Cover Image: In Case of Emergency

In Case of Emergency

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I bloody loved this! I didn't know what to expect, having never read anything by Poorna Bell before however what a plotline.
Truly engaging and it was actually refreshing that the main character didn't have this whole romantic happy ever after but had a happy ever after in other aspects of her life.

The characters in general were well developed and I loved how diverse they all were.

The book covers some sensitive topics such as racism and sexuality, they are handled really well. It also covers friendship and relationships. The Book was easy to relate to and I really enjoyed it!

Kudos to the author!!

Was this review helpful?

This book had some good issues. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

Was this review helpful?

In Case of Emergency confounded all my expectations. I assumed it would be a fairly standard rom-com with a happily-ever-after ending. But no. It was much more complex than that and a very enjoyable read. Bel is forced to confront her past and re-assess her life and the choices she has made after surviving a potentially fatal accident. It's a thought-provoking read and I imagine that most readers will relate to some of the issues that Bel has to deal with.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first time reading this author, loved it so much that hopefully it won’t be the last! Liked the aspect of the novel. Loved the characters too.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book that I’ve read by Poorna Bell, although I have listened to many podcasts, and it certainly won’t be the last, enjoyable characters that you can relate to and an engaging storyline. Would recommend.

Was this review helpful?

After reading Poorna’s autobiographical novel, Stronger, I was intrigued to read a novel by her.
Bel is a British brown woman, working hard and living alone in London far away from her family and friends that she grew up with. She is single and enjoying dating whilst living an independent life, until she suffers an accident. This event forces the hospital summons her “in case of emergency” person and Bel can’t quite ebeliev who is stood in front of her hospital bed….
Told in dual timelines of the present day and her youthful estrangement from the friends she grew up with, this is a story of growth and journeying after the traumatic event that causes Bel to evaluate the life she is living.
I devoured this gem of a book and was rooting for Bel throughout. Would recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for my copy.

Was this review helpful?

This was a great book and I loved the main character. Bel has an unfortunate accident one day and her “in case of emergency” person turn out to be an ex boyfriend she has not seen for years. What follows is the realisation that things need to change in Bel’s life but where does she start? With her mum & dad? Sister, niece, friends she’s not spoken to in 20 years? This is a lovely gentle read that does touch on some tough subjects but in a very calm and gentle manner, unlike some of Bel’s rants and rages. Great escapism.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book that I’ve read by Poorna Bell and it certainly won’t be the last, enjoyable characters that you can relate to and an engaging storyline

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. Bell is an accomplished writer with a great future ahead of her. Full review will feature in my book column.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely brilliant!!! An Asian Bridget jones!! This book will make you smile and pull your heart strings in all directions! It will also make you reflect on your life choices and relationships through the eyes of 30 something Bel. I really loved it and read it in one sitting which resulted in a very short night sleep but definitely worth it!

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book, it was well written with an engaging and compelling plotline and well developed characters some of which were really relatable and likeable - others not so much. The book deals with some sensitive issues such as racism, which is handled really well, but it is also much more than that. there are heart-wrenching moments for sure but there are also moments that are heart-warming, uplifting and funny.
A really good book that I would recommend and I will be looking for more from the author.

Was this review helpful?

A beautiful, sensitive and thought provoking novel about love, family, racism and friendship. Poorna depicts very vividly the insensitive and often unconscious racism suffered by second generation immigrants and the conflicts experienced between inherited and adopted cultures. But this book is far more than this; it is an exploration of love and friendship in all their forms. It is certainly much more than a rom com. Indeed, romantic love takes a second seat to the complicated and enduring love between family and friends. A book about mistakes, misconceptions, misunderstandings and redemption. Second chances are possible and are very worthwhile. A very positive and life asserting novel.

Was this review helpful?

Let me start by saying that I think that this is a solid idea for a book, and something I could potentially see myself enjoying in the future, but as of now, I don't think I can see myself finishing it before the publication date, so, for now, this book is, unfortunately, a DNF.

It is not fair to rate it any less than this, and 3 is middle ground, and other member reviews will change it significantly.

I will update accordingly if I return to it before publication.

Was this review helpful?