Mum's the Word by Kate Lawson
Thursday, 13 Mar 2008 16:30
Mum's the Word by Kate Lawson
Published by Avon, paperback, 392 pages, £6.99.
In a nutshell...
A predictably feel-good, girlie romantic comedy.
What's it all about?
Mum's the Word is about a 45-year-old divorced artist who thinks she is past all the ups and downs of romance and flirtation. However, when stoic Robert drops a bombshell and dumps her, Susie Reed realises for the second time that she is alone again.
Instead of being allowed to get on with walking her dog, painting landscapes and relaxing with a nice bottle of red, a wave of unsuitable men, children with love problems and a father with a 20-something girlfriend means Susie has no time to sit still.
In between attempting to salvage the relationships of her children and organise the college art exhibition, Susie finds herself distracted by tanned lothario Simon, whose romantic trips to Paris and consistent attempts to get her in bed are unnervingly tempting, and handsome, rugged Matt, who is unfortunately her son's best friend and seemingly gay.
The novel explores the thoughts and dreams of a woman who has been though marriage, children and divorce, and appears to be getting a second chance of happiness.
Who's it by?
Kate Lawson has had a number of books published under various pseudonyms including Gemma Fox, under whom she was short-listed for the Melissa Nathan Comedy Romance Award in 2006, and Sue Welfare, under whose name two romantic comedies are currently being adapted for television. Also writing scripts for local radio and pantomime, Lawson's comedy Write Back Home was part of the 1999 Channel 4 Sitcome Festival. She has also written 12 erotic novels.
As an example...
"He'd said, 'Are you the woman with the long-eared hairy mongrel who's bought Isaac's Cottage?'
Hardly a chat-up line to make a woman go weak at the knees, but she'd never seen herself as
high maintenance and din't trust flash, so it wasn't a bad opening."
Likelihood of becoming a Hollywood blockbuster
Although the book is perfectly written to be adapted for the big screen, I do not feel there is anything particularly unique or interesting enough about the plot to make any directors stop in their tracks.
Despite being funny in parts and a traditional romantic comedy, the book centres around a few wildly unrealistic plot lines and a number of stereotypical characters.
It certainly follows a Bridget Jones-like theme, but unfortunately lacks any of the comic genius that made the lead character as lovable.
What the others say
"Like a glass of Frescati after a long day. Delightful." - Kate Long, bestselling author of The Bad Mother's Handbook.
So is it any good?
Unfortunately, I found the book very predictable and could anticipate the final ending near enough as soon as all the main characters were introduced. Some of the plot centres on some very unlikely, shaky misunderstandings and certain characters are too stereotypical to believe.
However, this does not mean it was unenjoyable - descriptions of Susie chanting Delia-style cooking advice as she dishes up her dinner made me chuckle and the eccentricity of best friend Nina added some much-needed quirkiness.
Lawson's writing is descriptive but slow in parts, made all the more confusing by a hurried and seemingly unlikely conclusion. Despite this, for those who simply want some light summer holiday reading, Mum's the Word is an enjoyable poolside novel.
3.5/10
Oonagh Spence
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