Last year my family and I upped sticks and left Paris for some sunny region in the south of France. I say some sunny region because we had no idea where exactly we were going to move to. We packed up our belongings, took our daughter out of school and hightailed it out of Paris.With nowhere to go we put all our belongings in storage and just kept the essentials for camping over the summer, during which time we planned to find the perfect place to settle. It was a good lesson in learning to live without stuff, although truth be told I was pretty happy to unpack said stuff when we moved into our new home that September.No such luck for Stella Hill who wakes up one morning to find her house is on fire and all her belongings are perishing in front of her eyes. Thus begins a transformation that will cause her to question what is disposable or unnecessary in her life, and what she simply can’t live without. Joanne Phillips has an engaging and lively style and doesn’t shy away from serious issues like consumerism, teenage pregnancy and the vicissitudes of romantic love. Stella isn’t a one dimensional character–she’s realistic and unpredictable– a multi-layered protagonist who grows on you as the book progresses. While at first she comes across as sassy and smart, we soon discover that she’s all mush on the inside; a strong female that will resonate with many readers.Stylistically, Phillips takes a risk with the point of view which changes from chapter to chapter and even within chapters. Stella’s chapters are in the first person, her daughter, Lipsy’s are told through the third person and diary entries, and Paul Smart’s (the love interest) are told exclusively in the third person. At first I wasn’t sure if this was going to work, but it all comes together beautifully and I take my hat off to Joanne Phillips for having the innovation and courage to try something different.A great debut novel from a real British talent! There's always a book you find that when you read it, it becomes more reality than fiction. I know most books do that they're supposed too, but I mean the ones were you forget it's not real. Can't live without to me is a perfect example of that book.I loved that it was told by three different people, firstly and mainly being Stella, Secondly her daughter Lipsy, and third and finally Stella's boss and long-term friend Paul. Getting each individual thoughts and narrative increases the overall plot and has you enjoying it a lot more. It's seriously a witty and British humoured book which again I loved. Regardless of the seriousness of some of the situations you read about you still end up guiltily giggling and Stella's dry remarks and comments. Its non stop drama and constantly has more little twists keeping you intrigued. It has you gripped from the very beginning and has you thinking about what's really important in life. If you want funny, intelligent and a full on romance with lots of drama this is the book for you. 4/5
What do You think about Can't Live Without (2012)?
Not quite a 5 star, as it took a while to get into the story, but a reasonable read which I enjoyed.
—Nina
I had a really hard time finishing this book. It was ok, just not my type!
—emiliafahlen
sooooo loved this book. funny, emotive and addictive!
—Pankhuri
a good romantic read enjoyed it so onto the sequel
—Adriee
Very enjoyable, witty read by a new talent.
—Trish
