Book Review: So Lucky by Dawn O’Porter
Rating: 4 / 5
Genre: Contemporary fiction
SYNOPSIS
Sometimes it feels like everyone is living their best life. Everyone, except you.
That’s the basis of So Lucky, the latest instalment from Dawn O’Porter which follows the lives of three main female protagonists. Ruby, who lives life by her own rules; Beth, who, from the perfect marriage to a successful career, seems to have it all; and Lauren, who is living the ‘influencer’ dream - with a famous entrepreneurial fiancé to boot.
But, life isn’t really that simple, is it? Because in reality, Ruby feels like she's failing in life. Beth hasn't had sex in a year. And Lauren's happiness? Fake news. Sometimes all it takes is just one (shocking) turn of events for all the truth to come tumbling out…
REVIEW
The premise of the book is essentially centred around the idea that sometimes it really does feel like everyone around you is living their best life. But, as So Lucky so brilliantly explores, there’s far more that lurks beneath the surface. It explores themes such as motherhood, friendship, sex and self-worth with an utter frankness that is just so refreshing.
First Impressions
Well, with accolades from the likes of Emma Gannon and Pandora Sykes, I was pretty excited to get stuck in. And, actually I really enjoyed this from the get-go, which is quite a rarity for me.
I think what immediately struck me was how relatable and captivating the characters are. Within pages, I was hooked on O’Porter’s trademark straight-talking, no-fuss style of writing, which just seems to flow so seamlessly.
One of the main messages in So Lucky is that nobody’s life is quite as perfect as it seems; especially in the age of social media where it’s easy to only highlight the bits you want people to see. While that sentiment has almost become cliche now, I think this book reminds us that anyone can get caught up in a continuous cycle of toxicity and self-doubt.
O’Porter explores just how damaging this cycle can be.
Plot
So Lucky is told through the individual perspectives of Ruby, Beth and Lauren. While the narratives switch, the central plot and timeline remain. Interestingly, none of these women know each other, but as events unfold their timelines slowly become connected, leading up to one single event.
It’s this event that climactically brings these characters together - as well as some pretty shocking revelations.
Characters
I found myself really moved by these characters; they’re addictive, relatable and ‘real’. O’Porter does a brilliant job at following each woman’s trajectory of growth. Each character gets a chance to grow and develop throughout the novel.
Seeing Ruby’s relationship with not only her daughter, but also with herself, strengthen, and Beth’s ability to empower herself and take full control of her happiness is rewarding.
And while I didn’t immediately gel with Lauren, who I felt was a little one dimensional compared to Ruby and Beth, I found myself warm to her as her story progressed. I couldn’t help wonder if that was intentional all along - mimicking the one dimensional lifestyle that’s often portrayed within the ‘bubble’ of social media.
Each character has their own distinct voice, concerns, dramas and thoughts - thoughts we all have on a daily basis, but no one really has the guts to say out loud. This book, and in particular the characters of Ruby and Beth, will stay with me for a while.
For me, this was a real ‘can’t put down’ read; I laughed, I cringed, I was on the edge of my seat at points. I sped through it in days, it’s a fantastic read that just flows so naturally. I’d definitely add this to your to-read list (it’s available from Amazon or Audible).
Favourite Quote
I’ve picked two - which, I think, sum up So Lucky particularly well:
“I hate how the male gaze is still more powerful than a woman’s self-worth.”
And,
“So…’ I say, trying to be all blasé about it… ‘What kinda vibrator ya got?’ I nonchalantly start to finger some paperwork, and then bam, a small, pink-silicone, bullet-shaped battery-powered device is waved under my nose. ‘It’s the best!’ Risky says, testing its various speed levels. I am hoping she washed it. It is very close to my face.”
Read If: You love cheeky, laugh-out-loud worthy books that tackle important themes including female friendship, motherhood, sex and self-worth.
Made Me Think: There are moments of real recognition in So Lucky that I think will resonate with everyone. What these women are individually going through reveals that as humans - as women - we all have a tendency to be stuck in our own personal ruts of self-doubt, and far too often we are our own worst critics.
