Book Review: The Brazilian by Rosie Millard

A lovely big hello to Rosie Millard who is here with the blog tour for her new book, The Brazilian (released by Legend Press on 14th June.)

Following a sensational scandal at one of London’s most desired postcodes, Jane and Patrick decide to escape the gossip with a family holiday to Ibiza, their eight-year-old son George in tow.

Also on the island that week is a TV reality show involving an eccentric artist, a horny It Girl, a Brazilian footballer and a famous magician.

As hapless celebrities are picked off one by one, Jane is desperate to be on the programme, leaving childcare in the not so capable hands of a teenager.

One lesbian escapade and an explosive row over hair removal later, the contestants of Ibiza or Bust leave the island with more than sand in places they never knew existed… 

My verdict: 

The Brazilian is the follow-up to Rosie’s previous novel, The Square.

Jane and Patrick want to escape scandal which has made them a subject of gossip in the Square – an exclusive little bunch of houses. They decide to take their son, George to Ibiza for a family holiday but with teenager (and fellow Square resident,) Belle in tow. Patrick just wants a quiet, relaxing holiday for him and for Jane.

At the same time and unbeknown to Jane, Phillip, the Square’s artist has decided to go on a reality TV show called Ibiza or Bust leaving his wife Gilda at home.
When he gets to the house, he causes a stir. Not to mention the fact that TV personality Alan is there too. And they are not the best of friends.

This book had me laughing out loud on many occasions from the beginning to the end. I liked The Square and it was nice to be back with these characters; dropping in on them and getting an update on their lives.

Jane is still a little snobbish and although not actually contracted to be on the show, she uses a personal event to try and work her way onto it. This leads to something that she wasn’t betting on encountering.

Belle originally sees this as a chance to look after George during the day and party with her boyfriend at night but it isn’t long until that situation brings complications. However, I liked Belle. I did the first time around too. There is something very relatable about her.

Phillip is as bad as Jane but in a different way. He feels as though he deserves to win the show.
There are some other hilarious characters throughout the book too and it’s shocking what people will do to win a TV show.

One of my favourite characters is George. All he wants to do is see his friends. He’s centre of the drama without being overly affected by it. He’s a very sweet little kid.

The novel is paced and plotted well. There was never a dull moment. The characters continue to be well-developed and compelling. There is something very fun about this book.

I am hoping that Rosie revisits these characters again at some point and maybe even some of the other residents in the Square. Gilda for example is brilliant.

Although reading The Square would give you an insight into what Jane and Patrick are avoiding, there is enough information given in this novel for you to be able to read it without reading the previous book (although I recommend it. It’s great.)

The Brazilian is very funny, quirky and excellent for a holiday read (or if you’re looking for something to match this beautiful weather.) I loved it. Loved it. Loved it.

About Rosie:

Rosie is a journalist and author and she is the Chair of Hull UK City of Culture 2017. She writes features and columns in newspapers, and does a bit of TV and radio. Rosie has written a couple of non fiction books and a couple of novels, and she also likes running marathons.
She is a graduate of the University of Hull, London College of Communication and the Courtauld Institute. She has been a Trustee of the Carnegie (UK) Foundation, Home Live Art and Modern Art Oxford.

Rosie has four children and lives in London.

Visit Rosie’s website for more information on her and her books – https://rosiemillard1.wordpress.com

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Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.