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Falling Short
A witty, charming and moving novel about finding things where you least expect them.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 14, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 21, 2025
Full review on: www.diaryofdifference.com/2018/06/24/...
When I first found out about Falling Short, written by Lex Coulton, the blurb promised to be ''fresh, funny and life-affirming''. I am sorry, but no. That is not correct. This book was none of those things. It wasn’t bad at all, but I would prefer describing it as a slow-paced, and confusingly complex in an unsatisfying way.
About the book:
Frances Pilgrim’s father went missing when she was five, and ever since all sorts of things have been going astray: car keys, promotions, a series of underwhelming and unsuitable boyfriends . . . Now here she is, thirty-bloody-nine, teaching Shakespeare to rowdy sixth formers and still losing things.
But she has a much more pressing problem. Her mother, whose odd behaviour Frances has long put down to eccentricity, is slowly yielding to Alzheimer’s, leaving Frances with some disturbing questions about her father’s disappearance, and the family history she’s always believed in. Frances could really do with someone to talk to. Ideally Jackson: fellow teacher, dedicated hedonist, erstwhile best friend. Only they haven’t spoken since that night last summer when things got complicated . . .
As the new school year begins, and her mother’s behavior becomes more and more erratic, Frances realizes that she might just have a chance to find something for once. But will it be what she’s looking for?
My thoughts:
I am usually good at explaining why I don’t like a certain book, or why I feel the way I feel, and believe me, with this one, I have spent two days and 6 sittings in front of this draft (now published post) to try and write about it. So I am doing my best now…
First of all, there has to be something about a certain book to make me want to read it. With this one – there were two things:
I love romance and intrigue, and the blurb promised two people not really talking to each other, but sparks flying around… so yes, that got me.
The Alzheimer’s disease – as a person that has worked with people suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s, this subject is very close to my heart. I couldn’t miss this book for this reason.
Now – the romance part disappointed me, as there was no romance. No romance at all. Unless, of course, you count as a romance a person in their mid-forties sleeping around with drunk teens, and is then too complicated of a character to even realise who he loves, and why, and the moment he does, he still has no idea what to do with that information.
The other disappointment I had was that I expected to read about the Alzheimer’s, and not only that they weren’t there, but also some of the symptoms mentioned were not correct at all. There were only sex relationships and sex scenes, and that was supposed to define their relationship in the end. Not realistic at all.
Even though it seems that we follow Frances’s story throughout, we actually follow Jackson’s story as well. Their characters were too complicated and confusing for me, and it let me to now feel nor care about them at all. I honestly cared about Frances’s dog the most in this book.
The plot wasn’t perfect – there were times when the information given didn’t match.
[SPOILER ALERT]
I am actually quite sad that I didn’t enjoy this book, but I will still be curious about new works from Lex Coulton, because, somehow, I really liked her writing style, despite all the flaws.
Thank you to Netgalley and John Murray Press for providing an ARC copy of this book to me, in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
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When I first found out about Falling Short, written by Lex Coulton, the blurb promised to be ''fresh, funny and life-affirming''. I am sorry, but no. That is not correct. This book was none of those things. It wasn’t bad at all, but I would prefer describing it as a slow-paced, and confusingly complex in an unsatisfying way.
About the book:
Frances Pilgrim’s father went missing when she was five, and ever since all sorts of things have been going astray: car keys, promotions, a series of underwhelming and unsuitable boyfriends . . . Now here she is, thirty-bloody-nine, teaching Shakespeare to rowdy sixth formers and still losing things.
But she has a much more pressing problem. Her mother, whose odd behaviour Frances has long put down to eccentricity, is slowly yielding to Alzheimer’s, leaving Frances with some disturbing questions about her father’s disappearance, and the family history she’s always believed in. Frances could really do with someone to talk to. Ideally Jackson: fellow teacher, dedicated hedonist, erstwhile best friend. Only they haven’t spoken since that night last summer when things got complicated . . .
As the new school year begins, and her mother’s behavior becomes more and more erratic, Frances realizes that she might just have a chance to find something for once. But will it be what she’s looking for?
My thoughts:
I am usually good at explaining why I don’t like a certain book, or why I feel the way I feel, and believe me, with this one, I have spent two days and 6 sittings in front of this draft (now published post) to try and write about it. So I am doing my best now…
First of all, there has to be something about a certain book to make me want to read it. With this one – there were two things:
I love romance and intrigue, and the blurb promised two people not really talking to each other, but sparks flying around… so yes, that got me.
The Alzheimer’s disease – as a person that has worked with people suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s, this subject is very close to my heart. I couldn’t miss this book for this reason.
Now – the romance part disappointed me, as there was no romance. No romance at all. Unless, of course, you count as a romance a person in their mid-forties sleeping around with drunk teens, and is then too complicated of a character to even realise who he loves, and why, and the moment he does, he still has no idea what to do with that information.
The other disappointment I had was that I expected to read about the Alzheimer’s, and not only that they weren’t there, but also some of the symptoms mentioned were not correct at all. There were only sex relationships and sex scenes, and that was supposed to define their relationship in the end. Not realistic at all.
Even though it seems that we follow Frances’s story throughout, we actually follow Jackson’s story as well. Their characters were too complicated and confusing for me, and it let me to now feel nor care about them at all. I honestly cared about Frances’s dog the most in this book.
The plot wasn’t perfect – there were times when the information given didn’t match.
[SPOILER ALERT]
I am actually quite sad that I didn’t enjoy this book, but I will still be curious about new works from Lex Coulton, because, somehow, I really liked her writing style, despite all the flaws.
Thank you to Netgalley and John Murray Press for providing an ARC copy of this book to me, in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
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February 27, 2018
The narrative follows the familiar plot device whereby two people who dislike each other at first sight eventually realise they are irresistibly attracted – and from then on it becomes a ‘will they won't they’ scenario. Frances and Jackson are the unconventional couple, whose wise-cracking banter makes the magnetism convincing – and the story sensibly falls short of the hackneyed Mills & Boon type resolution.
