St Albans is the starting point for a British road trip in this journey of self-discovery and the tale of an unlikely friendship between two older women. Thea and Denise are very different, both facing their own personal crossroads. The pair aren’t an obvious friendship match, yet when their paths cross several times, they each see something in the other that draws them together.
Thea has a teenage daughter, Ella, she has a well-paid job and appears to be confident with her opinions and an unapologetic attitude, the latter, things which unassuming Denise wishes were true for herself, but there is also a guardedness to Thea. Denise, married and with three teenage sons, Aaron, Lewis and Joe is taken for granted by her husband, Simon and her life is full of dull routines. Denise works in Simon's business. Thea decides to take off for a few days to seek out some excitement, and reluctant Denise seizes on the opportunity and goes along, too.
Thea and Denise share the narrative and the book gives the reader a peep into their current lives before they set off, then packs in a number of events that get closer to the core issues both are fighting. I was confident that Caroline Bond would do justice to the stories of the women, having read a few of her books before. The two ladies' problems and internal struggles are expertly portrayed, as is their blossoming friendship. Sensitively written and poignant, with topics touching on marital disillusionment, difficult family relations and menopause, I could relate to the masterfully created Thea and Denise very easily. Humorous, razor-sharp and uplifting, the ending is a good one.
Thea has a teenage daughter, Ella, she has a well-paid job and appears to be confident with her opinions and an unapologetic attitude, the latter, things which unassuming Denise wishes were true for herself, but there is also a guardedness to Thea. Denise, married and with three teenage sons, Aaron, Lewis and Joe is taken for granted by her husband, Simon and her life is full of dull routines. Denise works in Simon's business. Thea decides to take off for a few days to seek out some excitement, and reluctant Denise seizes on the opportunity and goes along, too.
Thea and Denise share the narrative and the book gives the reader a peep into their current lives before they set off, then packs in a number of events that get closer to the core issues both are fighting. I was confident that Caroline Bond would do justice to the stories of the women, having read a few of her books before. The two ladies' problems and internal struggles are expertly portrayed, as is their blossoming friendship. Sensitively written and poignant, with topics touching on marital disillusionment, difficult family relations and menopause, I could relate to the masterfully created Thea and Denise very easily. Humorous, razor-sharp and uplifting, the ending is a good one.