Pick up this gorgeous hug of a book and get transported to a beautiful place wraps itself round you like a cosy blanket. It has warmth, charm, laugh-out-loud moments and a wistful nostalgia. I absolutely loved it.

Bring the House Down by Charlotte Runcie explores some interesting questions about the nature of art and performance, cancel culture, fidelity, motherhood and work-life balance.

This layered and nuanced book 11is a clever and emotive look at power and misogyny. Runcie uses comedy with expert skill but also manages to intercut this with page turning drama and emotional depth. There's a lot here to provoke thought and I loved the concept of reviewing/criticism and what the purpose and value of this is.
There's also an insightful reflection on grief.
It's a highly entertaining read that I read in 24 hours. I loved this and have already ordered a hard copy. A really accomplished debut.

After the first night of her show, up and coming actress Hayley has a one night stand with a man she met at the bar, who, unbeknownst to her, is a famous critic who just submitted a one star review of her show. When she finds out about this, Hayley changes her show, which soon becomes a vicious and deserved takedown of Alex, the critic.
The story is told from the point of view of Sophie, flatmate and colleague of Alex. This makes the reader feel like they can make their own decision along with her, even though Sophie is often a flawed and unreliable narrator. The book is more then just a feminist look on a womanizer man, even though that aspect is also well- done; a lot of the story looks on the very ethics of criticism, reviews and bias. I found it profound, gripping, and thought provoking. Four and a half stars!

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