Jane Wenham-Jones (1962–2021)

I bought this some years ago - it was published in 2007 and reprinted in 2010 - and used to enjoy the late writer's column in 'Writing Magazine'. However, apart from the fate of all such books in the digital age - they go out of date in a few years especially the coverage of digital publishing (which is very rudimentary in this one) - the whole tone is one of trying too hard. I soon lost count of the many references to alcohol, drunkenness and general 'wine o'clock' hilarity which I'm afraid I didn't find very amusing.

There were a few interesting points, but even those have to be treated with caution - for example, although the Richard and Judy Bookclub is still in existence it is now a website as far as I know and I don't know when it ceased to be a TV programme. However, it does still seem to be the case that Waterstones buy books centrally (there is an interview with one of their book-buyers of the time).

There was a bit of laziness in a couple of places where the author states that she knows nothing about a particular type of writing, but recommends a book about it which she admits she hasn't bothered to read - but the author on the one about TV writing is apparently a nice bloke. It ends with several pages of quotes about writing from different people in the book trade, which I must admit I skimmed. So for me this rates an OK 2 stars.… (més)

The Big Five-O follows 4 friends, all coming up to their 50th birthday and a big birthday bash is being planned. The friends are; Charlotte, a devoted mother and wife but struggling with the fact her daughter has left home for Uni. Fay, a successful businesswoman, no children and has a toyboy, Sherie is single but loves her cat and Roz is a single mum struggling to make ends meet. All of these ladies have secrets.
Throughout the book we find out more and more about each character, the secrets they are keeping although one secret is not revealed until near the end of the book, you will understand why as you read it.
This book had me laughing in places, anxious in others and sad in places too. I really liked the writing style and Jane Wenham-Jones wrote a fantastic book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and will definitely lookout for more from her in the future.
… (més)