jynx Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 “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 60th 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesilbeach Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That does sound like a fun read, jynx. Great review Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jynx Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesilbeach Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jynx Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 lol, yep that sounds good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauraloves Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 this book sounds very good, think I might keep an eye out for that great review btw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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