The idea of a luxury lifestyle appeals to many of us and there is a fascination with what it would be like if you could jet off here and there, on a whim, driving prestigious cars for fun, and having multiple homes around the world.
Marcia Li-Liën’s book deals with just such a lifestyle and shows that what may look desirable on the surface, may not be all it’s cracked up to be on closer scrutiny. In fact, it may be like walking an emotional tightrope all the time if the person with whom you share this life is unpredictable and volatile. This is the situation that Li-Liën finds herself in when she becomes Mr X.’s partner in life.
This book then takes you from the start of their relationship through all of its peaks and troughs. I liked the insight into a world of which I will never be part. I mean, whizzing off to get a new Ferrari from the factory to my specifications and then racing it at an exotic location in the world is never going to happen in my lifetime; neither will travelling to my yacht in the Bahamas. However, I enjoyed living vicariously through Li-Liën.
That being said, there are some challenging moments for Li-Liën when she starts to realise that although this life represents extraordinary freedom, especially monetarily, that means nothing if you feel like your life is being controlled by someone else and their expectations of you.
But this is not a tale of woe. This is a story of strength in the face of difficulty and about developing a staunch resilience, Li-Liën ensuring that she is not broken down despite the knocks she receives and their unrelenting persistence. It’s a story about “eureka” moments, where clarity comes suddenly and propels Li-Liën into action to separate herself from what is an incredibly toxic situation and to give herself a chance at a better life and one in which she feels entirely relaxed and comfortable.
I came out of this book feeling stronger for the reading of it as it testifies to an individual’s ability to get through strife and live their best life and also, that having lots of money does not always a happy life make.
Rachel Rating:
This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery where I was privileged to read it as an ARC.
Scuffed Granny 