Impossible by Sarah Lotz
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I set myself a personal reading challenge to read all eight novels on the shortlist for the Comedy Women in Print Prize 2023.
Nick and Bee are suddenly thrown together when his email to a defaulting client lands in her inbox. Amused at being called a ‘tweedy twat’ she fires off a witty reply. An irresistible chemistry kicks off between them and they begin to riff one-liners over the ether. Romance is in the air, but the extent of the problems the loved-up pair face becomes clear when they arrange to meet. That is when the reader realises the dilemma of these star-crossed lovers is insurmountable.
The story is mainly told in dual first-person narratives. Bee is working all hours to build up her dressmaking business and Nick is freelancing as a literary editor. Both of them are lonely and open to a relationship, but through no fault of their own, unimaginable difficulties stand in the way of their love affair. Fortunately the nature of their problem allows plenty of scope for humour, and dryly funny email exchanges between the lovestruck couple emphasise their longing to be together.
There is a strong moral vibe in Impossible, because Bee and Nick share an awareness of red lines. Serious issues such as suicide and the climate emergency are discussed, but the author’s excellent writing keeps the tone light. Characters like incompetent investigator Geoffrey, grumpy pensioner Lily and Nick’s landlady Erika provide lots of laughs, and the throw-away lines are hilarious. For example, Nick’s new digs are ‘...a study in flat-pack Scandinavian discomfort’. But in the end, it is the way Bee and Nick spark off each other which creates the humour in this very enjoyable novel. I loved their positive attitudes. As Bee says, ‘...hope floats.’
I was sent an advance review copy of Impossible by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK in exchange for an honest review. The winner of the Comedy Women in Print Prize will be announced on April 17th. Follow the link below for more details.