Someone Else’s Shoes is a novel by Jojo Moyes that revolves around the lives of two women, Sam and Nisha, whose lives intersect in an unexpected way due to a mix-up at a gym.
The story explores themes of identity, resilience, and the impact of small acts of kindness.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Book Blurb
Nisha Cantor lives the globetrotting life of the seriously wealthy, until her husband announces a divorce and cuts her off. Nisha is determined to hang onto her glamorous life. But in the meantime, she must scramble to cope–she doesn’t even have the shoes she was, until a moment ago, standing in.
That’s because Sam Kemp – in the bleakest point of her life – has accidentally taken Nisha’s gym bag. But Sam hardly has time to worry about a lost gym bag–she’s struggling to keep herself and her family afloat. When she tries on Nisha’s six-inch high Christian Louboutin red crocodile shoes, the resulting jolt of confidence that makes her realise something must change—and that thing is herself.
Someone Else’s Shoes Book Review
I’ve read many Jojo Moyes books that I’ve really enjoyed, but unfortunately this one didn’t hit the mark for me in the same way.
Someone Else’s Shoes is funny in places and definitely has a lot of heart. The literal interpretation of “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes” is clever and sets up a good story with empathy at its core.
That said, I found myself struggling to connect with the characters. While I got a real sense that Sam and Nisha were more complex than they initially seemed, I didn’t love either of them. There was so much potential for growth, but it didn’t quite land the way I hoped it would.
The book does have substance, and the exploration of identity and personal transformation is interesting, but it felt a bit slow in the middle. It just seemed a little too long, and the slow pacing made it hard to stay fully engaged at times.
Still, it’s a solid read overall, especially if you’re looking for a blend of humour and heavier emotional themes. It just wasn’t in the same league as some of Jojo Moyes earlier novels.
This book is featured on the following lists:
Related Books
