My Own Worst Enemy

LoveReading Says

Sweet as a nut and natty with it, Lily Lindon’s My Own Worst Enemy is a big bundle of romcom joy. Set in the competitive world of up-and-coming young actors, this fresh, funny novel takes the classic will-they-won’t they, enemies-to-lovers set-up to decidedly dramatic levels.

After graduating from a top drama school with flying colours, twenty-five-year-old Emmy is now auditioning for any part she can get, acutely aware that there are only so many roles for “mid-twenties, short-haired lesbian” actors, typecasting being what it is.

Already prone to over-thinking, Emmy is totally thrown off course when she meets her double on the audition circuit. While they look the same, and occupy the exact same audition space, in other ways she and charismatic Mae couldn’t be more different. While Emmy is cautious, quiet and does everything by the book, Mae is more of a throw-caution-to-the wind kind of gal. Though she has no formal training, Mae is a born improvisor and consummately magnetic. As a result, Emmy knows she has fierce competition on her hands.

The banter between Emmy and Mae is brilliant, as is the dynamic between Emmy’s flatmates and best friends, and the subplots around her family (the scenes in her dad’s “Pete’s’zas`’ pizzeria are “chef’s kiss" wonderful). When they both bag roles in a LGBTQ+ production of Twelfth Night, Mae and Emmy’s will-they-won’t-they tension rises to new heights, not least when a glamourous theatre critic falls for Emmy big-time. Cue a colossal curveball!

With a thrilling finale worthy of multiple exuberant encores, My Own Worst Enemy brims with warm wit and whip-smart dialogue.

Joanne Owen

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