(Forgot to say thanks to the publisher for the ARC via NetGalley)
(Forgot to say thanks to the publisher for the ARC via NetGalley)
April 28, 2018
I absolutely adored this book. Falling Short is a witty, engaging and moving love story about two people struggling to find themselves and each other. But what raises this book so far above the others is the quality of Lex Coulton's writing. She has a magical ability to create flawed, believable and loveable characters who feel so real you almost expect them to turn up at your door with a (large) glass of wine. As well as crafting some genuinely funny scenes and dialogue, Lex Coulton has created a book with real depth that is often surprisingly poignant and moving, as she gradually reveals more about her characters and the losses that have shaped them. There is often a lot of hype around debut authors and new talent, but it this case, the praise is more than merited, and I honestly think Lex Coulton has the potential to be the next Kate Atkinson. Highly recommended.
March 5, 2018
An unremarkable story - part family drama, part romance and part riff on staffroom politics - redeemed by high quality writing and some pertinent literary references. With characters I wanted to scream at and shake out of their self-obsession (as I guess was the author’s intention) and a good balance between periods of reflection and bursts of action, the book progresses without any great surprises to a neatish ending. I’d love to see the talented Lex Coulton find subject matter for her next novel that shows her considerable wit and style to greater advantage - I’ll certainly be on the look out for it.
With thanks to John Murray Publishers via NetGalley for the opportunity of an ARC.
With thanks to John Murray Publishers via NetGalley for the opportunity of an ARC.
April 6, 2018
This book is wonderful. I was spellbound by the adventures of Frances as she grappled with her mother’s declining mental health and solved a mystery, at the same time dealing with being almost thirty nine and not speaking to her best friend. Be prepared to fall in love with the wonderful Dog and to sympathise with Jackson’s trials and tribulations with Katy and his problems with his family. A gripping read. Heartily recommended.
February 20, 2018
The cover caught my attention and the blurb lured me in but it was the quality of the writing that gripped me to the very end.
Lex Coulton has been described as a “true new talent” and, after reading her debut, Falling Short, I think that quote is spot on.
There are two central characters, Frances and Jackson, who both have strong and believable voices.
Parts of their story made my heart actually hurt while others made me laugh out loud but afterwards I realised the strangest thing...I wasn’t sure if I really liked either of them.
Maybe that's the wrong way to describe it, it was more that there were elements of their characters I found frustrating – just like in real life, I suppose.
People are complicated and I think part of Lex’s talent is writing characters who feel real, who don’t follow a linear path, who make mistakes, who fall short and perhaps do things differently to how I would.
It didn’t detract from how well the story read or how much I enjoyed following along - although by the end I was willing for good things to happen for Frances (I won't spoil it by saying more).
Maybe it won’t be for everyone but I found her writing exciting and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
With thanks to John Murray (via NetGalley) for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Lex Coulton has been described as a “true new talent” and, after reading her debut, Falling Short, I think that quote is spot on.
There are two central characters, Frances and Jackson, who both have strong and believable voices.
Parts of their story made my heart actually hurt while others made me laugh out loud but afterwards I realised the strangest thing...I wasn’t sure if I really liked either of them.
Maybe that's the wrong way to describe it, it was more that there were elements of their characters I found frustrating – just like in real life, I suppose.
People are complicated and I think part of Lex’s talent is writing characters who feel real, who don’t follow a linear path, who make mistakes, who fall short and perhaps do things differently to how I would.
It didn’t detract from how well the story read or how much I enjoyed following along - although by the end I was willing for good things to happen for Frances (I won't spoil it by saying more).
Maybe it won’t be for everyone but I found her writing exciting and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
With thanks to John Murray (via NetGalley) for the ARC in return for an honest review.
September 1, 2018
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
DNF at 21%.
Not my cup of tea. Dry, boring and hard to tell when the plot changes from the present to the past. Doesn’t feel like the book is actually going anywhere, and it feels incredibly jumbled.
DNF at 21%.
Not my cup of tea. Dry, boring and hard to tell when the plot changes from the present to the past. Doesn’t feel like the book is actually going anywhere, and it feels incredibly jumbled.
February 27, 2018
From the first few pages of this advance copy of Lex Coulton’s Falling Short, I could tell I was going to enjoy it. Francis and Jackson, the novel’s two central characters, have unique voices and the humorous dialogue instantly engaged me in the story.
Both teachers in London, Francis and Jackson share a unique friendship and rely on each other more than they realise. Both part of a busy English department in a private secondary school, large parts of the story feature the hilarity, bureaucracy, frustrations and wonder that is the profession of teaching. As a teacher myself, I really enjoyed this element of the story and everything was so realistic that you can just tell the writer has first hand knowledge of teaching - you can’t capture the paradoxical nature of teaching that well unless you’ve lived through its extreme highs and lows!
The plot is revealed cleverly as we are drip fed back story gradually as the story progresses and Coulton teases the reader with references to events that aren’t fully explained until much later in the novel. I found myself instinctively flipping pages, eager to find out where this was going and hoping it wasn’t going to wind up in one big cliche. It narrowly avoids it but I found myself wanting more from the story and that is purely why I haven’t given this 5 stars. The conclusion almost feels like it should be just the beginning, rather than the end, but then isn’t that always the sign of a good story?
Lex Coulton is being described as a ‘new talent’ on the writing scene and I shall definitely be following her to see what she does next. She writes beautifully and has cracked the art of the 3D character. I loved the allusion to different poems and Shakespeare’s The Tempest throughout as it had clever links to Frances’ battle to come to terms with the loss of her Father, who vanishes suddenly during her childhood and is thought to be lost at sea.
