Yes, this is the renowned comedian but her background includes psychiatric nursing and she has clearly called upon her knowledge and experience in that field to produce this tale of an eccentric family in a lovely, funny and sad story.  Her particular humour is most evident at the beginning when she describes the characters and setting – real laugh-out-loud stuff – and then the story takes over.

Comparison: Unique but try Julian Clary (Devil in Disguise), Pauline McLynn (Missing You Already), Ben Elton.

Synopsis

A genuinely funny and original novel about mental illness, growing up and parental breakdown from much-loved comedienne Jo Brand. Alice is five, and convinced she needs five personalities to cope. Her family, tucked in a cottage in deepest Herefordshire, are a bit weird. Her mother Gina is obsessed with the weatherman on the local news and when she climbs naked onto the roof with Alice's pet guinea pig in her arms, she is whisked off to the local psychiatric hospital. Keith, Alice's father, tries to keep calm, but his patience is severely tested by his in-laws. The only thing that gives Alice's hope is her love for Morrissey of The Smiths...

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About the Author

Jo Brand is a stand-up comic with many TV and radio shows to her name. She is married with two children and lives in South London. Photograph © Trevor Leighton   More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation