Jade is stuck in the middle of her chaotic family and taken for granted by her self-obsessed boyfriend, Adam. Amidst all the unruliness, she has forgotten how to speak for herself. One day, while out for a run, a mysterious, untitled script appears, predicting an infuriating row with Adam. Later, the scene becomes reality, with Adam getting his way. As more scripts appear, Jade realises everyone but her seems to call the shots.
Can Jade make a new future for herself—one with boundaries and self-respect—or is she doomed to a destiny of people-pleasing and being walked over?
I am a huge fan of Fearne Cotton, so receiving an ARC of her first piece of fiction was incredibly special. The imaginative concept is very original, and I find Fearne’s writing style engaging. The character development in the book was flawless. I enjoyed the family dynamics and found them utterly relatable. If you have never been a people pleaser, I can understand why the main character may be viewed as infuriating. However, if you have a tendency to put others’ needs before your own and struggle to say ‘no,’ then you will undoubtedly relate to Jade.
While a fictitious book, pearls of wisdom are exquisitely woven throughout, allowing us all to take something from it. The themes in the book really dig deep; it not only highlights the horrific tendencies of people-pleasing but also shows how life can pass us by if we continue with habits we’ve fallen into with those around us. The complexities of family and the problems that come with them are deeply explored. The importance of having people to talk to or safe places to escape from the daily grind shines through, and there is a stark reminder that even those who appear to have it perfect on the outside don’t have it all worked out. Most significantly, it reminds us that we have the power of choice and can forge our own path.
Overall, beautifully written, empowering, and relatable. Five stars. The Script is out tomorrow (6th June 2024).
Thank you to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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