Both Jackson and Frances were unique in their own way (as were the minor characters) and I really warmed to them. Although, I must say, staff having a relaxed attitude over a teacher with a clear crush on a student was a little bizarre. That certainly doesn’t happen in the profession and is, obviously, extremely looked down upon. It a shame because it kept pulling me out of what was otherwise a really believable story and I found myself getting a little irritated that it was even included.
Overall, a solid 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lex Coulton and John Murray publishing for the chance to read this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
Both teachers in London, Francis and Jackson share a unique friendship and rely on each other more than they realise. Both part of a busy English department in a private secondary school, large parts of the story feature the hilarity, bureaucracy, frustrations and wonder that is the profession of teaching. As a teacher myself, I really enjoyed this element of the story and everything was so realistic that you can just tell the writer has first hand knowledge of teaching - you can’t capture the paradoxical nature of teaching that well unless you’ve lived through its extreme highs and lows!
The plot is revealed cleverly as we are drip fed back story gradually as the story progresses and Coulton teases the reader with references to events that aren’t fully explained until much later in the novel. I found myself instinctively flipping pages, eager to find out where this was going and hoping it wasn’t going to wind up in one big cliche. It narrowly avoids it but I found myself wanting more from the story and that is purely why I haven’t given this 5 stars. The conclusion almost feels like it should be just the beginning, rather than the end, but then isn’t that always the sign of a good story?
Lex Coulton is being described as a ‘new talent’ on the writing scene and I shall definitely be following her to see what she does next. She writes beautifully and has cracked the art of the 3D character. I loved the allusion to different poems and Shakespeare’s The Tempest throughout as it had clever links to Frances’ battle to come to terms with the loss of her Father, who vanishes suddenly during her childhood and is thought to be lost at sea.
Both Jackson and Frances were unique in their own way (as were the minor characters) and I really warmed to them. Although, I must say, staff having a relaxed attitude over a teacher with a clear crush on a student was a little bizarre. That certainly doesn’t happen in the profession and is, obviously, extremely looked down upon. It a shame because it kept pulling me out of what was otherwise a really believable story and I found myself getting a little irritated that it was even included.
Overall, a solid 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lex Coulton and John Murray publishing for the chance to read this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
June 19, 2018
Falling Short is one of those novels in which not an awful lot happens, but in which an awful lot is said. It’s more a story about the human condition and how we often carry our flaws with us as baggage. What I don’t agree with is the book’s blurb that this novel is “fresh, funny and life-affirming.” I didn’t particularly find it any of these things, although I could often sense it trying to be.
We follow Frances, a 38 year old teacher who is single, pretty dissatisfied with her life and dealing with the emotional fall out of a tricky childhood involving the loss of her father. She is also having to cope with her mothers failing health on her own.
We also hear the tale from the point of view of Jackson, Frances’ best friend who doesn’t seem to be her friend any more after an “incident” between them. We basically follow the two of them working out their feelings towards one another whilst tackling the demons from their respective pasts.
This is a weird one as there was a fair bit about it that annoyed me (you kind of want to shake them both and say “sort it out” and the pretentious quoting of poetry and literature at one another - who does that?) but I did want to read on and I engulfed the book in just a couple of sittings, so I must have enjoyed it - right? Some of the prose is really beautiful and relatable, it’s written well, but for some reason it just fell a little short (sorry) of being a big hit for me. It was however, an enjoyable enough read, just not one I want to rave about, If I could I would give this 2.5 stars, but not as low as just 2.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of #FallingShort in exchange for an honest review.
We follow Frances, a 38 year old teacher who is single, pretty dissatisfied with her life and dealing with the emotional fall out of a tricky childhood involving the loss of her father. She is also having to cope with her mothers failing health on her own.
We also hear the tale from the point of view of Jackson, Frances’ best friend who doesn’t seem to be her friend any more after an “incident” between them. We basically follow the two of them working out their feelings towards one another whilst tackling the demons from their respective pasts.
This is a weird one as there was a fair bit about it that annoyed me (you kind of want to shake them both and say “sort it out” and the pretentious quoting of poetry and literature at one another - who does that?) but I did want to read on and I engulfed the book in just a couple of sittings, so I must have enjoyed it - right? Some of the prose is really beautiful and relatable, it’s written well, but for some reason it just fell a little short (sorry) of being a big hit for me. It was however, an enjoyable enough read, just not one I want to rave about, If I could I would give this 2.5 stars, but not as low as just 2.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of #FallingShort in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2018
Falling short is a totally captivating and moving story about two different people Frances and Jackson, they lead different lives and have their own personal struggles. Although they didn’t fall in love at first sight, as you move through the story, you follow their developing love story and watch as a beautiful friendship and relationship unfolds, although it is not without its rocky patches.
Witty and heartwarming, I thoroughly enjoyable and I highly recommend.
Thank you netgalley for this ARC
Witty and heartwarming, I thoroughly enjoyable and I highly recommend.
Thank you netgalley for this ARC
June 25, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - it's a sort of Bridget Jones meets When Harry Met Sally, via Joanna Trollope. The mystery of Frances's father is nicely balanced by the mystery of Jackson's shameful secret, and the interaction between them and all the other characters is great fun. The school setting feels realistic and makes for some delightfully entertaining moments. I couldn't help thinking what a great mini-series this would make. In the meantime, it's a perfect summer holiday read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - it's a sort of Bridget Jones meets When Harry Met Sally, via Joanna Trollope. The mystery of Frances's father is nicely balanced by the mystery of Jackson's shameful secret, and the interaction between them and all the other characters is great fun. The school setting feels realistic and makes for some delightfully entertaining moments. I couldn't help thinking what a great mini-series this would make. In the meantime, it's a perfect summer holiday read.
