The book is written in Leena's and Eileen's points of view. We follow Eileen as she brings new purpose and life to her neighboors' lives and Leena as she realizes that work and success aren't the most important things in life.
Eileen is a lovely old woman who cherishes her family and friends. Her husband left her after many years of marriage and despite her entourage she feels lonely. However, she is also full of sass and energy and will leave no one indifferent.
Leena is a workaholic. After her sister's death, she didn't take the time to grieve and all this build up emotions are now playing against her as she becomes prone to panic attacks. Her boyfriend, Ethan, is her lifebuoy and she doesn't notice how unhealthy this relationship has become. Fortunatley, she has her friends to keep her on the right track.
Beth O'Leary has the amazing capability to write important themes under the disguise of a light romance.
Thus, through The Switch, the author explores grieve and the hurtful consequences it can have on a family, love and the many ways it can be toxic, old age and the loneliness that comes with it. But all those heavy themes are beautifully balanced with new relationships and long lasting and intergenerational friendships.
Beth O'Leary did a brilliant job putting elderly people in the center of her book and showing that they are still relevant. She portrayed them brilliantly as not all of them are doting old people. Some are grumpy, sick, mean, kind, helpful, lonely and every emotion in between. Through Leena and Eileen she showed that both generations are relevant and able to help and support one another.
This was an important book to me as it deals with many imortant themes, which I am familiar with, marvelously.
If you're looking for a fast, funny, lovely story with an important message this one's for you.
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