LoveReading Says
One of our Books of the Year 2015.
James, a foot surgeon, saves a child from a peanut allergy and the girl’s grateful mother, a famous opera singer, lends him her chateau in France for a month. Out go James, his wife Flora, their two teenage daughters and boyfriends, James’ elderly father, two of his sisters, Flora’s zany mother and a French boyfriend and Flora’s ex-fiancé, now with one of her sister-in-laws.
Chaos. Flora does not cope well but family secrets come out and wounds are healed. This is terrific. The sparks between mother and teenage daughter, the feelings of seeing an old flame and the general family dynamics are incredibly well drawn. Great stuff. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
Reviewed by Sarah BroadhurstSarah Broadhurst spent her early working life in the book trade in both retail and wholesale until the arrival of children forced her to look for freelance work she could do from…
More reviews by Sarah Broadhurst About Wish You Were Here
This is the the new novel from number one bestselling author of thirteen novels, Catherine Alliott. When Flora, James and their two teenage daughters are offered the holiday of a lifetime in a chateau in the South of France in return for one simple good deed, they jump at the chance to escape the confines of Clapham, the weight of the mortgage and anxieties over their future for a blissful break. But Flora didn't anticipate a mysterious guest and a whole heap of family baggage coming along too.
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Catherine Alliott Press Reviews
'Compulsively readable The Times Hilarious and full of surprises' Daily Telegraph
'The writing is both intelligent and sparkling. Marian Keyes A huge treat. Hilarious yet poignant.' Sophie Kinsella
About Catherine Alliott
Catherine Alliott was our Guest Editor in August 2013 - click here - to see the books that inspired her writing.
Catherine Alliott started her first novel under the desk when she worked as an advertising copywriter. She was duly fired. With time on her hands she persevered with the novels, which happily flourished. In the early days she produced a baby with each book, but after three she stuck to writing as it was less painful. She writes with the nearest pen in exercise books, either in the garden or on a sofa. Home is a rural spot in Hertfordshire which she shares with her family and a menagerie of horses, cows, chickens and dogs, which at the last count totalled 34 beating hearts, including her husband.
Author photo © Neil Cooper
Fellow novelist SOPHIE KING on CATHERINE ALLIOTT
I first met Catherine because my youngest son was at school with her son. Catherine writes her novels in the first person which immediately makes you feel you know the heroine. I love all her books, including the latest The Secret Life of Evie Hamilton : I usually spot other people's twists but I didn't get this one until it jumped up and hit me off the page.
Author photo © Neil Cooper
Below is a Q & A with this author.
Q. If you couldn't be a writer, what would you like to be?
A. A painter – as in artist, not decorator.
Q. When you need to escape from your everyday routine, what do you do?
A. Light the fire, watch daytime TV and eat chocolate.
Q. Who is your style icon?
A. Wasn't aware I had one but very much admire Kristen Scott Thomas's style. So cool.
Q. What is your favourite food?
A. In - macaroni cheese. Out - Dover sole.
Q. What's your favourite movie?
A. Truly Madly Deeply.
Q. What's your idea of hell?
A. Shopping malls.
Q. When did you last cry and why?
A. Two weeks ago, at Badminton Horse Trials, watching a great friend's daughter jump round the cross country course. Amazing. I've known her since she was seven.
Q. What is so your idea of perfect happiness?
A. So corny. All my children plus boyfriends, girlfriends, any other friends and of course my husband, eating around the same table. Or actually, a table somewhere hot, on holiday, abroad, i.e. without me having to cook. Oh - and grandparents too.
Q. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
A. Deplore. Golly. Quite strong. Well I'm not mad about bad manners which come in many guises.
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More About Catherine Alliott
