Book description
Poor Jean Collins.
She stepped out into the road without looking and now lies broken in
hospital. But what distracted her? And why was she carrying a box of
vanilla slices, the cream cakes she only ever bought for special
occasions? Jean's daughter Anne travels back up north to find out. But
her mind is on her teenage sons in London - boys on the brink of
becoming not very nice men. What damage could they do in just a few
days? (Quite a lot, probably.)
Meanwhile there are secrets waiting for Anne and Jean, back at the
old family home. Secrets that were buried a long time ago . . .
Jenny Eclair is celebrated for her unflinching black humour and
brilliantly sharp observations. In her extraordinary new novel, she
has also created a compelling and heart-breaking family drama that
feels as rich and honest as real life.
Very dark and very funny. I had it glued to my face until I'd
finished it -- Jo Brand Of course it's funny, but it's also dark, honest
and totally compulsive reading -- Jenny Colgan Utterly compelling,
brave, angry and melancholy all at once. It is brutal about the female
experience, but also beautifully observed about the subtle complexities
of being a woman. I thought Jean was an amazing character - and it is
testament to Jenny's skill as a writer that despite some awful
behaviour, the reader never actually loses sympathy for her. Most of
all, it's just a great, honest piece of writing. I want to read her
others now -- Jojo Moyes Jenny Eclair is one of the UK's most
successful and popular comedians and actors. She is the author of two
previous, critically acclaimed novels. She is one of only two female
comedians to have won the presitgious Perrier Award.