May 24, 2018
Frances Pilgrim’s life is a mess. Hungover and jaded, she is struggling to balance her job as a teacher, her ailing mother and an increasingly chaotic love-life. Considered a car-crash at work she relies on the support of her fellow teacher Jackson but even that relationship has been complicated by a messy, drunken evening that neither of them can talk about. As Frances stumbles from one dire situation to another a startling secret is revealed and her world implodes. Frances is an infuriating character – disorganised, crass, juvenile – and hard to like or sympathise with at the start. She is redeemed by the fact that you sense she is trying to do the right thing but simply cannot organise herself enough to do it. I loved Jackson and his detached insouciance to his job – he could have come across as superior but his affection for Frances and the fact his life had also taken a wrong turn helped flesh out his character. Supporting characters such as Rhidian, Jean and Silv are also given enough to do to make them interesting. Although not much happens for a lot of the book it is still intriguing enough to draw the reader in. There were some oddities – why is her dog called, Dog? And how is it that someone so disorganised and with so little regard for home-life even has a dog? There were also a lot of unresolved issues at the end. Despite all this I still enjoyed the book and think it will appeal to plenty of contemporary fiction fans. Anyone who enjoyed Elizabeth Day’s The Party or some of the recent Richard and Judy Book Club titles should find this a satisfying read.
June 14, 2018
I'm not sure where this one went wrong for me; it promised to be 'fresh, funny and life-affirming' but, sadly, I didn't feel any of those things.
This isn't, as the blurb led me to believe, all about Frances. Rather it is equally about Frances and Jackson and mostly focuses on their sexual history. I felt - and again, this is only my personal opinion - that there were lots of loose strands in this novel which didn't knit together. The story stumbled from one character to another, more off-topic than on and I was left at the end no wiser than I was at the beginning. I'm not particularly fond of books without structure and it was with a sigh of relief that I closed my kindle. Whilst this wasn't one for me, I'm certain there are plenty of other readers who will enjoy it.
My thanks to publishers John Murray Press for approving my request via Netgalley. This is my honest, original, and unbiased review.
This isn't, as the blurb led me to believe, all about Frances. Rather it is equally about Frances and Jackson and mostly focuses on their sexual history. I felt - and again, this is only my personal opinion - that there were lots of loose strands in this novel which didn't knit together. The story stumbled from one character to another, more off-topic than on and I was left at the end no wiser than I was at the beginning. I'm not particularly fond of books without structure and it was with a sigh of relief that I closed my kindle. Whilst this wasn't one for me, I'm certain there are plenty of other readers who will enjoy it.
My thanks to publishers John Murray Press for approving my request via Netgalley. This is my honest, original, and unbiased review.
September 5, 2018
Falling Short was really rather depressing. Frances Pilgrim has had a crappy childhood with a joyless mother. At 39, she lives in a studio flat and talks to herself a lot. Her bed is covered in dog hairs. She has a vague grasp on reality.
Frances teaches in a secondary school with an engaging cast of characters. The author is good on school politics. Frances finds her life is built on quicksand. The man she likes won't talk to her. He has too much baggage and very poor judgement. Her mother has rapidly developing dementia, and her life may have built on lies.
At this point, the story doubles down on the misery all the way to the finish line. You hope there is going to be a revelation makes it all worthwhile but there isn't. There is an attempt at a grace note but it is too late to make a difference.
Frances teaches in a secondary school with an engaging cast of characters. The author is good on school politics. Frances finds her life is built on quicksand. The man she likes won't talk to her. He has too much baggage and very poor judgement. Her mother has rapidly developing dementia, and her life may have built on lies.
At this point, the story doubles down on the misery all the way to the finish line. You hope there is going to be a revelation makes it all worthwhile but there isn't. There is an attempt at a grace note but it is too late to make a difference.
May 24, 2018
Not a bad read, however, personally I thought there was something missing but can’t quite work out what. I found it a bit difficult to follow as while reading the story in present tense it suddenly jumped back into the different characters pasts which I found confusing at times.
I know a few people who would enjoy this book so will be recommending it to them but wasn’t “my cup of tea” as they say.
Also would like to thank LoveReading for my advance proof copy to read and review.
I know a few people who would enjoy this book so will be recommending it to them but wasn’t “my cup of tea” as they say.
Also would like to thank LoveReading for my advance proof copy to read and review.
May 8, 2018
This book "Falling Short" did just that.....fall short. The characters were very dull and the storyline was okay. Would not read again though
June 8, 2018
♥I got an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest uninfluenced review♥
Rating: 4 of 7; 4 of 5; 8 of 10
General view: First of all, what's going on with this synopsis? That's just so... bad, you know? I guess this book is kind of too complex to have a good one, but I don't think it's impossible, so hey let's try to make it better.
Frances is a 39-year-old teacher who was never able to keep a romantic relationship, is extremely disorganized, her mother is getting sicker and it's probably Alzheimer, and her father is dead since she was five (or is he?). Jackson is an Older Guy™ fellow teacher, with a troubled past, an ex-wife and a life of disappointing people. Last summer, things got really complicated and now they're kind of at odds. Lex Coulton lead us through a cute, moving novel where Frances and Jackson try to find their place in the world - and each other's life, whilst they (and we) suffer from all these misunderstandings and mistakes.
Positives: I'm not good in explaining why the writing is so different, but this writing, idk, it's just different - and in a good way. It's just so good. You feel like the characters are real, extremely flawed, and you can't help wishing them all the happiness in the world - even when you're pretty mad at them.
Ending: I'm definitely not spoiling, but it was an open ending. We didn't get a closure - and yes, I missed it. I didn't like it, I wish we had more. I think there are so many things that could happen before the book ends and we didn't get it.
Downsides: Not exactly a downside, but it's something that annoyed me that just one side character seemed to get the point, and not even my whole point. [spoiler about Jackson's pass]
Side note: About teachers having a crush on a student, I have really mixed feelings about it. It's kind of creepy, and unless I'm wrong, we are talking about a later-teen student. On the other hand, we are not talking about a relationship, we are talking about a crush. Something along the lines of seen something cute and liking what you see. And honestly, since the foretold student is almost an adult and we can assume has an adult body, and is also flirting with the foretold teacher, I can't honestly be actually annoyed about it. I'm sorry, I feel like I'm a terrible person for saying that, but on this specific case and specific context, I'm really ok with that.
