to say that I had to abandon it. Thanks to netgalley for an arc but this one just isnt for me.

Nice to have cecelia ahern back not rrad her for a while.
30.new stories.. 30.women. Make up your mind on how you feel. Enjoyable.

The more fabulous writer for me. I love this book and it's a miracle beacause i'm french and it's really difficult to read in english.

This book appealed to me as soon as I saw the title. Thirty short stories by thirty women who were sharing their stories, their voice with the world. I have seen some fairly negative reviews on this book and did wonder if I had maybe picked a book that was not as good as I had initially thought.

The stories in this book are all inspiring, not really in a “grab em by the balls” sort of way, but in a way that shows there is always someone out there who is having issues in their life too.

Having read through the book I found I was disagreeing with the critics, but that doesn’t make their opinion any less valid, on the contrary, it allows us to see that this book is dividing opinions, and therefore it makes it worthy of a read.

I didn’t have a clear favourite story, each time I read one I would think about how much I felt what that particular woman was going through. Then I would move onto the next story and the same feelings were evoked again.

Each story is thought-provoking. Each story touches you somewhere deep inside and stirs up a whole host of emotions. From the story about the woman who feels invisible to the story about the refugee mother who feels fear each time she takes her children to school.

This book gives a voice to all women who feel alienated in one way or another. This book champions women the world over, giving the female population a voice to be heard, allowing our struggles to come forth and challenge them.

It may not be to everyone’s taste, and that’s perfectly fine. My opinion is that I found it very thought-provoking and humbling. I felt a deep sense of respect for these women who shared their stories, albeit through the author.

I would definitely recommend this book.

Having never read any books by Cecelia Ahern before and not being a lover of short stories I was blown away by this book. The authors power at getting you invested in the story in the opening page was amazing. Some of the stories really made me think and gave me a different perspective. Really loved this book

Really enjoyed these short stories from Cecelia Ahern. I love how she can take an every-day situation, add a twist or a bit of magic and really say something meaningful with it. Great choice for people short on time!

I loved every short story and for what they was I couldnt ask for more , well written , uplifting and perfect if your short on time which helped over christmas , I just longed for more with each of them but then it makes it more exciting for her next novel.

I loved this. Thirty short stories based around social cues of what it has meant to be a woman. Yes, they're extreme, almost verging into parody or fairy tale, but it worked for me. I felt enraged and empowered and want to gift copies to all my friends.

I've read a few other books by Cecilia Ahern, and I wanted to like this book - it sounded an interesting premise, and I was expecting a collection of excellent stories.

However, the quality of the writing and plots was not even and frankly I did not particularly enjoy most of the stories; some were relatable, others rather lost their way.

I think it's probably one of those books that you either love or hate - it's only a 2-star rating from me on this one I'm afraid.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for my honest review.