Cutting It Fine by Sheena Billett
Intriguing, Comprehensive, Elaborate
Cutting It Fine by Sheena Billett 
From the time that Rose met Olly, she had taken on the role of protector. He had been the vulnerable one, insecure and sensitive. However, she’d had a hard time recognising when that role became obsolete, and that her husband was in fact, able to think and act for himself. Therefore, when she is presented with evidence, that within his quest of self-discovery, he has betrayed her, she is quick to attribute the blame elsewhere, desiring revenge without damaging her relationship. Is that ever possible? What could have been rectified with a single conversation, results in Rose unwittingly entangling herself in an elaborate plan orchestrated by someone who wanted much more than a trim and blow-dry.
I initially read this through as a beta reader prior to publishing. My initial thoughts on the book were that the plot was overly complicated and that Rose’s actions were maybe a little extreme. I submitted my thoughts to the author but was reticent to write a review at that stage as certain aspects of the narrative hadn’t seemed entirely clear to me. In both her last novel, ‘Eagle Court’, and ‘Cutting It Fine’, Sheena explores storylines and characters with much darker themes. This worked for me in both cases but the shocking element is used differently. Whereas in Eagle Court, the reader is hit with the erroneous actions of the main character throughout, the real twist is unveiled towards the end of the novel. In ‘Cutting it Fine’ the shock factor is increased as the narrative progresses as we find out how far Rose is prepared to go to safeguard her future as Dan ups the ante.
Right from the start it is evident that Rose’s sense of a key part of her life unravelling, instantly activates a deep seated insecurity. This is interpreted by the author’s description of her body language and her dialogue. She is a creature of habit and her life has been the same way for so long, she panics at the thought of it being forced to change. This is evident in her childhood family nights. She also finds it difficult to face up to situations that don’t comply with the way she wants them to be, as was shown in the way that she snaps at Poppy when she is asking her best friend to impart to her what she sees at her place of work. It’s in this first stage of the story that she comes across as quite sinister as she becomes more unhinged. Her ‘online’ activities are, I think quite the norm for someone to resort to nowadays. For me, it gets weird when she almost convinces herself that her digital persona is in fact someone else, therefore minimising or completely absolving in her mind, responsibility for the trolling. I thought that she was very well written with her complex nature apparent within the writing. Her persistent propensity to create problems was frustrating and I certainly don’t credit her with much intelligence, but her honesty was commendable. 
Linking the main part of the plan that Poppy originally suggests to Rose, with Rose’s job, is clever, making it easy to execute. I really liked the characters that Sheena created that worked with Rose, and their camaraderie, even in the midst of volatile and difficult times. The character of Em is accurately depicted as being like so many young people today, who decide to use social media sites to get themselves noticed and popularise their chosen activity or subject. Those people that we pretend to loathe for their perfect, pristine existences, we just can’t help being fascinated by and having our say on everything they do. Although at first, she does give the impression of being vacuous, I thought that she actually demonstrated a level of maturity and thought that put Rose to shame.
In the back of the book, the reader is asked to consider five aspects of the story. These are my thoughts:
What did I think of Olly – I do think he is weak to have given in to Em’s charms. However, I think that together with his new found form, probably came a new found confidence that he wanted to explore within his work, which was separate from his life with his wife. I think he was justified in his anger towards Rose as she hadn’t demonstrated any faith in him inasmuch as she hadn’t had that much needed conversation with him and had instead foolishly endangered his life.
Do I feel any sympathy for Rose – In her need to get revenge, she got carried away with the suggestion of a plan, which I think is believable although I’m not sure many people would be as extreme. She unwittingly put her faith in the wrong person. Who hasn’t done that? 
What do I think the future holds for Rose and Evie – Happiness I hope. Rose definitely has enough support.
What impact does Harold have on Walter – I really liked this thread of the narrative. It showed Rose’s softer side and her thoughtfulness. I think Harold is a really good companion for Walter and will help increase his confidence and his passion for life.
I found ‘Cutting It Fine’ to be a well thought out, suspense filled and creative read. I am glad I gave it a second read. Thank you to Sheena for the ‘mention’.x
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