There is so much to love about this book by one of my favourite Australian authors: the vividly drawn characters, the masterly story telling, the originality of the plot, the touches of humour that had me giggling aloud. It was a delight to read and I especially enjoyed the interactions between Mad Mabel of the title and her precocious young neighbour Persephone.
This book came highly-recommended by my daughter-in-law, a discerning reader with an eye for quality fiction. From the opening pages I could see why readers around the globe love this story. It's a delightful blend of fresh, lively writing, an engaging protagonist who is ahead of her time, laser-sharp insights into the social structure of the early 1960s and flashes of humour that had me laughing aloud.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • Meet Elizabeth Zott: a “formidable, unapologetic and inspiring” (PARADE) scientist in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show in this novel that is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel. It reminds you that change takes time and always requires heat” (The New York Times Book Review).
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Newsweek, GoodReads
"A unique heroine ... you'll find yourself wishing she wasn’t fictional." —Seattle Times…
This cosy mystery won me over with its well-thought out plot, engaging characters, and New Zealand setting. It's the first in a new series and the book 2 is on my To Read list.
Sometimes a woman has to lose her marriage to find herself.
It’s the 1980s but feminism has passed Stella by and her sole focus is being the best wife and mother she can be. Her husband Daniel’s shock announcement that their marriage is over casts her adrift. Stella has to rethink everything she believed about herself and their life. The future she imagined of growing old together is not to be and she has no idea what will replace it. Meeting a stranger at the seashore where she goes to seek solace takes her in an unexpected direction. Free spirit Chris introduces her to a different perspective on life – and the possibility their friendship can become something deeper. Stella can choose to stay mired in yesterday’s regrets – or create a tomorrow that expresses her full potential.
