Having read a few of Carole's previous books, I was delighted to come across The Only Way is Up. The synopsis was a rather interesting one and not long after starting this book, I was a little disappointed that I hadn't read this sooner! (The paperback was released in February.) Still, I was glad I bought it, because it definitely didn't disappoint.In The Only Way is Up, Lily and Laurence Lamont-Jones have it all. Laurence has a well-paid job in the City, earning money for luxuries that most could only dream of. Designer clothing, a countryside home complete with horses for their children, Hugo and Hettie; private schooling, a driver, extortionate holidays and everything they could possibly wish for.
However, their rich life comes swiftly to an end when they arrive home from their holiday to find that bailiffs have taken the lot.
Due to an issue at work, Laurence has lost his job, and has kept it a secret for months. Now, with their home and possessions gone, he has no choice but to admit it to his family, and with nothing left but their holiday clothing, the couple are forced into a cheap hotel before embarking on a completely new life - a life with no money.
To their horror, the family are offered a flea-ridden house on a council housing estate in Netherslade Bridge. It's their only option. The family have been sheltered from even seeing this kind of life for practically their whole lives, so how can they cope? With no food, no clothes, no money and no furniture, it seems as though life can't get any worse - but then in walks new neighbour Tracey, who is determined to help the family in any way she can.
And when Laurence and Lily are forced to take jobs with salaries that are horrifyingly less than they're accustomed to, they need to come to terms with the fact that life will no longer be the same.
My verdict? I absolutely loved this book. Not only was the book addictive and enjoyable, but I really liked the characters and felt myself sympathising with their situation, which is something that I didn't think I would. At the start of the book, Lily is extremely happy with her lifestyle and when she is thrown from her well-off ways into poverty, I thought she might not be able to take it. However, throughout the book, Lily and Laurence, although penniless, remain determined to stand by each other and make things work. Tracey is also a fun character, who helps Lily to see that even if you don't have a lot of money, you can still have a good time.
The contrast in the lives of these women made some moments of the book hilarious, heart-warming and very real. (I especially loved Lily's birthday night out!) The couple may be thrust into a neighbourhood that they'd usually find rough, but is it really? When their own friends have deserted them because of their lack of money, the people of Netherslade Bridge are standing by them no matter what.
Of course, the book poses the question of 'can money buy you happiness?' And the Lamont-Jones family soon find out.
The Only Way is Up was such a lovely read that I'm very much looking forward to Wrapped Up In You, which is out in October.
Rating: 5/5
Like this? Try Marrying Out of Money by Nicky Schmidt
