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If I Can't Have You

A Compulsive, Darkly Funny Story of Heartbreak and Obsession

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If I Can't Have You

By: Charlotte Levin
Narrated by: Chloe Massey
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'I implore you to read (or listen to) it' - Marian Keyes, author of Again, Rachel

An all-consuming story of loneliness, obsession and how far we go for the ones we love, If I Can't Have You is the debut novel by Charlotte Levin.

After fleeing Manchester for London, Constance Little attempts to put past tragedies behind her and make a fresh start. When she embarks on a relationship with the new doctor at the medical practice where she works, she’s convinced she’s finally found the love and security she craves.

Then he ends it.

But if life has taught her anything, it’s that if you love someone, you should never let them go.

That's why for Constance Little, her obsession is only just beginning . . .

'Exceptionally raw and visceral and painfully funny' – Emma Flint, author of Little Deaths

'Darkly comic and beautifully written’ – Woman

‘Blackly comic, heartrendingly sad’ – Best

'Compulsively readable and darkly funny’ – Laura Marshall, author of Friend Request

'One of the best books I’ve ever read' – Ruth Jones, author of Love Untold

 Genre Fiction Psychological Romance Romantic Suspense Suspense Thriller & Suspense Urban Women's Fiction Exciting
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Critic reviews

I IMPLORE you to read (or listen to) it. It's SO many things - dark, sweet, odd, moving, credible, tender, BEAUTIFULLY written & at times funny (Marian Keyes, author of Again, Rachel)
So beautifully written, such a devastatingly compelling story. I can honestly say it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read - it is without shadow of a doubt, EASILY up there with The Girl on the Train and Eleanor Oliphant (Ruth Jones)
This is superb. The main character Constance is brilliantly flawed and so compassionately drawn - it’s raw and compulsive and disturbing and very well done indeed (Harriet Tyce, author of Richard & Judy Book Club pick Blood Orange)
An exceptionally raw and visceral and painfully funny novel. Charlotte Levin writes so well and so powerfully about loneliness, longing, love and loss that Constance will stay with me for a long time (Emma Flint, Women's Prize longlisted author of Little Deaths)
A blackly comic but heartfelt story of love and loneliness, with an endearing and damaged heroine
A darkly comic and beautifully written debut novel
Blackly comic, heartrendingly sad . . . a brilliant debut novel
Compulsively readable and darkly funny with pin-sharp characterization. Love love loved it (Laura Marshall, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Friend Request)
Brilliant. A perfect and completely terrifying depiction of heartbreak and obsession (Sarah Powell, presenter, founder of ‘Celebrate Yourself’ and Red Magazine columnist)
All stars
Most relevant
I held out until the end because of all the good reviews but honestly I’m confused as I found the book really average. Fairly boring and predictable story line not particularly well written with random characters that don’t really contribute anything to the story overall. Waste of a credit to be honest

Average- borderline boring

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Built the story and atmosphere well.
Not exactly a feel good book and possibly a bit over long, but quite got me gripped from the beginning.

Engrossing

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SPOILERS
A young woman becomes obsessed with a man who’s not worth a second of her time - or any woman’s time. She has lots of secrets which she can’t tell which I found makes the book somewhat tortuous. She takes up with her room mate who she finds odious but that doesn’t stop her. In her life is also an elderly man called Edward who she looks after as his health isn’t good. Theirs is the real love story.
She is in grief about her deceased mother but talks to no one about it - until later. I’m not sure if the listener/reader is supposed to feel sorry for her - if that is the author’s intention - have to say I didn’t. She was certainly vulnerable and felt she was a bad person so self hated played a big part in her actions and decisions - and she hardly had a good word to say about anyone. Except the user man. I found her to be self-absorbed and unintelligent often meeting a clear statement with the words ‘what d’you mean?’.
Because I find it hard to understand why a woman would become obsessed with such a user as this man was I found myself unable to identify or empathise with her. Sounds harsh but I found her obtuseness a little irritating.

Obsession and delusion…

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I bought this book based on other reviews as I didn't know the author or narrator but I couldn't stop listening to it. It's brilliant! I don't want to spoil the story by giving anything away but all I can say is, I finished it in a couple of days and I'm now looking into other books by this author. Fantastic writing and narrating.

Brilliant

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This is a very dark story, incredibly well written, great characterisation which details Constance's spiral into madness.

This was a re-read after initially reading as an ARC. The audiobook definitely enhanced the story, the narrator was great, especially with the Northern accent, it wasn't a monotonous drone like the narrator in Girl A, you really felt like Constance was telling you her story.
Can't believe this is the author's debut it was so amazing, especially with the little twists to the ending.Will be looking forward to Charlotte's next. Glad I did this re-read as it alerted me to her next book in March.

Fantastic slow burn Psychological thriller

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