15/07/2020
"First of all, I have to say: what a gorgeous little book this is: hardback, clothbound and yet fits beautifully into one hand so I could fly through the pages!
And fly through them, I did! This story focuses on Ange, who 40 years ago, was crowned the most beautiful woman in the world. Now she is ‘old and ugly’ (and rather fat!) Adding to her woes is an invitation to a reunion at her old friend Elizabeth’s house and the looming dread that this will involve seeing Elizabeth’s husband, Spencer, with whom she shares a dark and secretive past.
Ange is a fab character: both hilarious and tragic in equal measures. Married 5 times with a dependency on food and (lots of) gin and tonics, it becomes apparent that Ange’s biting joviality is a way to cover up old wounds and insecurities!
I’m not quite sure I’ve ever read something like this: a dark comedy in its essence, there are times when very dark themes are balanced out with pure hilarity! In what other book do you see the characters plotting murder, whilst getting drunk in a whirlpool bath?
I devoured this in one sitting! This novel confronts some dark ideas but makes you smile throughout! A fantastic combination of bathos, tragedy and humour - a highly unique, original and engaging read!" - Claire Skinner
