Book Review- Sophie Kinsella- Can You Keep a Secret?
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Emma is sitting on a turbulent plane. She’s always been a v. nervous flyer. She really thinks that this could be her last moment. So, naturally enough, she starts telling the man sitting next to her – quite a dishy American, but she’s too frightened to notice -all her innermost secrets. How she scans the backs of intellectual books and pretends she’s read them. How she does her hair up like Princess Leia in her bedroom. How she’s not sure if she has a G-spot, and whether her boyfriend could find it anyway. How she feels like a fraud at work – everyone uses the word ‘operational’ all the time but she hasn’t a clue what it means. How the coffee at work is horrible. How she once threw a troublesome client file in the bin. If ever there was a bare soul, it’s hers.
She survives the flight, of course, and the next morning the famous founding boss of the whole mega corporation she works for is coming for a look at the UK branch. As he walks around, Emma looks up and realises…
It’s the man from the plane.
What will he do with her secrets? He knows them all – but she doesn’t know a single one of his. Or… does she?
Can you keep a secret? is one of the few interesting books I've read recently. The heroine is clumsy but pure hearted and tries to find something for herself. She is crushed by her family and uber-successful cousin but keeps going. Emma is a heroine almost every woman can relate to. She's lies about her weight, is clumsy, doesn't understand technical terms and wants true love. The fact that she has so many secrets also makes it easy for anyone to relate to her because everyone has secrets.
The hero was a little one dimensional compared to the heroine. He was too secretive and didn't have any prominent personality trait. But, this is a chick lit and not a romance (though romance plays a huge part). The chemistry was fine because the hero was alpha
The supporting characters were quite interesting. Jemima, Emma's roommate with a ruthless apetite for vengeance stood out quite a bit. She was charged and funny. Her other roommate was relatable.
The plot was good for a chick lit. Although many events were predictable. Emma has so many secrets that she comes across as a liar at some point.
Sophie Kinsella's writing style is the strongest point of the story. She makes the story humourous and easy to relate to. Her character's internal monologues are distinct and funny.
Overall, Can you keep a secret? is a very good read. I definitely recommend Sophie Kinsella to everyone. I like her stand-alones more than her Shopaholic series. Can you keep a secret? is a funny novel that is as good as entertainment gets.
Plot- 4/5
Dialogue- 4.5/5
Enjoyment/entertainment- 4.5/5
Overall- 4.6/5
Pros
Stong main character
Strong supporting characters
Dialogue
Humour
Sophie Kinsella's writing style
Idea
Cons
Hero
A litte weak towards the end