'No, I don't want to joing a bookclub' by Virginia Ironside.

[jynx]

“Immensely charming, immensely uplifting, I would recommend it to everyone” Marian Keyes.

 

　

This is a snapshot of a nearly 60yr old’s life, told in the form of a diary, detailing the approach of & her 60^th birthday & her refusal to grow old gracefully & accept the ravishes of time. She details her relationships with her family & friends coping from the mundane to the tragic.

 

The synopsis on the back of the book reads as follows:

 

‘Too young to get whisked away by a Stannah Stairlift, or to enjoy the luxury of a walk-in bath (but not so much that she doesn’t enjoy comfortable shoes), Marie is all the same getting on in years - and she’s thrilled about it. She’s a bit preoccupied about whether to give up sex - Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! - but there are compensations, like falling in love with her baby grandson, and maybe falling in love with someone else too?

Curmudgeonly, acute, touching & funny, this diary is what happens when grumpy old women meet Bridget Jones'

 

I must say, I borrowed this from the library based on the synopsis & have never read any other Virginia Ironside’s books, but I was very pleasantly surprised - I devoured the book in a couple of days & loved every second of it - from the funny (using a thermometer to sign a cheque) through the dinner parties & the redecoration of her room - there was always a passage to lift the reader’s mood. I found that the character’s attitude to aging was refreshing (similar to a bucket of ice water to the face) & must admit I think I might adopt this attitude as I approach her age! I loved the fact that she grew in confidence - realizing that you can be yourself, you don’t need other people’s affirmation or approval. To feel happy & content with your lot in life. She hinted at a having led a very colorful life & that she was determined to continue to live her life the way she wanted to rather than bowing down to the pressure of ‘you can’t do that - you’re too old’ scenario.

 

In conclusion, I loved this book & would definitely read it again! I’m also planning on searching out some more of Virginia Ironside’s books.

 

I’m curious as to whether anyone else has read this book & whether they enjoyed it a much as I did?

[Janet]

I haven't read it. I've looked at in and thought it sounded good - in fact, I wondered about suggesting it as a read for my Book Club. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it.

[chesilbeach]

That does sound like a fun read, jynx. Great review

[jynx]

Thanks, it's the first review I've written since school!! But I seriously enjoyed the book, it was great. I'm reading MC Beaton at the moment & hopefully will post a longer review on that one!

[chesilbeach]

I know we're going a bit off topic, but I love M. C. Beaton! Hope to chat to you about it when you've finished

[jynx]

lol, yep that sounds good

[lauraloves]

this book sounds very good, think I might keep an eye out for that great review btw