The Split by Laura Kay | Book Review

The Split by Laura Kay - 4/5

Blurb:

"Brutally dumped by her girlfriend, Ally is homeless, friendless and jobless... but at least she has Malcolm. Wounded and betrayed, Ally has made off with the one thing she thinks might soothe the pain: Emily's cat.

After a long train journey she arrives home to her dad in Sheffield, ready to fold herself up in her duvet and remain on the sofa for the foreseeable. Her dad has other ideas. A phone call later, and Ally is reunited with her first ever beard and friend of old, Jeremy. He too is broken-hearted and living at home again.

In an inspired effort to hold each other up, the pair decide to sign up for the local half marathon in a bid to impress their exes with their commitment and athleticism.

Given neither of them can run, they enlist the support of athletic, not to mention beautiful, Jo. But will she have them running for the hills... or will their ridiculous plan pay off...?"

Review:

Hooray for a sapphic romcom!

When I was first starting this book, I expected a typical romance but it is so much more.

Ally lives with girlfriend Emily on her houseboat in London. When Emily breaks up with Ally and tells her that she is now seeing Sara from work, Ally feels like she has no choice but to move back in with her dad in Sheffield, taking cat Malcolm along too.

She is desperate to get Emily back and after rekindling her friendship with childhood friend Jeremy, they decide to give themselves a purpose. Jeremy is reeling after a heartbreak too and when he discovers ex-boyfriend Ben is running the half marathon, they decide to give it a go too. How hard can it be?

I really enjoyed this book. It is less about trying to get your ex-partner back and more about finding yourself outside of a relationship. It is obvious that Ally lost herself during her relationship with Emily and it seems like she was quite dependent on her. It was lovely to read about her being her own person and doing things for herself.

I absolutely love the characters of Ally and Jeremy and I wish I could be their friend! This book really made me laugh out loud at places and it is quite relatable in parts too.