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eilidh96's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
stone_cold_kat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
kay_ness's review
4.0
I read this book in a day on holiday. I started off thinking it was a bit clunky and not particularly well written. I think that was just Janey getting into her novel writing rhythm.
As I got into it, the characters from the 1970s became more vibrant, and although the present day family members remained a bit cliched, by the end I was greetin’.
As I got into it, the characters from the 1970s became more vibrant, and although the present day family members remained a bit cliched, by the end I was greetin’.
ashlea_t19's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jacpam0521's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
viselik's review
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Terminal illness, Violence, Chronic illness, Toxic relationship, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Misogyny, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Addiction, Sexism, Physical abuse, Mental illness, Murder, and Medical content
evelyncharlton91's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
portybelle's review against another edition
4.0
If you buy this book expecting it to be very funny, you might be surprised. There is a lot of humour but it is more of an intriguing drama. Within each chapter, we hear the thoughts of Senga’s daughter Sharon who has come home to be with her dying mother. They have had a close relationship but Sharon is quite shocked to find that there is a lot about her mother’s life that she did not know. Each chapter also includes sections of Senga’s diary. There’s a very different style to this, conversational almost, as Senga confides the details of her daily life in her big red book.
Reading Senga’s diary brings back memories for Sharon and she realises that she didn’t understand what her mum’s life was like back then. It was hard for her as a single parent and yet she had done what she could to keep her kids clothed, fed and above all happy.
This book offers a nostalgic look at the 70s and there’s a lot you might recognise. Smoking on a public transport, the Radio Rentals man, home perms, Ken and Deidre on Coronation Street, Fray Bentos pies, Pippa Dee parties, the long hot summer of 76. One particular phrase made me smile and I hadn’t heard or thought of it for ages – Annacker’s midden is a phrase my mum might have used to described my teenage bedroom! The 70s setting for the novel was only a generation or so ago, yet it seems like a different world.
One important theme in this book is that of women helping women. Senga and her friends may not have much materially but they have strength, courage and resilience. I so enjoyed reading about how they all helped and supported each other. They were spirited, full of life and determination despite the difficulties they faced.
I really enjoyed reading about Senga and her friends in the 70s. Their lives weren’t easy but Janey Godley showed how community and friendship was so important. She also didn’t shy away from showing the darker side of life due to poverty, poor living conditions and domestic abuse. I thought this was a solid debut novel and would read more from Janey Godley. However, as you may know, she has a terminal cancer diagnosis so whether she has any more novels planned, I don’t know. Like Janey Godley herself, her characters show determination, resilience and courage.
Reading Senga’s diary brings back memories for Sharon and she realises that she didn’t understand what her mum’s life was like back then. It was hard for her as a single parent and yet she had done what she could to keep her kids clothed, fed and above all happy.
This book offers a nostalgic look at the 70s and there’s a lot you might recognise. Smoking on a public transport, the Radio Rentals man, home perms, Ken and Deidre on Coronation Street, Fray Bentos pies, Pippa Dee parties, the long hot summer of 76. One particular phrase made me smile and I hadn’t heard or thought of it for ages – Annacker’s midden is a phrase my mum might have used to described my teenage bedroom! The 70s setting for the novel was only a generation or so ago, yet it seems like a different world.
One important theme in this book is that of women helping women. Senga and her friends may not have much materially but they have strength, courage and resilience. I so enjoyed reading about how they all helped and supported each other. They were spirited, full of life and determination despite the difficulties they faced.
I really enjoyed reading about Senga and her friends in the 70s. Their lives weren’t easy but Janey Godley showed how community and friendship was so important. She also didn’t shy away from showing the darker side of life due to poverty, poor living conditions and domestic abuse. I thought this was a solid debut novel and would read more from Janey Godley. However, as you may know, she has a terminal cancer diagnosis so whether she has any more novels planned, I don’t know. Like Janey Godley herself, her characters show determination, resilience and courage.
caramia16's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
megsbookshelf81's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
Really enjoyed reading perspective of a Glaswegian working class mum. It seemed real and relatable. I was disappointed in how predictable and short the ending was but I enjoyed it nonetheless 😀