Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella is another winner for me! I’ve been a Sophie Kinsella fan since reading the first Shopaholic book and I continue to enjoy her novels. When I saw that this one was a ghost story of sorts I was thrilled. After reading it I definitely wasn’t disappointed. As usual Sophie Kinsella puts her spin on the story and that made it very hard for me to put this book down. I laughed, got teary eyed a few times and then laughed some more.
Lara is a typical Kinsella character I would say. She’s funny, witty and has a certain wacky charm that makes you like her. Lara is attending her great aunt’s funeral. A great aunt that she doesn’t know at all, really no one in the family does. Great Aunt Sadie lived to be a hundred and five and has been in a old folks home for years. Sadly, for her, her two nephews and their children had never bothered to visit her or pay her any attention.
As the funeral is wrapping up Lara starts hearing someone asking about a necklace. She looks around and can’t see anyone but can still hear the voice. Then she sees a hand connected to a young lady and she freaks out. Of course no one else can see her. It happens to be Aunt Sadie when she was much younger – in her twenties to be exact. She is screaming at Lara to stop the funeral until her necklace can be found. Lara, with her zany style finds a way to put a stop to the funeral but at what costs to herself? And will the ghost of Aunt Sadie drive Lara completely crazy?
Aunt Sadie is quite the character and not one I’ll soon forget. She of course was a young lady in the twenties so her focus is still all on what was popular in that time period. She hassles Lara into dressing like a twenties girl complete with the dress, jewelry and hair style. It was hilarious! Aunt Sadie spends her time in the story driving people crazy essentially to get what she wants – just think about a voice screaming something into your head and not stopping. Then imagine yourself not doing what it asks…hmmmm, I’m thinking I’d be listening. Of course the only person who can see Aunt Sadie is Lara so talking to the air isn’t usually a good thing for convincing people you’re sane.
Lara ends up learning a lot from Aunt Sadie and she also gets to learn a lot about her great aunt. She realizes that this woman had a life, she had hopes and dreams just like Lara. In Aunt Sadie and Lara’s quest to find this necklace that Aunt Sadie just can’t do without they go through a series of hilarious moments and a few serious ones. Thanks to Aunt Sadie there’s even a little romance woven into the story. While reading this book you really have to let go of the believable and just enjoy it. It is a ghost story and it’s really wacky at times but it’s also a great read and there’s really so much more to the story than I’ve touched on but I really don’t want to ruin it for anyone who will pick it up to read. Oh and I have to mention I have a new favorite work…gobsmacked. Yes, I can see myself using that one quite often from now on.
I have to say though that while Kinsella books are usually fun and chick-lity, I think this one had a bit deeper message for me. Even though a person’s body ages it doesn’t mean their mind has. They still feel young at heart, they want to listen to music and laugh and live, it’s only their bodies that can’t keep up. Also, the message again that I’ve come across often lately and that is don’t discount the elderly. They have stories to tell, they lived in a time we didn’t and they love to look back and remember and share. We just have to take the time.
Those who are Sophie Kinsella fans will likely love this newest one from her and those who aren’t should give it a shot. Kinsella writes with a lot of humor and fun and that’s one of the things I like most about her books. I turn the last page of the book and I feel good. I like that. Twenties Girl was released by Random House on July 21 and you can buy it here in the US and here in Canada.
This one sounds great Dar, I'm looking forward to reading it!
I have only read one of Sophie Kinsella's book's and that was The Undomestic Goddess. I like the sound of this one as I do love a ghost story.
I just wanted to check whether the book I won was sent out. I didn't receive it and I didn't want you to think I had and not thanked you for it. Don't worry if you haven't, I just don't like to appear ungrateful in case you were wondering why I hadn't thanked you.
I haven't read anything by this author. I will have to check her out.
I haven't read any of Kinsella's books but I saw the Shopaholic movie. I love how she puts a spin on the book with the ghost story–sounds like it adds a lot of depth. This one might be a perfect one for me to look for on audio–I could use a great laugh on my commute!
