Ralph's Party

Rating:
Summary: Pleasant read, but little to chew on...
Review: I happen to go out of my way to buy British novels, and was hoping this one to stay in line with all the rest. Though the novel is written in a light and happy way, there isn't much else to say about it as far as content goes. I suppose if you are looking to buy a book with few conflicting characters, and little to no action, this would be your read. I found it disappointing, and was happy to put it back on the shelf...

Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic First Novel
Review: I was amazed by this book, so much so that I picked it up again and again to read it another and another time. I like the way that each chapter focuses on a particular person or scenario but eventually all the pieces fit together to form one whole chapter by itself with each and every character shining through. A clever plot and totally worth the read!

Rating:
Summary: Simply Adored It!
Review: I am a great fan of British novels and actually read 'Ralph's Party'about a year ago. The verdict> LOVED IT! It is an infectious piece of writing which is fun-filled, witty and sensitive at the same time. I highly recommend it! You will find yourself irresistably drawn into the patchwork of lives of Ralph and Jem, the despicable Smith and their assorted neighbours. A whacking good read!

Rating:
Summary: A good time to be had by all
Review: I was quickly sucked into Ralph's Party, a tasty treat of a novel that focuses on a handful of London twenty- and thirty-somethings. New roommate Jem is the catalyst for change in the lives of her flatmates Ralph and Smith; simultaneously we watch the lives of co-inhabitants of the same apartment building evolve. Reading about the characters is much like getting to know a real person: you start with the facade and eventually figure out the real deal, especially as each character reacts to unforeseen events or emotional crises. If Jemima is a bit too cute, if the various plot lines are tied up a bit too neatly, if the good-characters-get-rewarded-in-the-end-while-bad-ones-get-punished version of destiny is an idealized one, well, who cares? Pour yourself a nice glass of Pinot Grigio and enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: Ralph's Party is one of those rare books that keep you enthralled from the first to the last page. I could not put this book down, in fact, I stayed up until 2:30 am to finish it. I would strongly recommend this book to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: I absolutely loved this book!
Review: This is a great book. The story totally engrossed me in the charachters' lives. I read this book in 2 days, everytime i put it down, i couldn't wait to pick it up and start reading it again. I loved how this book gave the view points of ALL the charachters instead of just one of them, you really understand how all of them feel. I got so involved that i even cried from being so happy for the charachters! I recommend this book to anyone with a love of good, fun, engaging reading.

Rating:
Summary: A great debut novel
Review: It was the front cover of the European edition that caught my eye but I enjoyed every moment of reading the book. It was very well written with believable and likeable characters. I found it hard to put down as I became more and more involved in their lives. It gives a good insight into relationships and I have recommended it to my male friends as well as female.

Rating:
Summary: Simply fabulous
Review: Lisa Jewell has produced a witty, engrossing tale with Ralph's Party. The characters, especially the maudlin Siobahn, are so identifiable and quite fun. The twists and turns of this story are delightful.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT Book
Review: This book is great. The characters are all very true to life and the dialogue between the characters is even more true. Lisa's style of writing sucks you into each scenario to the point of not wanting to put the book down. Can't wait for her next book.

Rating:
Summary: I love a book that makes me laugh out loud.
Review: This book was a treat. It had a quick flow and made me interested right off the bat. I wanted something light and funny to read quick and that was exactly what it was. I look forward to any other books Lisa might write in the future.