Thea And Demise is a novel by British author, Caroline Bond. While they may be of a similar vintage, Thea and Denise are living quite diverse lives. Denise is raising three teenaged sons, working in her husband's import/export business and bearing the brunt of care facility visits to her angry and miserable verbally abusive father-in-law.
Thea is still coming to terms with the divorce that followed her husband's infidelity. But even more concerning is the fact that her fifteen-year-old daughter seems to prefer living with her father, his new wife and their young children. It's true that Thea works full-time for a government department, but how else can she afford a place to live, or prove to her daughter that a woman can be independent? There's something else, too, that Thea would rather not think about.
They first encounter each other at a business dinner, when Thea extends much-appreciated kindness in Denise's moment of need. But then a favour is returned and they learn that they enjoy each other's company. Denise finds Thea attractive, confident and strong. Thea can't help but comment on Denise's regimented, busy life of servitude.
When her daughter gives her what Thea sees as the worst possible news, and the ultimate insult, she reacts poorly and, feeling she has unintentionally burnt bridges, decides a break is needed. She impulsively invites Denise on a road trip. Denise, too, could do with a break from being unappreciated by the four men in her life: a night away with Thea could be fun, just what she needs.
One night turns into two: they are really having fun. Then Denise is meant to return home while Thea travels on to tick off her F##k-it List. But her husband's attitude rubs Denise the wrong way, and they continue on together. At first a little hesitantly, Denise participates in Thea's crazy activities: she's amazed to enjoy track day at Silverstone; with surprising gusto, she throws herself into the Rage Rooms; she won't get a tattoo, though.
Then, when Thea's customary confidence and control deserts her, Denise takes over, and they retreat to a safe place.
Bond gives the reader a tale inspired by Thelma and Louise, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well as some lump-in-the-throat ones. Her protagonists are two very different women who reach the end of their respective tethers and act. They challenge each other's life choices, offer support and care, and ultimately become the firmest, if unlikeliest, of friends. Funny, moving and uplifting. This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by The Pigeonhole.
Thea is still coming to terms with the divorce that followed her husband's infidelity. But even more concerning is the fact that her fifteen-year-old daughter seems to prefer living with her father, his new wife and their young children. It's true that Thea works full-time for a government department, but how else can she afford a place to live, or prove to her daughter that a woman can be independent? There's something else, too, that Thea would rather not think about.
They first encounter each other at a business dinner, when Thea extends much-appreciated kindness in Denise's moment of need. But then a favour is returned and they learn that they enjoy each other's company. Denise finds Thea attractive, confident and strong. Thea can't help but comment on Denise's regimented, busy life of servitude.
When her daughter gives her what Thea sees as the worst possible news, and the ultimate insult, she reacts poorly and, feeling she has unintentionally burnt bridges, decides a break is needed. She impulsively invites Denise on a road trip. Denise, too, could do with a break from being unappreciated by the four men in her life: a night away with Thea could be fun, just what she needs.
One night turns into two: they are really having fun. Then Denise is meant to return home while Thea travels on to tick off her F##k-it List. But her husband's attitude rubs Denise the wrong way, and they continue on together. At first a little hesitantly, Denise participates in Thea's crazy activities: she's amazed to enjoy track day at Silverstone; with surprising gusto, she throws herself into the Rage Rooms; she won't get a tattoo, though.
Then, when Thea's customary confidence and control deserts her, Denise takes over, and they retreat to a safe place.
Bond gives the reader a tale inspired by Thelma and Louise, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well as some lump-in-the-throat ones. Her protagonists are two very different women who reach the end of their respective tethers and act. They challenge each other's life choices, offer support and care, and ultimately become the firmest, if unlikeliest, of friends. Funny, moving and uplifting. This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by The Pigeonhole.