Tags: adult fiction, adult, not-romance, not-fantasy, troubled parents, old-guy-young-girl-affair,
Rating: 4 of 7; 4 of 5; 8 of 10
General view: First of all, what's going on with this synopsis? That's just so... bad, you know? I guess this book is kind of too complex to have a good one, but I don't think it's impossible, so hey let's try to make it better.
Frances is a 39-year-old teacher who was never able to keep a romantic relationship, is extremely disorganized, her mother is getting sicker and it's probably Alzheimer, and her father is dead since she was five (or is he?). Jackson is an Older Guy™ fellow teacher, with a troubled past, an ex-wife and a life of disappointing people. Last summer, things got really complicated and now they're kind of at odds. Lex Coulton lead us through a cute, moving novel where Frances and Jackson try to find their place in the world - and each other's life, whilst they (and we) suffer from all these misunderstandings and mistakes.
Positives: I'm not good in explaining why the writing is so different, but this writing, idk, it's just different - and in a good way. It's just so good. You feel like the characters are real, extremely flawed, and you can't help wishing them all the happiness in the world - even when you're pretty mad at them.
Ending: I'm definitely not spoiling, but it was an open ending. We didn't get a closure - and yes, I missed it. I didn't like it, I wish we had more. I think there are so many things that could happen before the book ends and we didn't get it.
Downsides: Not exactly a downside, but it's something that annoyed me that just one side character seemed to get the point, and not even my whole point. [spoiler about Jackson's pass]
Side note: About teachers having a crush on a student, I have really mixed feelings about it. It's kind of creepy, and unless I'm wrong, we are talking about a later-teen student. On the other hand, we are not talking about a relationship, we are talking about a crush. Something along the lines of seen something cute and liking what you see. And honestly, since the foretold student is almost an adult and we can assume has an adult body, and is also flirting with the foretold teacher, I can't honestly be actually annoyed about it. I'm sorry, I feel like I'm a terrible person for saying that, but on this specific case and specific context, I'm really ok with that.
Tags: adult fiction, adult, not-romance, not-fantasy, troubled parents, old-guy-young-girl-affair,
September 4, 2018
I’ve just finished reading Lex Coulton’s debut novel, Falling Short. And now I’m jealous of anyone who’s about to read it because I want to discover it all over again. The final chapter is still sending shivers down my spine. I wish I could tell you about that ending, but of course I can’t, you’ll have to get to it yourselves – you lucky devils.
That Falling Short delivers such a post-read effect is a testament to the writing. PG Wodehouse once said he believed there were two ways of writing a novel: ‘making a sort of musical comedy without music and ignoring life altogether’ or ‘going right deep down into life and not caring a damn…’ Lex Coulton does both. Her lightness of touch makes us laugh out loud and then shifts gear and sets our eyes stinging.
That’s because this a story that reflects life in all its funny, precious and poignant guises. Frances is a teacher searching for her past and seeking a future; Jackson is her fragile, funny colleague who has lost sight of himself; and Dog, well, Dog is just Dog with his ‘gleaming green eyes’ and knowing ways. (Is this character for hire? I want him.)
Lex Coulton is an empathetic writer, she knows her characters and forgives them with just the right amount of edge to her compassion. And she knows us readers too. So many of the scenes and settings resonate – whether it’s the battle of wills with Google Maps, the preoccupations of a North London staffroom, the Yorkshire landscapes or the awful sinking feeling that accompanies a PowerPoint presentation. This is us. This is the world in which we live and cringing predicaments such as those in which Jackson ensnares himself do happen – and we know it and we feel for him.
There is joy in the writing, a sense of tumbling energy that drives the characters forward and scoop us up in their wake and before we know it we’ve read a dozen pages without blinking. Tragedy and comedy are dealt with as equals – and given Frances’s bent towards Shakespeare, rightly so.
But whether Falling Short is one or the other is something you will have to find out. And I envy you in doing so.
That Falling Short delivers such a post-read effect is a testament to the writing. PG Wodehouse once said he believed there were two ways of writing a novel: ‘making a sort of musical comedy without music and ignoring life altogether’ or ‘going right deep down into life and not caring a damn…’ Lex Coulton does both. Her lightness of touch makes us laugh out loud and then shifts gear and sets our eyes stinging.
That’s because this a story that reflects life in all its funny, precious and poignant guises. Frances is a teacher searching for her past and seeking a future; Jackson is her fragile, funny colleague who has lost sight of himself; and Dog, well, Dog is just Dog with his ‘gleaming green eyes’ and knowing ways. (Is this character for hire? I want him.)
Lex Coulton is an empathetic writer, she knows her characters and forgives them with just the right amount of edge to her compassion. And she knows us readers too. So many of the scenes and settings resonate – whether it’s the battle of wills with Google Maps, the preoccupations of a North London staffroom, the Yorkshire landscapes or the awful sinking feeling that accompanies a PowerPoint presentation. This is us. This is the world in which we live and cringing predicaments such as those in which Jackson ensnares himself do happen – and we know it and we feel for him.
There is joy in the writing, a sense of tumbling energy that drives the characters forward and scoop us up in their wake and before we know it we’ve read a dozen pages without blinking. Tragedy and comedy are dealt with as equals – and given Frances’s bent towards Shakespeare, rightly so.
But whether Falling Short is one or the other is something you will have to find out. And I envy you in doing so.
May 10, 2019
Frances Pilgrim is a 39 year old teacher of English. Her Father died when she was five and her Mother is getting more absent minded by the day. She wishes she could rely on her close friend, Jackson, but she ignored him during the summer break when he needed her. Frances world is falling apart – in fact she is not altogether sure it was ever totally together.
