Book review - A Not Quite Perfect Family

 

Arriving at Fuengerola, Costa del Sol, Spain meant a week of undisturbed reading for me.  This book came out of the case onto my lap in the hotel foyer, on the balcony of my room, around the pool, in bed and on the beach.  The iPhone got relegated.  I had quality 'me' time.

I was sent this uncorrected proof copy from its publisher - a first for me to receive such a lovely gift.  It was such a privilege to be amongst some of the first readers as it is not available to buy until 7th April, 2017.  This holiday was about me drawing a line under almost a year of ill health and what a tonic it was - both for the change of scenery, the sun and food, and for this very humorous book.

If you like 'Outnumbered' or 'Not Going Out' on television you will love this book.  In a light-hearted way it deals with the agonies of being a parent or a mother-figure to three generations.  Sandwiched between an ailing elderly Aunt and her own two children, then double deckered between two men; a 'sort of' daughter-in-law and her baby, Fern's relationships play out like a pinball machine being buffeted from pillow to kitchen; hitting the jackpot, loosing the game, then winning the prize.

It is a tale for anyone separated from a long-time relationship; a carer; a dog lover; a working mum or anyone lost in a jungle of other people's needs and dreams.  Through the journey Fern rediscovers her 'self'.

I rate this a 5***** read.  Well done, Claire Sandy and Pan Macmillan.