The Flatshare

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is an adult romantic comedy published in 2019. It sold over one million copies and has been adapted for television by Paramount+. It is O’Leary’s first novel, and she was nominated for a Comedy Women in Print prize upon its release. The novel centers on the story of Leon and Tiffy, who share an apartment—and a bed—but at different times of day, so it is months before they actually meet. When they do, they both learn to take risks and step out of their comfort zones in order to be together. The novel explores themes of recovering from emotional abuse, building intimacy through unconventional means, and the rewards of taking risks.

O’Leary has written four other novels, all romantic comedies. Her second novel, The Switch, is being adapted for film. O’Leary is English, and all of her novels are set in the UK. 

This study guide refers to the 2021 First Flatiron Books Trade Paperback edition of the novel. 

Content Warning: The source text and this guide include discussion of emotional abuse and manipulative behavior in relationships. 

Plot Summary

Tiffany “Tiffy” Moore is searching for a place to live after her ex-boyfriend, Justin, told her to move out.