Sophie Kinsella novels are like romantic comedies - entertaining, sweet and funny. Although I've outgrown the Holleywood version, I do enjoy the written version.Part of the appeal is Kinsella's English-isms, which I excitedly share with my English fiance.
I've Got Your Number centers around Poppy Wyatt, who is set to marry Magnus Tavish, a PhD in symbolism whose parents, Antony and Wanda, are also PhDs.
Like all romantic comedy heroines, Poppy is a sweet, caring free spirit who is obviously a mismatch for the footnote-loving Tavishes.
The adventure to true love begins when Poppy finds a phone in the bin and claims it as her own.
The phone belongs to the PA of handsome, straight-laced business man Sam Roxton who is consumed with work and needs the right free spirit to loosen him up.
Amidst the mishaps and misunderstandings that ensure throughout the novel, there are twists involving a lost engagement ring, an affair and corporate espionage. It's a fun ride and nice escape mixed with English vernacular - perfect!
The terms I learned from I've Got Your Number:
* Hoover and Hoovering = vacuum and vacuuming. Similar to how Americans have incorporated brand names like Kleenex and Xerox to represent the product, the English use Hoover as the verb.
* Stroppy = fractious, belligerent
* Whingy = complaining, whining
* Slap-up = adjective meaning excellent, indulgent, usually about a meal
And then terms I have heard often from my fiance - tricksy (clever in deceptive way), aggro (short for aggravating or aggravation) and cuppa (cup of tea).
P.S. Shout out to my brother, whose 40th birthday is today.