When I was a teen I worked in our local nursing home in the kitchen. My favorite part of the day was washing tables and visiting with the elderly. I love to hear their stories. My grandpa was a wonderful story teller…there's lots to be learned. I must get into action and read Shopaholic…I have had it forever on my shelf. And then of course I will add this one to my to read list! Loved your review!
Great review, Dar. Sounds like another winner for SK!
I do adore Kinsella, so I will be waiting for this one 😀
I do wonder how I will like it
Great review.
I love Sophie Kinsella too. I can't wait to read this one!
Dar – don't worry over the book. I was just worried you had sent it out and I hadn't got it, therefore not thanked you for it. There is no rush.
Loved the shopoholic book I read, and am totally in the mood for something like this!
I haven't read any of SK's books, but they sound like a lot of fun! I loved your review!
Sounds like a fun twist on a ghost story. At least I could read this one late at night without freaking myself out!
I'm so glad to hear you liked it! I got it last week but haven't actually finished a book in forever. Maybe I should lose myself in this one. 😉
I'm not too crazy about her series books but her stand alones are usually pretty good and I have a feeling that this one would be something I'd really enjoy too.
I picked this up at the book store last night, but then I put it back down. Now I wish I'd bought it.
I haven't actually read any Sophie Kinsella yet. One day. One day.
Sophie Kinsella is probably the only chick lit author that I consistently read. Confessions of a Shopaholic was just okay, but the rest in the series were super enjoyable.
I haven't read this one yet, tho' I just spotted it at the bookstore. Thanks for the review. It's the first that I've heard.
Sounds great! I think I've only read two books by this author so far. Need to check out this book! 🙂
This book is waiting for me at the library – I can't wait to read it!
Thanks everyone for your comments on Twenties Girl. If you get a chance to read it, let me know. I'd love to know everyone else's thoughts.
Trish, this one would be great on audio!
Staci, that's so sweet. I too love to visit with the elderly.
Janel, lol-no this one wouldn't freak you out at all.
Amy, you should relax for a bit and read a good book. You've been too busy.
Christina, I'm the same-Kinsella is the only chick-lit author I read consistently.
Sounds like so much fun. I enjoy Kinsella now and then 🙂
I like Kinsella. She's a chick-lit author that I find amusing. Glad to see another winner.
I haven't read anything by this author, but this book sounds fun to me. I love reading about this time period. I am putting this one on my wish list.
This sounds like a great book, please enter me in this giveaway, and thanks for hosting it!
zibilee(at)figearo.net
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Excellent review Darlene! Kinsella's previous book (Shopaholic) didn't appeal to me, but this one sure does. I love the 20's to begin with , but I am also a big believer of being young at heart.
Adding this to my TBR, definitely!
Thanks!
what a cute cover, and great review. it sound like a fun read.
I need to read Sophie Kinsella.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
I haven't read this one yet, but I LOVE Kinsella's books.
Thanks for the great review.
I'll have to add this to my wish list. I don't like Kinsella's shopaholic series but I like her other books.
I had no idea there was a new Kinsella book out! I must get my hands on this one. I've read and enjoyed all her others. And this one sounds different with the ghost story. I'm sure I'll enjoy it. Great review!
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
I just started reading this book and love it so far!
Please join my book club at http://styleityou.com/forum/ for a discussion about this book!
~Yanique
http://www.styleityou.com
i have only read the undomestic godess by Sophie Kinsella, and now reading 'Twenties Girl@ Fab read, cant put it down 🙂
It seems like every book Sophie Kinsella writes is more entertaining than the last! Her writing style is witty, funny, and romantic all at the same time. There are a lot of “chick lit” authors out there, but she is definitely one of the best. I am sort of partial to this story because I work in a law office like the main character, and I could only imagine how she must have felt. The book takes you on a journey of self discovery that many of us are to scared to try. This is a great book to read to escape the daily stress of life.