This is advertised as a witty book which will make me laugh. Unfortunately it wasn’t and it didn’t. Frances is quite a sad character in reality. Her life bounces around like a ball in a pinball machine. She has a mix of short and ill-advised affairs, one night stands and strange tinder dates. She seems to have little self-respect and certainly no idea where her life is going. I really did want to tell her to pull herself together and look at who she had become. Jackson was little better. A self-absorbed man with a tendency to leer at teenage girls – not good for a teacher. I found him a bit creepy.
Frances’ Mother is obviously progressing into dementia. I felt the author handled this quite well – the helplessness of Frances, the inability to talk to her Mother about it, the GP who means well but whose hands are tied unless there is a crisis or her Mother seeks helps – all regular issues around people who have dementia.
The story isn’t particularly original – Frances & Jackson don’t like each other when they first meet and then become friends until things get complicated. Frankly I am quite surprised that either of them wants to be with the other & wonder about the future of two people who spend so much time absorbed with themselves. The story jumps around quite a lot on Frances & Jackson’s timelines – often with no notice which could be confusing. I wasn’t keen on the ending. I felt it stopped quite abruptly. If you like a book that ties up the loose ends nicely then this isn’t for you.
This wasn’t a book that I particularly enjoyed. I will say that the author has created three dimensional characters with personality – not very likeable people in my opinion but they did have individual & believable personalities.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.
This is advertised as a witty book which will make me laugh. Unfortunately it wasn’t and it didn’t. Frances is quite a sad character in reality. Her life bounces around like a ball in a pinball machine. She has a mix of short and ill-advised affairs, one night stands and strange tinder dates. She seems to have little self-respect and certainly no idea where her life is going. I really did want to tell her to pull herself together and look at who she had become. Jackson was little better. A self-absorbed man with a tendency to leer at teenage girls – not good for a teacher. I found him a bit creepy.
Frances’ Mother is obviously progressing into dementia. I felt the author handled this quite well – the helplessness of Frances, the inability to talk to her Mother about it, the GP who means well but whose hands are tied unless there is a crisis or her Mother seeks helps – all regular issues around people who have dementia.
The story isn’t particularly original – Frances & Jackson don’t like each other when they first meet and then become friends until things get complicated. Frankly I am quite surprised that either of them wants to be with the other & wonder about the future of two people who spend so much time absorbed with themselves. The story jumps around quite a lot on Frances & Jackson’s timelines – often with no notice which could be confusing. I wasn’t keen on the ending. I felt it stopped quite abruptly. If you like a book that ties up the loose ends nicely then this isn’t for you.
This wasn’t a book that I particularly enjoyed. I will say that the author has created three dimensional characters with personality – not very likeable people in my opinion but they did have individual & believable personalities.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.
June 25, 2018
Falling Short (John Murray) is the debut novel by Lex Coulton and has two central characters’ in Frances and Jackson. Frances is 39-years-old and teaches Shakespeare to a class of six former’s at a North London School, so there is a hint of Shakespeare coming through at times. She harbours a memory of her father that when she was very young was told that he was ‘missing’ at sea but this has led to lots of questions. She also has real concerns about her mother and her eccentric behaviour, but is there something else behind this behaviour? We also hear from Jackson who is a work colleague of Frances and they were good friends but it pretty clear reading both their stories that both are two very fragile characters and building and keeping relationships is something that both are not great at.
The story of Frances’s father really does bring the story to life and makes this a very readable debut novel. This is very much a character driven novel and it is so important that the characters are believable and have a voice. I am pleased to say that Lex Coulton has done just that in Falling Short. For Jackson he recounts his younger life back in his native South Africa and what brought him to the UK. In both Frances and Jackson, they are imperfect people but you did feel for both throughout the story for different reasons. When you realise that someone close to you is suffering from an illness that you know that there so little you can do is so difficult and you feel alone and desperate. This is Frances’s story. At times this book is warm and funny then there are moments that you feel really sad. The desperate search for real happiness can be a lonely search. Lex Coulton is a new and exciting voice in writing and I am interested to see what comes next from Coulton.
My copy was provided by the publisher for review.
384 Pages.
The story of Frances’s father really does bring the story to life and makes this a very readable debut novel. This is very much a character driven novel and it is so important that the characters are believable and have a voice. I am pleased to say that Lex Coulton has done just that in Falling Short. For Jackson he recounts his younger life back in his native South Africa and what brought him to the UK. In both Frances and Jackson, they are imperfect people but you did feel for both throughout the story for different reasons. When you realise that someone close to you is suffering from an illness that you know that there so little you can do is so difficult and you feel alone and desperate. This is Frances’s story. At times this book is warm and funny then there are moments that you feel really sad. The desperate search for real happiness can be a lonely search. Lex Coulton is a new and exciting voice in writing and I am interested to see what comes next from Coulton.
My copy was provided by the publisher for review.
384 Pages.
May 28, 2018
It’s a rare thing to find a book which consistently makes you laugh out loud and also hits you with moments of real pathos. Falling Short by Lex Coulton blew me away. Coulton is such a gifted writer that the dialogue and characterisation really shine.
The story follows the friendship slash borderline love affair between two shambolic English teachers, Frances and Jackson. It has been described as Bridget Jones let loose on the History Boys which is spot on. I absolutely adored this behind the scenes look at life in an independent school, with some of the funniest and most pitch perfect dialogue I’ve read in years. Are teachers really this rude and irreverent about their pupils in the staffroom? I hope so.
But the real heart of the book comes from Coulton’s skilful portrayal of Frances’s mother who is slowly losing her mind to Alzheimer’s and Frances’s own delayed grief about her father, who went missing at sea when she was five. This was so beautifully written and heartwrenching to read at times.
A word for the chaotic, flawed, brilliantly decadent Jackson, so expertly drawn it was quite hard to leave him behind. He’s the kind of character who could easily pop up in a John Niven novel.
