Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes

When I eventually managed to get my hands on the much-talked-about latest novel by Jojo Moyes, Someone Else’s Shoes, I found it a delightful read, which, I thought, certainly warranted all the hype. Instantly hooked and spellbound throughout, I finished the book in less than two days.

Someone Else’s Shoes is a story about women, who, at a certain age, often find themselves overlooked, be it in partnerships or in the workplace. Filled with mix-ups, mess-ups and second chances, the novel is an exhibition of Moyes’ storytelling prowess, distinctive wit, and unique ability to breathe life into vivid, authentic characters who feel like family by the end.

Leaning and expounding on the adage of putting oneself in others’ shoes before casting judgement, Moyes skilfully weaves together the life threads of two women who accidentally switch gym bags after their workout one morning.

The one who picks up the counterfeit bag containing cheap flat pumps is Nisha Cantor, the wife of a wealthy wheeler-dealer husband who informs her, out of the blue, that he would be filing for divorce and shuts her out of their hotel room and cancels all of her credit cards on the very same morning that she loses her designer gym bag and shoes.

The other is Sam Kemp, who accidentally ends up with Nisha’s decidedly fancier gym bag. But Sam, who finds herself at a crucial time in her career and struggling to keep herself and her family afloat, has no time to worry about the unintentional switch. In fact, when she tries on Nisha’s six-inch Christian Louboutin red crocodile heels, the resulting jolt of confidence convinces her that her destiny is in her own hands.

Needless to say, coming from two very different worlds, Sam and Nisha would never have met if not for the unfortunate mix-up at the gym. But they do, and the introduction changes both of their lives forever.

The novel is a celebration of women and other female characters include the hard-working and cheerful hotel cleaner Jasmine, and Andrea, a best friend suffering from cancer, all of whom are brought together by circumstance. Moyes’ deep knowledge and understanding of womanhood shine through as we get to know the foursome whose crossing paths lead to them rousing strength and courage in one another as they band together to take back what is theirs.

Simply delightful, Someone Else’s Shoes is a wonderful escape that might especially resonate with the younger members of my book club.