The Matchbreaker - Chris Manby 2007 ****1/2

A lot of people found Chris Manby's main character Lindsay infuriating in this. And I must say I was amazed at how arrogant and self-centred she was. However, I have to say that I did warm towards her about half way through. Lindsay has always been a daddy's girl, even to the extent of sabotaging all of her father's relationships, and when he becomes engaged to his latest 'squeeze' Karen, she is determined to ruin that as well.

Deciding to take her future mother-in-law to Ibiza for her hen weekend, Lindsay plans to give her a send off she will never forget.

One of my favourite things about chick lit is when the author is describing London. I like taking a virtual trip along Oxford Street or Hyde Park with the character and this is what happened here.

Worth a read.

Started 16th January

Finished 20th January

Piccadilly Jim - PG Wodehouse 1917 ****

 

Remarkably clever Wodehouse where a young man sets up a scam (only because a gorgeous woman has caught his eye of course!) in which he pretends to be himself, leading to rather complicated story!

Years ago, James Crocker writes a scathing review of some love poetry submitted to his newspaper by a beautiful redhead named Ann. By chance, he bumps into her again on his way to visit his aunt and uncle overseas, but cannot reveal his true identity to her once she begins to slate his character. Instead, he names himself Bayliss after his butler back home.

At the same time Ann who coincidentally is working for his aunt and uncle, is devising a plan where the aunt's spoilt grandson Ogden is to be kidnapped and sent off to a health farm to shape up. Meeting this charming man seems to her an ideal opportunity to carry out her plan, and she enlists James (rather amusingly) to pretend to be James Crocker in order to get rid of the boy.

Confused? Yes, you will be, but do persevere, because as usual, Wodehouse makes it all worthwhile in the end (and also extremely funny!).

 

Started 5th October

Finished 13th October