Such Sheltered Lives tells the tales of three people at a posh rehab facility. Amelia Blue has eating disorders and a famously troubled singer for a mother. Lord Edward is the ne’er do well son of British royalty. Florence is an artist hiding out from scandal. All three have what should be compelling backstories. However, I never really felt anything for them. They seemed like people I would make excuses to get away from at a party.
While the characters were unlikable, the worst part of the book was the pacing. Maybe it is because I read so many fast paced thrillers and mysteries, but Such Sheltered Lives seemed to move at a snail’s pace. Slower than the literary fiction that I read in college English Lit. I saw the book’s twist coming early on and then trudged onward waiting for the author’s excruciatingly slow reveal.
Due to both of these reasons, I think this book is a better fit for literary fiction fans. But even for them, I can’t give the book more than 3 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Emily Bestler Books for providing me with an advanced review copy.