‘What a wonderful book! … Hotel 21 is a sharp, funny, poignant and completely heart-warming story about female friendship and kick-ass women. I truly loved it!’
Ruth Hogan, author of The Keeper of Lost Things
‘Noelle is my new hero, she quietly but firmly stole my heart’
Ericka Waller, author of Dog Days
*Optioned by MGM as a TV series in a major deal*
Noelle is an efficient, friendly hotel cleaner. She impresses managers. She avoids conflict.
And she steals from the guests…
Noelle is a model employee. Or so she’d have you think. The trouble is that she can’t help taking a little ‘souvenir’ as she cleans the hotels where she works. Nothing of value, just tokens of happy, normal lives: a lipstick, a hair clip, some tweezers. And by the time the guest has noticed, she’s long gone.
As she starts at her 21st hotel, she’s determined to beat her record of one month in a five star hotel before suspicion falls on her. But when she meets her new colleagues, her plans are complicated. These women aren’t just hands pushing carts down lonely hotel corridors: they are women with lives full of happiness and worry, pain and joy. The kind of lives Noelle has never known how to live. They make her wonder what it might be like to have real friends, people to stick around for…
Will the women at Hotel 21 give her the courage to claim the life she deserves?
A sharp, warm-hearted tale for fans of Convenience Store Woman and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
Senta Rich began her career as an advertising copywriter. During this time she also wrote radio plays and articles for magazines. As soon as she could she left advertising and moved into the world of film and TV. She currently writes for TV shows in Ireland and the UK, including drama and animation. Her work has featured on RTE, BBC, CBEEBIES, Amazon Prime and other international and European networks. She also has a feature film in development. Hotel 21 is her first novel.
Senta has a BA (Hons) in Philosophy from Liverpool University. She has a strong background and interest in psychology with particular emphasis on Jungian psychology. She is originally from London but now lives in Dublin with her husband and son.
Why Should You Read This?
In “Hotel 21” by Senta Rich, readers are introduced to Noelle, an efficient and seemingly friendly hotel cleaner with a hidden compulsion. Noelle has a peculiar habit of taking small mementos from hotel guests as she cleans their rooms. However, when she begins working at her 21st hotel, her encounters with a group of extraordinary women colleagues challenge her usual routine and raise questions about the life she truly desires.
From the outset, Noelle is portrayed as a meticulous employee, always on the lookout for any signs of trouble to ensure her safe escape. Senta Rich masterfully delves into Noelle’s psyche, exploring the motivations behind her peculiar behavior and the hidden emptiness within her own life. The author creates a compelling character in Noelle, balancing her flawed actions with a yearning for genuine connections and friendships.
The introduction of Noelle’s new colleagues at Hotel 21 adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Rich skillfully develops these women, portraying them as individuals with their own joys, worries, and past experiences. Their presence challenges Noelle’s perspective and offers her a glimpse into the possibility of a different life—one filled with meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.
Rich’s writing style is engaging, with descriptive prose that brings the hotel setting to life. The author seamlessly captures the unique atmosphere of a hotel, as well as the emotions and struggles of the characters. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with moments of introspection and personal growth interspersed with the underlying tension of Noelle’s secret activities.
At its core, “Hotel 21” is a tale of self-discovery and redemption. As Noelle contemplates the lives of her colleagues and the bonds they share, readers are invited to reflect on their own relationships and the choices they make. The book raises thought-provoking questions about the pursuit of happiness and the consequences of our actions.
One aspect that could have been further explored is the psychological underpinnings of Noelle’s behavior. While the story provides glimpses into her past, a deeper exploration of her motivations and emotional journey could have added even more depth to the narrative.
In conclusion, “Hotel 21” is a captivating and introspective novel that delves into themes of personal growth, friendship, and the quest for happiness. Senta Rich’s well-crafted characters and evocative writing create an engaging reading experience. With its blend of suspense and heartfelt moments, this book will leave readers contemplating the power of connection and the choices we make to shape our lives.