To Hell With It – review (AD)
I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of To Hell With It by Claire Frances in exchange for an honest review.*
To Hell With It book blurb
With the warmth and charm of Bridget Jones and a main character as unforgettable as Eleanor Oliphant, this is an irresistible debut about a young woman navigating love, friendship and happiness in a world that doesn’t think like she does.
Pearl O’Reilly is twenty-seven (nearly twenty-eight).
She likes salmon pink, the number three and going to the pub with her best friend Una the same night each week.
Thanks to her OCD, her other routines – from counting her way downstairs to obsessively washing her hands – pose more of a problem.
But that’s all about to change.
Because it’s time for Pearl to say to hell with it – starting with the gorgeous naked man in her bed this morning…
My overall thoughts on To Hell With It
This was my first five-star read of 2025, and I absolutely devoured this book!
Claire Frances’s debut novel, To Hell with It, is a beautifully crafted and deeply engaging story centred on Pearl O’Reilly, a protagonist who lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
While Pearl has developed coping mechanisms and strategies to navigate her daily life, she longs for the sense of freedom that seems so effortless for those around her and to set those butterflies finally free.
A chance encounter with a stranger sets off a series of transformative events, forcing Pearl to choose between the safety of her carefully curated life and the possibilities of something new and uncertain.
The character arc in this book is beautifully crafted.
Pearl’s struggles with OCD are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, offering a glimpse into the complexities of living with the condition.
Claire Frances handles this delicate subject matter with grace, capturing both the challenges and nuances of OCD without oversimplifying or glamorising the experience.
I found myself rooting for Pearl, admiring her bravery as she confronted her fears and resisted the pull of her compulsions.
Her journey is messy, imperfect, and profoundly real, which only made me love her more.
What truly sets this book apart is its unique narrative style.
Told in the first person, the story frequently breaks the fourth wall – a technique more commonly associated with theatre – and it absolutely works here.
This approach fosters a sense of intimacy between the reader and Pearl, making her struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal.
One of the most commendable aspects of To Hell with It is its realistic portrayal of OCD.
While Pearl makes significant progress and experiences remarkable personal growth, the book doesn’t offer a simplistic resolution or suggest that OCD can be “cured.”
Instead, it highlights the ongoing nature of the condition, celebrating Pearl’s strength and resilience without diminishing the reality of her challenges.
The depiction of Pearl’s support network is another highlight.
From small, thoughtful gestures by acquaintances – like the farmer who leaves hand sanitiser for Pearl with her weekly eggs – to the steadfast love and encouragement of her best friend and quirky colleague and friend Niall, the story emphasises the importance of understanding and community.
These relationships are free of judgment, offering support in a way that empowers Pearl to step outside her comfort zone.
I especially appreciated how her best friend balanced gentle encouragement with tough love, fostering growth without infantilising or enabling her.
Niall’s romantic gestures, infused with kindness and sincerity, added a touching layer of warmth to the story.
His actions reflect genuine care for Pearl and a desire to meet her where she is, making their dynamic one of the most heartfelt aspects of the book.
To Hell with It is an excellent debut novel, combining wit, heart, and authenticity.
Claire Frances has crafted a story that is as insightful as it is entertaining.
I am eagerly anticipating her next work and can’t wait to see what she writes next.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt and nuanced exploration of personal growth, mental health, and the power of community.
With thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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*Disclaimer
This review has been written with 100% honesty.
I was not financially compensated for this post. I was given an advance copy of this book for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this post are completely my own based on my own experience.
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