Rosie Walsh's The Man Who Didn't Call

Book Review of The Man Who Didn't Call by Rosie Walsh

Liane Moriarty said she absolutely loved this book.

On the front of my copy of Rosie Walsh's The Man who Didn't Call is a quote by Liane Moriarty saying "I absolutely loved this book.". I can see why she enjoyed it as the ingredients are similar to those we might find in one of Moriarty's own books: a head over heels romance, combined with a seemingly unsolvable situation, and a mystery that needs uncovering. It is also a page turner with a (spoiler) happy ending! 

The story begins with what turns out to be a seemingly 'too good to be true' romance between Sarah and Eddie. As Eddie already had a holiday planned, he decides to go anyway and promises to contact Sarah upon his return. Sarah waits for contact but none comes, as from the moment of Eddie's return, Sarah is 'ghosted (the American name of the novel) by Eddie. The rest of the novel revolves around the reader first uncovering why she has been ghosted' by Eddie (plenty of clues are given along the way) before watching how things will finally unfold. 

Book Discussion Questions for The Man Who Didn't Call by Rosie Walsh

• Eddie and Sarah fell headlong into a seven day romance during which they seemed utterly perfect for each other. How realistic did you find this?
  
• There is a tragedy at the centre of this romance story. Is there an argument that the plot is in bad taste? 
  
• Who do you blame for the 'accident' and why? 
  
• What does the future hold for Eddie, Sarah and Eddie's mum. Did you think the portrayal of Sarah and Eddie's mum is realistic? 
  
• The Daily Mail review of The Man Who Didn't Call descirbes it as 'wise, warm and beautifully written'. What moments in the novel reflect these sentiments most powerfully? 
• Sarah has never been able to rid herself of guilt about the accident. Do you think being with Eddie is ultimately doomed or can they have a successful relationship?
  
• Look around the bookclub. Do you know each other well? If so, discuss who amongst you is most like Sarah and why? 
  
• 'The Man who Didn't Call' is probably considered a 'light read'. Is this perhaps because it is a page-turner as well as a romance? Is it a disparaging comment to call a book a 'light read'​
  
• ​What do you both admire and dislike about the book? 

Book Club Questions for The Man Who Didn't Call (If you haven't read the book!)

• Even though Sarah's friends told her to forget Eddie she was certain that there must be a reason for his silence. Have you ever been certain that there is a logical explanation behind a partner's behaviour? Were you proven right or wrong? 
  
• Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not?
  
• It is clear quite early in that The Man Who Didn't Call would be a book that ended happily. Does the certainty of a happy ending spoil the enjoyment of a book for you?
  
• Do you enjoy romance books? Why or why not? What is your favourite all time romance?
  
• If someone didn't call you when they had said they would, would you then pursue them or not?
  
• What qualities would you look for in a partner? ​
• Sarah says "I realized that I wanted to see Eddie more than I cared about the consequences." Have you ever felt this way about anyone? Would you like to share?

Rosie Welsh, author of The Man who Didn't Call

Summing up of Rosie Walsh's The Man Who Didn't Call

The Man who Didn't Call is an enjoyable quick read with plenty of spine tingling intrigue and tear-jerking romance. The plot holds together well and the characters are well rounded. Stylistically it is a quick and easy read that would be great to take on holiday.