Having heard a few good things about this author, I was pleased to get an early copy of his latest novel and found it did live up to the hype! 

It's a very cleverly constructed love story where we learn about the protagonists through the people they come into contact with - friends, family and also strangers. It is likely to appeal to fans of David Nicholls and Sally Rooney.

Clara and Seb meet by chance in London and it's clear from the outset that they have a connection that might lead to something special.

Both young and ambitious, she wants to be a director and he longs to make it as an actor. With Clara's first film she's able to cast Seb but the whole experience proves to be disastrous for them as a couple.

The novel traces their story from that first meeting, through the ups and downs of their on-off relationship over the years. And it's told through the eyes of others observing this love affair. It's very clever!

Don't we all look at people on a train, or in a coffee shop, and wonder what's going on in their life? Here we have passersby picking up clues about Clara and Seb as they're walking down a street, or standing in a queue. These elements are interwoven with the main narrative so never prove intrusive or contrived. I loved it!