Kathryn Flett's Separate Lives is a compelling exploration of modern relationships and the complexities of love and identity. The novel weaves together the lives of its characters with wit, warmth, and sharp observation, capturing the messiness and beauty of their intertwined fates. Flett's keen eye for detail and her ability to portray the nuances of human emotions make this book a gripping read.

Flett's novel is a mostly depressing look at a couple's failing relationship. Alex is wholly unlikable, he starts all right and ends as an utter jerk. Susie acts mostly as a doormat, but making her own poor choices as well. Cheating is an ongoing theme throughout the tale, and getting through the book is akin to slogging through mud. The format of alternating points of view, letters, and text correspondence does make it a bit more interesting, but overall it's difficult to read about unsympathetic characters doing awful things to each other.

SUMMARY: Alex and Susie have been together ten years and have two children. Susie looks at Alex's phone and finds a mysterious text telling him to "live a different kind of life" and signed with the initial “P” and two kisses. This begins a downward slide in their relationship as each is revealed to be hiding their own secrets and lies. They must decide whether or not their relationship can and should be saved, and whether they would be better off alone or together.

I enjoyed this book told from three view points. Susie, who suspects her partner, Alex, is having an affair with Pippa, starts off by reading a text from "P" P thinks Susie is cheating on Alex. Lot of family overlap and drama as they all of same tangential connection to Pippa. There is a set of twins, which I always like and it's set in London. I really love English slang, including numpty and saddo, both of which I plan on incorporating into my everyday conversation.

A tale of love and heartbreak, vengeance and deceit, Flett's characters are witty, fun and might even demonstrate behaviors we wish we could.

I liked this a lot. The way the story is told is really interesting!

I was quickly drawn to this title because of the description but ultimately struggled to finish it. I typically start and finish a book in a few hours and I have read this one off and on for months. I liked the three points of view and was impressed with the author's writing style. I think the challenge for me is that none of the characters appealed to me or spoke to me in any way. I wasn't able to connect, therefore, really had no interest in how things turned out for any of them.

This was a great book for me. I read roughly 100 - 150 books a year and so far this is right up there high on that list. Recommend for anyone

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of my honest opinion and after trying to start reading this book 3 times, I could not finish it.

Sorry but I just picked this up and put it down three times- which meant ultimately I did not finish. The characters were unappealing to me. I did like the three different ways of telling the story- each voice was quite clear. It's nicely written but I just didn't enjoy it. THanks to netgalley for the ARC.