The Lock In by Phoebe Luckhurst
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I set myself a personal reading challenge to read and review all eight of the novels on the shortlist for the Comedy Women in Print Prize 2023.
The Lock In begins on a fine Saturday morning in April, when three flatmates and a date accidentally lock themselves in the attic of their rented house. No-one has a functioning phone and their absence will not be noticed until Monday morning. The fact that they were expecting to find a stopcock in the attic highlights the gaps in their life skills. How can they escape? What will they do about the flooded kitchen two floors below? Where should the designated toilet area be?
The endearing twenty-something characters are relatable and very funny. In clever ‘third person limited’ narratives told from the differing perspectives of Ellen, Alexa and Jack, author Phoebe Luckhurst shows them wrestling with the practical difficulties and social embarrassment of their situation. Sensitive Ellen fears she may have to pee in a waste bin. Sensible Alexa is worried about the threat to her relationship with Ben. Dutiful Jack is keen to help but cannot decide what to do for the best. The plot thickens when Ellen realises she and Ben have encountered each other before. Memories are shared, resulting in a ‘he said/she said’ confrontation. It looks as if the long-standing friendship of Ellen and Alexa is about to crumble and fall, taking with it Alexa and Ben’s promising love affair. After much drama Luckhurst presents the reader with Ben’s point of view, which casts a surprising light on the matter.
Luckhurst’s flashbacks to small town life in the 1990s are hilarious. I also enjoyed her description of the lifestyles of recent graduates making their way. Alexa is set for a safe career in the civil service, while Ellen and Jack work for risky ethical startups. Ellen’s favourite ice breaker, ‘I am the voice of the UK’s leading brand of CBD infused tampons,’ made me laugh out loud.
The winner of the Comedy Women in Print Prize will be announced on 17th April. Follow the link below for more details.