Ordinary people by Diana Evans

Ordinary people by Diana Evans

Tiny Overview

In 2009 London, two couples are going through couple problems. Melissa and Michael (M&M) struggle with their new second child, while Stephanie and Damien struggle with bereavement of Damien's recently passed Father. Both couples undergo emotional distance from their problems, but there is more than they are revealing to each other.

Themes:

• Literary fiction
• Contemporary realist fiction
• Race
• Friendship
• Love
• Aging
• Betrayal 
• Culture
• Honesty
• Identity

Context

"I have observed in my own circle of friends how a lack of honesty about our lives sets in as we get older, as if we're afraid of showing failure in love and marriage. A frank and clear picture was due, perhaps to make us braver. Literature has a special power that way to free us with the truth." - Diana Evans, from Women's Prize .

My Waffling

I really, really enjoyed this book. It was genuinely about ordinary people, and had enough going on that I didn't feel bored. When watching a show, sometimes I crave for nothing to go on and watch an episode of the characters just going about their day. No crazy plot, just ordinary people. And that's exactly what this is!! In the absolute best way possible. 

The couples have fights and fall out, question if they should be together and experience why they fit together well again, to fall out again, and all over again. There is cheating, which was expected but not entirely, especially where it took place. Another strange thing was the weird supernatural bit at the end. Honestly had no clue what all that was about, and I thought it would be explained then the book ended. I loved how they were eating chips together after a night out. I wonder if any other countries have similar traditions?

Would definitely reread!!

I really enjoyed this book, and if you know any similar ones please let me know. 

4/5