We’re so pleased to be partnering with Penguin Michael Jospeh to bring you some brilliant summer reads. Following on from our exclusive interviews with Marian Keyes and Ishi Robinson, our July book club pick is Someone Else’s Shoes, the fantastic new book by the No1. Sunday Times bestselling author, Jojo Moyes.
Not the exact moment, but I do remember the time. It was 2020 and we were locked down and while many of my writer friends were using the time to write, I could do nothing. I felt a little despairing. Then I remembered a short story I had written years previously about a woman who picks up a gym bag, and suddenly thought: what happened to the woman whose bag she took? As soon as I saw it as a two-hander, the story just took off in my head and I started writing again.
It’s a life swap comedy about two very different women who are forced, literally, to walk in each other’s shoes, and how it changes both of them. It’s funny but with some grit underneath and hopefully might raise a tear too.
Just writing about real women and real female friendships really. It’s a lighter book than most of mine, inspired by films like Trading Places and Desperately Seeking Susan. Being able to ‘play’ with my characters more than usual was a lot of fun.
I spend 99 per cent of my time in either trainers or riding boots, but I think you can’t beat a pair of stilettos if you really want to own a look. I have a pair of Jimmy Choos that make me feel incredible (even if I do have to go barefoot for two days after wearing them!)
I’m always fascinated by what happens when very different people rub up against each other. But mostly I’m interested in what happens when we realise that no matter how different our material situation, we all share the same concerns: how do I love, stay in love, make my children or family happy? How do I live my best life?
I think if it’s a woman reader, just to support each other really.
I’m sure I’ve developed some tricks and tips to get me through the sticky bits. But every time I start a book it feels like the first time! Maybe I just have more faith that I can finish what I’ve started.
I think the last book I recommended to everyone was Three Women by Lisa Taddeo.
I’ll read anything by Lisa Jewell, Liane Moriarty or Kate Atkinson.
Thank you so much, Jojo!