“Bridget Jones meets Legally Blonde in an ashram”, is how chick-lit novelist Zoe May describes her latest romantic comedy novel, Flying Solo, which follows the story of London lawyer, Rachel, as she jets off to India in an effort to win back her wayward boyfriend Paul, who has disappeared to an ashram to ‘find himself’. Rachel finds herself completely out of her depth in the weird and wonderful world of the ashram and the reader accompanies her as she awkwardly attempts to settle in.
Based in part on May’s own experiences of having stayed at Indian ashrams, the novel features compellingly bizarre descriptions of ashram life, from dazed Westerners wandering around in white ashram robes, to spirit animal workshops and even wild, free love orgies.
The descriptions of the strange and cult-like world of the ashram and the quirky characters Rachel meets, including hippy heartthrob Seb, make for an original and highly entertaining read that guarantees to transport the reader far away from lockdown life.
May has a lucid, upbeat and easy-to-read writing style that will appeal to fans of Sophie Kinsella, Beth O’Leary and Mhairi Mcfarlane.
Flying Solo has some genuinely entertaining laugh-out-loud moments that might even make you grateful for quarantine, saving the reader the embarrassment of snorting with laughter in public places.
With an original premise, a unique setting, kooky characters and brilliantly funny moments, Flying Solo is a must-read – perfect for a sunny afternoon spent in the garden with a cool drink, or, if we’re lucky, for packing in your suitcase for some light-hearted beach or poolside read.
Flying Solo is available from July 6.