And Then There Were Many by Charlotte Orsini follows a young woman's journey of self-discovery, navigating love, studies, and career along the way. The unnamed protagonist in this book tells her story beginning with her arrival at a university in Paris as an eighteen-year-old, hoping to attain a master's degree in literature. She finds a kindred soul in Emilie, a young woman who becomes her best friend, and begins a relationship with a man named Robert. However, her relationship with Robert doesn't last long, and when she gets an offer to work in a lab in London, she happily grabs the opportunity. As she grows older, the narrator learns what it means to be a woman pursuing a career in academia, falls in love with a career-driven man, and starts an exciting new venture in her thirties.

And Then There Were Many is a coming-of-age tale laced with romance, humor, and drama. Author Charlotte Orsini tackles some universal themes about growing up and discovering purpose that will appeal to a wide range of readers, especially millennials. Whether it's the difference in priorities between your twenties and thirties or the change in your wants and needs as you grow older, Orsini does a masterful job of showing the psyche of a new adult trying to find their place in the world. I was pleasantly surprised by how funny the book is. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the interactions between the characters always keep you invested in the narrative. I also loved the narrator's friendship with Emilie and her relationship with Yann despite both of them coming from very different backgrounds and having completely different personalities. Highly recommended!

And Then There Were Many by Charlotte Orsini follows a female protagonist who, initially dissatisfied with her mediocrity, juggles university life in Paris, forming close relationships with Emilie and Robert, and later dealing with a problematic romance. As she transitions into a career in academia, a relationship with Yann becomes pivotal, although it also has long-distance struggles. Throughout her life, the balancing act of personal desires with professional demands leaves her feeling trapped by societal expectations and her insecurities. After a series of personal crises, including the loss of her father and the pressures of impending motherhood, she shifts the focus toward family and sustainability, eventually leaving academia. As she moves through motherhood and entrepreneurial ventures with her husband, she must learn to reconcile the conflicting aspects of her life to find peace and purpose.

Who knew you could lose a friend over a recipe disagreement? Charlotte Orsini's And Then There Were Many reads like a genre bend that is part (late) coming of age and part fictional memoir. Shared in the first-person perspective, Orsini's writing is sharply and intelligently witty, and we quickly get a sense of the lead character's issues with anxiety and imposter syndrome, alongside the very real pressures of academia. Orsini's vivid prose brings the protagonist’s emotional landscape to life, and the author is at her literary best when delivering moments of humor and a bit of absurdity, such as the chaotic wedding preparations and the misadventures of a motorhome renovation. The overall story is a candid examination of failure, self-worth, and evolving expectations. It is not lost on me that Orsini tells of the protagonist's plight in a sometimes fragmented structure, which clearly mirrors the disorientation of the protagonist's life. Overall, the story takes readers off the beaten path of traditional storytelling and does a darn fine job of it. Very highly recommended.

Charlotte Orsini's And Then There Were Many follows the intriguing life of a young woman who lived an extremely average life as a teen. As a young adult, however, she becomes determined to cast off her average lifestyle and don a new life—a life that makes her feel more useful and competent. She recalls her exciting university years in Paris, and her youthful adventures with her best friend (and partner in crime) Emilie. Our witty protagonist explores the many intriguing aspects of her anxiety-riddled life, like her amorous entanglements, 'running away' to the UK to do a PhD, obsessing over her work and academic accomplishments, family life, battles with her insecurities, and revamping her career path. This tale is beautiful and messy—a true testimony to a life well-lived, surrounded by people who love you as much as you love them.

And Then There Were Many utterly captured my heart from the start. The protagonist was a delight to root for. Her journey to discover the meaningful aspects of her life takes readers on a compelling, layered exploration of acceptance, love, family, self-discovery, and self-fulfillment. Charlotte Orsini is a master of the craft, and her level of authenticity will wrap you in intrigue and laughter. The author knows how to expertly deliver a heartfelt narrative while making readers ponder the meaning of their own lives. The supporting characters are all relatable and genuine. Their emotions are raw, and their relationships are real—no matter how trivial or despairing their circumstances. This novel is a must-read for fans of empowering contemporary women's fiction.

And Then There Were Many: Love, Labs, and Life Lessons by Charlotte Orsini is a story about a young woman searching for her identity and self-worth. The narrator introduces herself as a self-proclaimed “average” individual searching for what life could be other than just being mediocre. The protagonist’s journey starts in Provence and then we see her move to Paris and later to the uncertainties of a foreign land. In her journey, she meets people who become lifelong friends, experiences love and heartbreak and is constantly yearning to achieve success in her academic pursuits. Will she be able to carve out a space where she feels like she is truly seen?

And Then There Were Many is an introspective novel that unfolds in a series of interconnected episodes. There is an unpretentious quality to Charlotte Orsini’s writing, which is intimate and laced with sardonic humor. The narrator’s voice is unfiltered, which makes the novel feel like a confessional at times. I loved how Charlotte was able to elevate the mundane, turning everyday experiences into interesting vignettes that made me nod in agreement. The protagonist’s journey to Yann’s grandfather’s funeral triggers a series of reflections on the nature of grief, the cultural differences in how people express and cope with loss, and the strange force that moves us to honor family ties most strongly when a person is no longer present. While the novel examines themes of identity and the constant search for a unique identity, it also focuses on the friendship between the narrator and Emilie, especially when she acts as an emotional anchor and a constant throughout her journey. The protagonist stands out as flawed, but also relatable. The plot moves at a leisurely pace, driven by the protagonist’s inner journey, her take on life and love, and her connection with other individuals. This book fits into different genres like memoirs and philosophical musings. If you like introspective, character-driven narratives, you will find much to enjoy in this book.