This is such an assured debut, a brilliantly funny, touching book and I can’t wait to see what Lex Coulton does next. Hugely recommended.
The story follows the friendship slash borderline love affair between two shambolic English teachers, Frances and Jackson. It has been described as Bridget Jones let loose on the History Boys which is spot on. I absolutely adored this behind the scenes look at life in an independent school, with some of the funniest and most pitch perfect dialogue I’ve read in years. Are teachers really this rude and irreverent about their pupils in the staffroom? I hope so.
But the real heart of the book comes from Coulton’s skilful portrayal of Frances’s mother who is slowly losing her mind to Alzheimer’s and Frances’s own delayed grief about her father, who went missing at sea when she was five. This was so beautifully written and heartwrenching to read at times.
A word for the chaotic, flawed, brilliantly decadent Jackson, so expertly drawn it was quite hard to leave him behind. He’s the kind of character who could easily pop up in a John Niven novel.
This is such an assured debut, a brilliantly funny, touching book and I can’t wait to see what Lex Coulton does next. Hugely recommended.
February 22, 2021
This was one of those books in which I wanted more pages to turn at the end. Not in a 'I love this so much, I don't want it to end' way, but in a 'wait, that's it? What about….' way.
Not that I didn't enjoy it…I did. It's witty, engaging, funny, poignant, sad…but the most crucial question of the whole plot just wasn't answered.
Both main characters' stories dart from past to present throughout, trying to explain why Frances is 39 and still, reluctantly, single. Jackson is nearer 60 and newly single. Both are teachers in the same school, both with baggage. They have a fairly special relationship: a bit love/hate/will they/won't they.
The staff-room interactions are great fun…the dialogue is humorous, catchy and snappy. Actually, all the dialogue is good. It's a well-written novel, well observed, with some robust and relatable characters. It takes a moment to settle into the flashbacks…with the book being written in the present tense (which is my number one aversion!), the only thing singling out the flashback is the use of the past tense, and it takes a moment to decipher whose flashback it is and when it took place. Perhaps the chapter titles could have given an indication.
Nevertheless, and despite the answers to questions, one in particular, being wanting, this is a book you find yourself wanting to pick up at any opportunity.
Not that I didn't enjoy it…I did. It's witty, engaging, funny, poignant, sad…but the most crucial question of the whole plot just wasn't answered.
Both main characters' stories dart from past to present throughout, trying to explain why Frances is 39 and still, reluctantly, single. Jackson is nearer 60 and newly single. Both are teachers in the same school, both with baggage. They have a fairly special relationship: a bit love/hate/will they/won't they.
The staff-room interactions are great fun…the dialogue is humorous, catchy and snappy. Actually, all the dialogue is good. It's a well-written novel, well observed, with some robust and relatable characters. It takes a moment to settle into the flashbacks…with the book being written in the present tense (which is my number one aversion!), the only thing singling out the flashback is the use of the past tense, and it takes a moment to decipher whose flashback it is and when it took place. Perhaps the chapter titles could have given an indication.
Nevertheless, and despite the answers to questions, one in particular, being wanting, this is a book you find yourself wanting to pick up at any opportunity.
June 10, 2018
This book deserves 4* for the quality of the writing, but the over-reliance on flashbacks, especially when it wasn't clear who was having the flashback, annoyed me.
It is the story of Frances and Jackson, two burned out teachers with a history of damaging relationships. They've even managed to damage their own relationship.
The dialogue between them, and Rhidian, their Head of Department, is witty and funny, with some wonderful literary references. The school scenes were on point and brought back memories.
The handling of the dementia of Frances's mother is gentle and empathetic, whilst still conveying what an awful disease this is, not only for the sufferer but also those around them.
As for what happened to her father, although Frances believes he is dead, there are hints near the beginning of the book that signposted the truth. A truth that Frances needs to verify for herself, leading her on an ill thought out journey, putting both herself and her dog in danger.
Luckily she has good friends who come to her rescue.
This is a gentle, sometimes depressing, story with lighter moments.
I voluntarily reviewed this book via Netgalley.
It is the story of Frances and Jackson, two burned out teachers with a history of damaging relationships. They've even managed to damage their own relationship.
The dialogue between them, and Rhidian, their Head of Department, is witty and funny, with some wonderful literary references. The school scenes were on point and brought back memories.
The handling of the dementia of Frances's mother is gentle and empathetic, whilst still conveying what an awful disease this is, not only for the sufferer but also those around them.
As for what happened to her father, although Frances believes he is dead, there are hints near the beginning of the book that signposted the truth. A truth that Frances needs to verify for herself, leading her on an ill thought out journey, putting both herself and her dog in danger.
Luckily she has good friends who come to her rescue.
This is a gentle, sometimes depressing, story with lighter moments.
I voluntarily reviewed this book via Netgalley.
June 13, 2018
The general theme of this book is one of self-reflection and loss. Francis at thirty-nine is dissatisfied with her life; things never work out. Still, tormented by her father's departure from her life at age five she is faced with another family crisis as her mother succumbs to Alzheimer's. Jackson's hedonist tendencies lead him into conflict. Drawn together by mutual self-destruction, but as Frances'life implodes Jackson withdraws, and she has to face her past and uncertain future alone.
The excellent writing style alleviates this story, it's easy to read with characters that resonate, the storyline is sombre, no escapist reading here but the plot's authenticity makes it memorable. I loved Frances' interaction with 'Dog', this speaks volumes about the comfort she's received from animal friends, and they never let her down like the humans in her life. If you like something different, this is worthwhile, but don't expect to get a feel-good hug from reading this.
I received a copy of this book from John Murray Press via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The excellent writing style alleviates this story, it's easy to read with characters that resonate, the storyline is sombre, no escapist reading here but the plot's authenticity makes it memorable. I loved Frances' interaction with 'Dog', this speaks volumes about the comfort she's received from animal friends, and they never let her down like the humans in her life. If you like something different, this is worthwhile, but don't expect to get a feel-good hug from reading this.
