review
Gillian King’s book ‘Black and white, falling in love is not an option’ was published in 2014. This is the fourth book by this Dutch writer. Chicklit.nl chose Black and White as Book of the Month in June 2014. An earlier book by Gillian King was already second in the Chicklit.nl Book of the Year award.
Black and white
- The title of the book is Black and White, falling in love is not an option.
- Written by Gillian King.
- Published in 2014, first edition.
- Book of the Month June 2014 at Chicklit.nl
- ISBN: 9789401900607
The story
This book is all about Elin. At the beginning of the book, she is not at the best point of her life. Her relationship has just ended for a few months, and she has been fired. Later it turns out that this has to do with each other: she had a relationship with a colleague. That relationship turned out not to be what Elin thought. The man in question is called Reinier, and he turns out to be married. When Elin hears this, she is devastated.
Elin lives with her sister Bibi in an apartment above their parents’ restaurant. Where Elin is a serious woman, both in her relationships, friendships and work, Bibi is the opposite. Bibi has many friends, is popular and always knows exactly what to say. Moreover, she has many friends; nice men come and go.
The story begins when Elin is on his way to a job interview. She left too late, so she’s in a rush. Just then a girl is cycling in front of her car. A collision ensues, in which the girl is fortunately not injured. Elin brings the girl, Vicky, home and there has a nasty meeting with the girl’s uncle, Nick. Due to all kinds of circumstances, Elin receives a call a few days later from Vicky’s grandfather. Elin is immediately offered a job as his Personal Assistant. In addition, it is also somewhat the intention that Elin keeps an eye on Vicky’s life.
It soon becomes apparent that sparks sparkle between Elin and Nick. Although he is very rough at first, Elin is very attracted to him. When they go to Milan on business together, they end up in bed together. The rules are clear: it’s only for sex and no relationship will develop between them. Falling in love is not an option for either of them. But can they stop this? Moreover, Nick is overtaken by his past and in the meantime something is going on between Bibi and Reinier.
Gillian King
Black and White is Gillian King’s fourth book. She lives in The Hague and is 36 years old. She wrote from an early age, but did not get around to finishing a book until she was thirty. This was her debut novel Believe me. After this followed Oh, oh, Olivia, and Sixty days. This latest novel Sixty Days came in second in the Chicklit.nl Book of the Year election.
Nice, light and humorous book
I thought it was a wonderful book to read. It is written in a light-hearted manner that is easy to read. The story continues to hold on to you, which makes you want to read through in one sitting. Moreover, the book is written in a very nice way. Most of the book you read from Elin’s perspective, but some chapters also from her sister Bibi, and occasionally a bit from Nick’s perspective. This way you have a good look at all the important characters. I also really liked Vicky’s character. She is an adolescent and behaves that way. Think of a wrong boyfriend, rebelling against adults and experimenting with alcohol and drugs. This produces situations full of humor.
The book does fall into the genre of ‘cliché novels’. You can predict in advance how the book will end. Yet I did not find that disturbing with this book. There are plenty of storylines and twists to keep you focused. It is not only about Elin, but also about the life of Bibi, Nick, Vicky, and to a lesser extent about Reinier and Nick’s brother Chris.
My conclusion after reading this book is that it is recommended. If you like novels and chicklits that are lightly written, this is a book that is sure to please!