How to Age Disgracefully opening line: Police Constable Penny Rogers had been right on the bumper of the minibus, siren wailing and lights flashing, for several miles before it finally pulled on to the hard shoulder of the motorway.
My blurb:
Lydia no longer has children to look after at home, so she decides to get a job. Nothing too taxing, or daunting. But something to keep her occupied. Little does she know that trying to be in charge at the new senior citizens’ social club will make her feel completely different to how she feels now. She is not in control anywhere. But these senior citizens are going to change her life. And have fun while doing so.
How to Age Disgracefully
When age makes you invisible, secrets are easier to hide. Daphne knows that age is just a number. She also knows that society no longer pays her any attention – something she’s happy to exploit to help her hide a somewhat chequered past.But finding herself alone on her 70th birthday, with only her plants to talk to and neighbours to stalk online, she decides she needs some friends. Joining a Senior Citizen’s Social Club she’s horrified at the expectation she’ll spend her time enduring gentle crafting activities. Thankfully, the other members – including a failed actor addicted to shoplifting and a prolific yarn-bomber – agree.After a tragic accident, the local council threaten to close the club – but they have underestimated the wrong group of pensioners…and with the help of a teenage dad and a geriatric, orphaned dog, the incongruous gang set out to prove it.As long as their pasts don’t catch up with them first…
My verdict:
I picked up this book on a Saturday afternoon, expecting to read it over the course of the week. This is the norm for me, one book per week, unless we are on holiday. Well, I could not put it down. It was full of laughs, love, life, and intrigue. By Sunday morning I had finished reading the book, and all I could wish for was a sequel to see what happens next.
About the Author:
Clare Pooley graduated from Cambridge University and then spent twenty years in the heady world of advertising before becoming a full-time writer. Her debut novel, The Authenticity Project, was a New York Times bestseller, and has been translated into 29 languages. Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting is her second novel; her third novel, How to Age Disgracefully, is forthcoming. Pooley lives in Fulham, London, with her husband, three children, and two border terriers.
Publishing information:
Penguin Random House South Africa sent me this novel to review.
See the links below for blog posts I published on July 14:
- 2021: Dumplings And Noodles
- 2019: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- 2017: Spicy Tomato Relish
- 2016: Cuban Pork Chops
- 2015: Griwech | Algerian Pastry
- 2014: Bibimbap
- 2013: Waiting For Wednesday
- 2012: Food Quiz Number 75 For A Friday
- 2011: Sweet Chilli Sauce Duck
- 2010: Roast Chicken
I like the idea of ageing disgracefully. Sounds like a lot of fun.
It does indeed 😉
A strong recommendation, Tandy. I like the sound of it.
I loved this book!