I think Claire’s writing shines most in her characters, and this is shown at it’s best in this book. The cast is so varied, but each has been given love and care by the author, to make sure they get under your skin, even when I had paused the audiobook.    

Fern was imperfect, and as such completely relatable and her inner monologue was funny, but full of love and warmth for her family, even though some of them might be testing her patience at times, none more so than her Aunt Nora. Nora herself was my joint favourite character. I loved her sorry and it was quite funny at the start seeing how she seemingly misinterpreted everything people said to make it seem like they didn’t care about her, and wasn’t scared to speak out over this horrible injustice.

Evka is also a fond favourite of mine. She is forthright and confident, and very cheeky! I wish therewas a series of short stories following on her adventures. She is absolutely amazing.

I listened to this as an audiobook and I must mention the the narrator was also amazing. Her narration really made some of the moments that were already funny even more so with the her timing and infliction, especially whenever Percy Waddingsworthington was spoken of. So if you can get a hold of the audiobook, I recommend it.     If you can’t already tell, I loved this book.

Hilarious, and absorbing, definitely a read where the only regret would be not getting round to it sooner!    

Published by: Pan Macmillan    

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