Surprise me, by Sophie Kinsella

How will you feel if you suddenly find out that you will be spending 68 more years with the same person? Even if this person is your husband, a person that you love.

Few words about the book:

“Princess” Sylvie and Dan – 10 years married, two kids – find themselves in shock when they realize that they still have 68 years to share, a lot of breakfasts and 10.999 times of sex.
Once the first shock is gone they try to figure out ways to spice up this eternity of  68 years. They come up with the “Surprise me” Project, the idea of preparing small surprises to each other. Despite the fact that not a lot of them turn out to be successful, the process brings Sylvie towards a big revelation. A secret that will make her wonder if she really knows the people she has loved and admired as good as she thought.

The character of Sylvie:

Sylvie: I loved the character of Sylvie and a lot of times I couldn’t but identify myself with her. And to be honest I think a lot of women would do too. How many of us haven’t created dramatic scenarios in our minds as soon as an ex pops up that we have never heard before:

“ So, was it serious, you and Mary?” I can’t help asking. […] They didn’t break up because they had a row or slept with other people, I register silently. It was logistics.”

She is calm, maybe a little settled in the beginning, but takes action and is ready to do anything to save her marriage – anything from exotic breakfasts in bed to boudoir photo shootings – . The “evidence” she finds confuses her and makes her lose control, but as soon as she is in front of the shocking discovery, she is not afraid to leave her protected world behind and face the truth. She doesn’t need to be a princess any more.

My favorite scene:

The moment that Sylvie forgets her pain, her bare feet and the fear of heights and climbs towards her newself: “My legs are shaking so hard that I feel the hugest wash of fear I have yet. I can’t control my limbs. I can’t do this. I’m going to fall, how can I not fall?”

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My thoughts:

Did it make me laugh? Oh, yes more than once
Did it make me cry? How can you not? “He suddenly pulls me to him and kisses me hard, almost fiercely, like a statement of intent. A vow almost.”
Did the story grips you? Yes
Would I recommend it? For sure

The author:

Sophie Kinsella: is an international bestselling writer. She is the author of many number one bestsellers, including the hugely popular Shopaholic series. She lives in London with her husband and family.

Rating: 4,3 /5