Review: The Woman Who Ran Away from Everything

Title: The Woman Who Ran Away from Everything

Author: Fiona Gibson

Publisher: 14th March 2024 by Avon Books UK

Pages: 360 pages

Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction

Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Kate is sick of being taken for granted by her husband Vince. It’s bad enough that she allowed herself to be dragged away from the London life she loved, but now she’s constantly compelled to keep up with the (very smug) Joneses in this small home counties town. She hates it here. What happened to the fun-loving woman she used to be? At almost 50 Kate feels lost, overlooked and like nothing is ever going to change. That is, until she comes home to an unexpected party – one that she has to cater.

And that’s it. The final straw. Breaking point.

Scrambling out the bathroom window, Kate leaves. She has no plan, but a chance encounter at Euston station sees her following her own heart for once – to beautiful Scotland where a crumbling mansion and a handsome bookseller could be just what she needs . . .

As Kate discovers, sometimes you have to feel utterly lost to find out who you truly are.

My Thoughts

The Woman Who Ran Away from Everything is exactly as you would imagine with that little bit more. On the surface it appears as a light and funny read with chaotic scenes like the one on the front cover - Kate climbing out the bathroom window! It does not take long, however, for readers to understand that this book dives emotionally deeper as Kate’s people pleasing attitude has run aground with her selfish husband Vince resulting in their marriage coming under the spotlight. 

‘Nah, don’t worry,’ Vince says dismissively. ‘Kate’ll sort that.’ And that’s it. That’s when I know I can’t do it anymore - be ‘obliging Kate’, that is.’

The book is told through both Kate and Vince’s viewpoint as they deal with separation and what their marriage was and will be. Obviously it’s about Kate finding herself and regaining her autonomy, however, the equally interesting journey is Vince discovering his independence without the assistance of a wife/partner. There are many enjoyable and laugh out loud moments. Equally there are many sad and heart wrenching moments that many readers are sure to either understand or relate to. 

‘Just let go of the responsibilities,’ she adds, ‘and think about yourself for a change.’

The Woman Who Ran Away from Everything is a fun and heartwarming tale about marriage, separation, family, friends and learning that it is never too late to make your life everything you want it to be. 

‘I’m beginning to remember who I am.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.