A book review of The Choice by Susan Lewis

The Choice is a romantic fiction novel published in 2010. It was written by the best-selling British author Susan Lewis, and tells the tale of a passionate new mother, Nikki Grant, and the difficult choices that she must make to protect her new baby and secure a future for herself.

British writer

Susan Lewis Susan Lewis is a British writer who has written over 25 books, and has twice won the prestigious "Romantic novel of the year" award in 2002 and 2005. Some of her books have also been dramatised on radio. "The Choice" novel The novel looks at how a new baby can change a person's entire outlook on life. Nikki and the love of her life, Spence, find events spinning out of their control after their baby, Zac, is born and an unexpected medical emergency pushes their once perfect relationship to breaking point.

Positive points

Twists and turns The novel is full of unexpected twists and turns that make it hard to put down. It is fast paced, and reads like an emotional roller-coaster. This roller coaster can make readers cry on one page, and laugh on the next one. Strong family relationships Lewis describes the wealthy family of Nikki exceptionally well, from the influencing control of her parents, to the romantic illusions between Nikki and Spence. The parts of the novel that deal with Nikki and her newborn Zac are particularly moving as they relate to the unique bond between mother and son. Interesting characters Lewis' characters are convincing and memorable characters, and this illustrates The Choice's characterisation. What works particularly well is not just the diversity of the characters, but that the reader learns more about them, and the reasons for their behaviour.

Negative points

Over long At over 500 pages, The Choice is a challenging book. Some critics have suggested that it might have been an easier read if Lewis has shortened the novel by 100 pages. Unrealistic story The twists and turns of the novel, although entertaining, are at times unrealistic. At times, the novel reads more like a TV soap opera, rather than a tale of everyday life, which may not appeal to everyone's taste.