This author’s second novel, A Woman’s Guide to Adultery, is one of my all-time favourite books.
I’ve been waiting for her to write its equal and now, 16 years later, she ‘almost’ has. The opening extract doesn’t do it justice for you are initially introduced to her wacky friend and her alphabetical approach to the state of spinsterhood, but you’ve got to buy this for, as it progresses, you are swept up into a serious debate on singledom, on life and on happiness. Bound into it is a delightful tale of small town folk with big lives. It’s a truly lovely, unusual and thought-provoking book. A must.
Also for a bit of fun why not try a special quiz set up by the publisher. Are you happy being single? Dying to be a Mrs? Click here to find out.
Comparison: Fay Weldon, Jeanette Winterson, Michele Roberts.
Similar this month: None but try Lissa Evans, Jodi Picoult.
| Primary Genre | Romance / Relationship Stories |
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Riley Gordon would not go as far as her best friend, Magda, who has decided to have the full wedding ceremony and celebrations. So far, so traditional. But in Magda’s case, the lucky person she will be saying I do to is herself. It is Magda's statement for single women everywhere. This is Riley's call to arms, her challenge to celebrate singleness, and to re-establish that much maligned, splendid word: spinster.
The life of Riley is an excellent one. She has no issues, no life crises. She is celebrating her life. Her mother is not so sure. Her marriage to Riley's father may have been a mistake, but as a merry widow, at least she is allowed lovers. Her sister, happily married with two children, is certain that married life is the right choice. Riley’s extensive relations, including those in the more successful branch of the family, feel free to give their opinions, frequently and unasked. Her various friends, straight and gay, are delighted to have such available and lively companionship. And her lovers, all ex at present, simply wonder when they might be able to weight the balance from freedom towards themselves.
Carol Clewlow, author of A Woman's Guide to Adultery, has written a wonderfully refreshing, witty novel, her conversational tone perfectly suited to the book. The views on marriage, on lifestyles, on age, on our attitudes are lively, unusual and stimulating. Riley is a character all of us would like to have in our lives.
Not Married, Not Bothered features in the following genres: Family Drama, Modern and Contemporary Fiction, eBooks of the Month, Romance / Relationship Stories, Fiction, General Fiction, Recommendations
Not Married, Not Bothered is available in Paperback (b Format)
Not Married, Not Bothered was written by Carol Clewlow and published by Harpercollins Publishers
