I’ve never been happier to be an only child than after reading I Owe You One.
The latest novel from Sophia Kinsella is a romantic comedy, like most of her novels, but it’s also about a young woman finding her own voice and learning to stand up for herself against bullies — most of whom are her own family members. There’s a charming little IOU game that runs back and forth between main character Fixie and love interest Seb, and this obviously drives their interactions with each other, as well as serves as the catalyst for a lot of the family drama that unfolds in the novel.
However, when the novel isn’t focusing on Fixie and Seb, it’s a REALLY annoying story. There are so many parts of Fixie’s life that provoked such fits of frustrated rage from me that I honestly thought about throwing the book against the wall at some points.
I didn’t, though. I actually polished off I Owe You One in about two days. Because, here it is: Kinsella did a wonderful job of writing a fun, entertaining book about people you absolutely cannot stand.
Now, I’m a savvy reader, and let’s not forget that I’m a writer myself. I’m fully aware that Kinsella meant to make the majority of her characters grate on you. I know I’m not supposed to like them. And, boy, did she do a good job of making sure that happened!
Reading about Fixie’s pretentious, know-it-all brother and her vapid, self-obsessed sister is what made me immensely glad that my parents decided to forgo additional offspring. Both siblings are loathsome, so much so that it’s almost laughably unbelievable at some points. I mean, how can anyone be this ridiculous? Especially to their own family members. There’s an uncle in there that doesn’t win any congeniality awards, either. And, don’t even get me started on Fixie’s long-time love interest, Ryan. He’s just a complete douchebag. There’s no other word for him. He reminded me of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast, except more arrogant, if that’s even possible.
Fixie herself, while a breath of fresh air in the Everyone’s-A-Snot-Nose department, is not without her irksome flaws. Fixie’s called “Fixie” because she has what is clearly a self-destructive tendency of trying to fix everything she sees — usually to her own detriment. I really think she should have been nicknamed “Doormat” instead. Her MO’s not so much “fixing” as letting people take advantage of her sweet, helpful nature. Fixie’s very likeable – loveable, even – but, it’s just so freaking annoying to watch everyone walk all over her! Especially since she’s pretty aware of what’s happening to her. The reader is treated to a lot of inner monologues about what Fixie wants to say, but never actually does. I was literally screaming out loud at some points as I was reading, “OMG, Fixie! Grow a freaking backbone!”
If you can muscle past the annoying characters, you’ll be rewarded with some lovely reading. I was so glad when competing love interest Sebastian (Seb) enters the picture. Refreshingly honest, ethical, and self-assured, he casts a light on what most people in I Owe You One – including Fixie – need. The flirty and sweet interactions between Seb and Fixie push the book happily forward, and Seb’s sincere attentions toward our heroine are wonderfully welcome in light of what she has to deal with from her family.
As one would expect from this kind of story, Fixie eventually does stand up for herself against the bullies in her life, as well as lives up to her reputation for fixing things. I Owe You One is peppered with quite a few problems, and, by the end, it truly is Fixie to the rescue. However, I still felt Fixie’s self-transformation left something to be desired, given how absolutely horribly people have treated her. I guess (okay, I know) I’m a bit (a lot) bitchier than Fixie is, but I would’ve made everyone pay a little bit more for the crap they heaped on me for so long. Just sayin’. Cheers to Kinsella for having Fixie take the high road.
While I Owe You One doesn’t hold a special place in my heart like My Not So Perfect Life, it’s still an enjoyable read. And, Seb and Fixie’s coffee shop meet-cute was great inspiration for my book-inspired recipe: Coconut Iced Caramel Macchiatos!
Have you read I Owe You One? What are your favorite Sophie Kinsella novels? I hope you’ll share below in the comments!
This sounds like a really cute winter read! Thank you for sharing this review. I am glad I found this blog and I look forward to more reviews 🙂 happy holidays
Welcome, Paige! Thanks for reading. Sophie Kinsella is always a good time. If you’re looking for a good/cute Christmas book, I highly recommend Christmas Shopaholic by her. (You don’t have to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one.) Happy Holidays!