Not perfect but a fun read overall.

Firstly , I loved the attention this novel placed on women, especially as mothers. It is a sadly common occurrence that women labelled as a mother in any kind of story have their entire separate existence erased or whittled down to an extremely narrow scope that doesn't stray from domestic bliss or raising children. However, this novel instead chooses to subvert the norm by focusing intently on that struggle to maintain an individual identity in the face of social normality. It is unapologetically as it discuses the very natural human dream of freedom from harsh responsibility, even when that dream takes place away from kids or families. I think that was my favourite aspect of the book as so many things that are considered unpleasant topics nowadays , such as women ageing and the physical changes that come with that process, are discussed in a clearcut manner. It is a niche subject in the scheme of things but was handled in an elegant but approach-able way so as not to risk the alienation of readers that don't fit that specific demographic who face these problems.

I wouldn’t that I really felt connected to two main protagonists, but I did find them to be intriguing. Because their existing relationship was already developed I felt that the interactions outside of it were really lacking in substance. Obviously, their relationship is a key part of the story as a whole but, for example, for there to be issues between Denise and her husband there needed to be more about them and see more relating to when they too were a couple or it feels far too one-sided like a rumour.

In short , it is not a perfectly balanced novel but one that was entertaining without relying on tired tropes to do so.