I received a copy of this book from John Murray Press via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 3, 2018
Thanks to Net Galley and John Murray Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
Frances is almost 40, is single, teaches English and has a dog called Dog. She has had a steady stream of boyfriends, the most recent one omitted to tell her he was married. Her mother is showing signs of early dementia, constantly rings Frances on her mobile which results in Frances making more frequent trips home to check on her. When Frances was small her father disappeared at sea, not to be mentioned or talked about.
Jackson her colleague at work is also single and older, she didn’t even like him much when they first met, but they grow on each other, they shared a messy drunken evening and have been avoiding each other , yet both seem to be harbouring feelings for one another.
The secret regarding her dad is revealed, Frances sets off to verify the story, and of course Jackson has to come to her rescue..
I didn’t enjoy this book and there are parts of the story which just didn’t seem to fit. 2.5 stars
Frances is almost 40, is single, teaches English and has a dog called Dog. She has had a steady stream of boyfriends, the most recent one omitted to tell her he was married. Her mother is showing signs of early dementia, constantly rings Frances on her mobile which results in Frances making more frequent trips home to check on her. When Frances was small her father disappeared at sea, not to be mentioned or talked about.
Jackson her colleague at work is also single and older, she didn’t even like him much when they first met, but they grow on each other, they shared a messy drunken evening and have been avoiding each other , yet both seem to be harbouring feelings for one another.
The secret regarding her dad is revealed, Frances sets off to verify the story, and of course Jackson has to come to her rescue..
I didn’t enjoy this book and there are parts of the story which just didn’t seem to fit. 2.5 stars
July 6, 2018
I loved this book, and felt really invested in the characters. Frances Pilgrim is such a real character, she's like someone we all know. Frances manages her job, has a social life, but feels she is just "getting by" and that life is passing her by. I'm sure many people from 30-60 will identify with the issues she is experiencing with her mum, not quite wanting to acknowledge what is happening. Frances' life becomes more complicated in trying to juggle travelling up and down to her mum's. An only child whose father died while she was young, she has no support network. And then doubt sets in, as her mum, descending into dementia asks Frances to bring her husband back to her. Did he really die when Frances was a young child? She sets out to find the truth. Meanwhile her friend, Jackson is going through his own problems - if only they'd realise they could help each other. A bit of will they/won't they, helped along by well meaning friends. I want a sequel to see what happens next. I'd love to see this televised. #netgalley #FallingShort
August 11, 2018
This has to be one of the strangest books I have ever read - it seemed really disjointed, ‘thrown together’ a bit like the characters within it. It ended rather abruptly and I was left with a lot of questions unanswered. That’s the main reasons for awarding it only 3 stars - I like books with all the loose ends tied up 🤣. In saying that, I didn’t not enjoy the book but it felt more like ramblings jumping from one topic/character to another.
Francis is 39, unmarried and a teacher. She has never met the love of her life and has a history of failed attempts at relationships and one night stands. Her friendship with her fellow teacher, Jackson, is under threat after something happened at the end of the summer term. She is getting increasingly worried about her mother who appears to be having ‘episodes’ and her whole life has been defined, or so it seems, by her father disappearing when she was only 5 years old. Oh and she has a dog unoriginally called ‘Dog’!!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of the book.
Francis is 39, unmarried and a teacher. She has never met the love of her life and has a history of failed attempts at relationships and one night stands. Her friendship with her fellow teacher, Jackson, is under threat after something happened at the end of the summer term. She is getting increasingly worried about her mother who appears to be having ‘episodes’ and her whole life has been defined, or so it seems, by her father disappearing when she was only 5 years old. Oh and she has a dog unoriginally called ‘Dog’!!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of the book.
June 20, 2018
A well- written and engaging book with two characters who kept my interest through great descriptive writing. The school scene was accurately and well-portrayed with some moments of great humour. I particularly loved the relationship between Frances and ‘Dog’ This book covers several touching issues, dementia, childhood and the loss of a parent, only children, work, mid-life to mention a few. At times I had to pause to recollect the names/ roles of other minor characters in the story. The second half picks up pace as the story reaches a climax. The ending, although poignant and meaningful, left me with a few too many unanswered questions. I enjoyed reading this quirky and realistic story with the plot developing in several directions before converging towards a conclusion.
August 25, 2018
This book caught my attention, and I was then allowed a chance to review and read via John Murray and NetGalley! Thank you!
Lex Coulton provides us with a pretty gripping, if not totally original plot. Some of the sub stories drag on slightly longer than I felt they needed to, especially when the narrative was one the reader had probably already guessed.
However, the story is really simply just one of people, and the life’s we so intricately create for ourselves, usually tangling the web so tightly that it will affect generations to come. It deals with the highs/lows that individuals deal with as a result of someone else’s web, and even our own tangled lives!
A simple enjoyable book, with a slightly disappointing ending, but definitely a worthy read!
Lex Coulton provides us with a pretty gripping, if not totally original plot. Some of the sub stories drag on slightly longer than I felt they needed to, especially when the narrative was one the reader had probably already guessed.
However, the story is really simply just one of people, and the life’s we so intricately create for ourselves, usually tangling the web so tightly that it will affect generations to come. It deals with the highs/lows that individuals deal with as a result of someone else’s web, and even our own tangled lives!
A simple enjoyable book, with a slightly disappointing ending, but definitely a worthy read!
June 1, 2018
This wasn't quite what I expected - I thought it would be a funny tale of romantic disaster (not quite sure why!), but it's much more than that. Two colleagues who have become friends, with the possibility of something more, but both of them have complicated pasts. The slow reveal of Jackson's past was well done, as was the discovery of what happened to Frances' father, and the decline of her mother was really affecting. There were also plenty of light-hearted moments which broke it up nicely, otherwise it could have been a little gloomy. I read this whilst I was on holiday in an afternoon, so it's very readable!
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