A gentle story about trust, forgiveness and redemption. There were parts I enjoyed very much. No let me amend that; I found the book a good read, and only two things caused my enjoyment lessen: the times when I wanted to shake Lizzie or James for not communicating, and the attempts at capturing the dialect of 3 year olds. I'd rather live in Back Lane Cottage (nettles and all) than The Mill House (with its' own garden nettle in the form of James' mum) any day. But, like Lizzie, I'd rather have my love under the duvet with me. This remarkably realistic account of one woman's journey through postpartum depression, addiction, motherhood and divorce is the debut novel of Elise Chidley. The characterization of the main character, Lizzie is so true to life. She has all these imperfections, or more accurately, what she believes to be imperfections. All of theses flaws add up to make Lizzie who she is. She didn't have that unattainable perfection that makes so many characters unrelatable. I am only that true appreciates when I can connect with a character like I did with Lizzie.Another thing about this novel that pleased me was the setting. I was expecting it to be set in Middle Town USA and to my surprise it was set in Bloody England. We all know how much I Bloody love England! The author has spent much of her life in England before moving with her family to Connecticut. So she knows first hand all the foods, places, sayings and mannerisms that she has put into this book.I really loved this novel and it will have a prominent place in my top twenty books for the year. Not only was the setting and the characterization wonderful but the plot was brilliant. It kept me guessing and just when I was getting comfortable it through me for a loop.
What do You think about The Ugly Sister Syndrome (2000)?
An easy read with a likable character and an unrealistic ending.
—dhanu
I love this book. It opened my eyes to stuff about my own life.
—boa9816
Fab - funny - very well written - love this book.
—iamhasankhaled
