Being Simon Haines was very kindly provided to me by Red Door Publishing who were aware of my recent decision to leave life as a solicitor behind and I approached it wondering what parallels would be drawn.
After working for a decade to attain partnership at the esteemed city law firm Fiennes and Plunkett Simon Haines takes a well earned break to Havana to reflect on his life choices both professionally and personally.
I was immediately familiar with the legal office setting although thankfully I never had to face whispering Rupert Plunkett the partner extraordinaire. Vaughan MacAulay clearly knew his stuff which I appreciated although I do question how much a legal outsider would absorb. There is plenty for the non legal professional however and anyone who has worked in an office, had a slave driver for a boss or just generally questioned their work life balance will take something from it.
I thought initially there would be more about Havana Simon's holiday destination and whilst there were one or two solid Cuban chapters (providing a smattering of humour), I was surprised how quickly the holiday passed. My favourite parts however were the flashbacks, especially to Simon's life at university where he first met best friend Dan and girlfriend Sophie. From the outside, good looking, rich Dan was a character easy to hate however he was probably my favourite character in the book. Whereas I liked Dan I struggled to like Simon as I found him so self centred. Driven by self doubt and a consuming desire not to fail he became increasingly isolated as the book progressed and I found myself despairing at his actions.
I genuinely had no idea as to how the book would pan out. I presumed each chapter would be some sort of self contained story from which Simon would take 'learnings' yet that's not how it panned out and I still didn't know how the book was going to end right up to the very last chapter.
I thought the ending sad, overwhelmingly sad, but equally applaud Vaughan MacAulay for being brave and not "Hollywood-ing" it.
If you have been in work hell you should read this and reflect on Simon's choices. It will certainly make you think. Lawyers out there will also enjoy the office setting and no doubt recognise a colleague, client or deal or two along the way. Thank you Red Door Publishing, a very timely read!
If you liked this try In Your Defence by Sarah Langford a barrister who has produced 11 short stories based on her time practising law. It's on my shelf to read but let me know what you make of it if you read before I do.
The link for the book takes you to the twitter page of the Mountain Coffee Company and Bookshop in Gairloch. A quirky, excellently appointed, ethical coffee shop with adjoining bookshop. Check out the Mountain Scones!
After working for a decade to attain partnership at the esteemed city law firm Fiennes and Plunkett Simon Haines takes a well earned break to Havana to reflect on his life choices both professionally and personally.
I was immediately familiar with the legal office setting although thankfully I never had to face whispering Rupert Plunkett the partner extraordinaire. Vaughan MacAulay clearly knew his stuff which I appreciated although I do question how much a legal outsider would absorb. There is plenty for the non legal professional however and anyone who has worked in an office, had a slave driver for a boss or just generally questioned their work life balance will take something from it.
I thought initially there would be more about Havana Simon's holiday destination and whilst there were one or two solid Cuban chapters (providing a smattering of humour), I was surprised how quickly the holiday passed. My favourite parts however were the flashbacks, especially to Simon's life at university where he first met best friend Dan and girlfriend Sophie. From the outside, good looking, rich Dan was a character easy to hate however he was probably my favourite character in the book. Whereas I liked Dan I struggled to like Simon as I found him so self centred. Driven by self doubt and a consuming desire not to fail he became increasingly isolated as the book progressed and I found myself despairing at his actions.
I genuinely had no idea as to how the book would pan out. I presumed each chapter would be some sort of self contained story from which Simon would take 'learnings' yet that's not how it panned out and I still didn't know how the book was going to end right up to the very last chapter.
I thought the ending sad, overwhelmingly sad, but equally applaud Vaughan MacAulay for being brave and not "Hollywood-ing" it.
If you have been in work hell you should read this and reflect on Simon's choices. It will certainly make you think. Lawyers out there will also enjoy the office setting and no doubt recognise a colleague, client or deal or two along the way. Thank you Red Door Publishing, a very timely read!
If you liked this try In Your Defence by Sarah Langford a barrister who has produced 11 short stories based on her time practising law. It's on my shelf to read but let me know what you make of it if you read before I do.
The link for the book takes you to the twitter page of the Mountain Coffee Company and Bookshop in Gairloch. A quirky, excellently appointed, ethical coffee shop with adjoining bookshop. Check out the Mountain Scones!
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