I Owe You One
by Sophie Kinsella
I have read and enjoyed a number of books by Sophie Kinsella who is perhaps most famous for her Shopaholic series. Then I read one that just didn’t have the same zing and humor, so I entered I Owe You One with some trepidation. I am pleased to report that Kinsella’s latest book lives up to her standards and my expectations. At first I was a little concerned there would be too much predictability. The main character’s name is Fixie, derived from her penchant for fixing things ranging from the placement of objects to personal relationships. OCD is definitely in play as she struggles not to rearrange things or declare her every thought. As Fixie’s high school heartthrob reenters her life, the reader is watching a foreseeable train wreck: “No, Fixie, don’t do it!”
The plot leaves the anticipated pathway soon after with lots of surprises in store. It does not focus solely on Fixie’s love life. Fixie also struggles with family relationships which are closely tied with the family business. You will like Fixie if for no other reason than she tries so hard in everything she does. She feels like a failure, is loaded with unwarranted guilt, and carries the torch for making everything turn out right and keeping everyone happy—a big burden for one person.
There are many other interesting major and minor characters you will meet, but not all of them are likable, of course. The setting is West London where the denizens range from scruffy to posh. The book flows nicely with lots of humor and is a fast and enjoyable read.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Dial Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Women’s Fiction
Publication: February 19, 2019—Dial Press
Memorable Lines:
When I think how I believed his version of everything, how I rationalized everything he said and did, I feel warm with stupidity. But he was so convincing.
Ryan’s pathological, I’ve realized. He says anything to anyone to get out of whatever situation he’s in. Truth doesn’t count, integrity doesn’t count, love doesn’t even figure. Yelling at him would be like yelling at a rock. It’s never going to change.
I learned that failing doesn’t mean you are a failure; it just means you’re a human being.
education pathways 
Great line. ”When I think how I believed his version of everything, how I rationalized everything he said and did, I feel warm with stupidity. But he was so convincing.”
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I relate to that. I just naturally expect the best out of people to the point of naivety. It is a bane and a blessing.
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True.
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I read her shopaholic but for some reason I stop reading them.
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I read as many as they had in the English language library in Ajijic, Jalisco, MX. About then I discovered Netgalley and also moved to a town with no English library, and both had a big effect on my reading choices.
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I have enjoyed most of her books and have this one to read as well. It has had mixed reviews so I was happy to see you gave it 5 stars. I love the line, “Yelling at him would be like yelling at a rock. It’s never going to change.” I know this is only part of it, but it is so real. Wonderful review and I am now looking forward to getting to this one sometime in April.
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I hope you enjoy it. I found it to be a good change of pace.
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You always pick the best lines— just enough to make a book, whether you loved it or not, seem tantalizing. And great review, too. I’ve seen a few reviewers criticize Fixie’s name because of the perceived predictability, but you’re the first one I’ve read that explains the story runs deeper (and rockier) than that.
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Thanks for the compliment, and I appreciate the feedback on how it compares to other reviews.
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I’ve yet to read a book by Sophie Kinsella, but I believe I have a couple on my bookshelf. I might just add this one. Fixie is a cute character name. Really enjoyed your review, Linda. ☺️
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Thanks. Her books are a good diversion.
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