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#89 37
37
As someone whose 37th birthday is quickly approaching, I could not turn down the opportunity to read this novel by Maria Beaumont. It chronicles the approaching midlife of Fran Clark, a talented former voice over actress living in London. Fran left acting 10 years earlier when she started her family with her husband Richard. As her 37th birthday party nears, her life and drinking habit get more and more out of control. When everything is finally turned upside down on the night of her party, Fran has to choose between finding a way to recreate herself or give in to the alcoholism that runs in her family and potentially ruin her children’s childhood. What seems obvious to everyone surrounding her proves to be very difficult for Fran.
37 was written in a comfortable, conversational tone. As someone who has never been to England, I very much enjoyed the dialog. It was delightfully different from what I am used to. Part way through the book the voice in my head while I was reading it even took on a British accent ala Madonna. I love how so often sentences were ended in rhetorical questions. No one uses the word brilliant quite like the British.
Conversation aside, life in upper-middle class London isn’t all that much different than it is here in the United States. Fran has two wonderful best friends, but they are but a life raft in shark invested waters. Fran’s relationship with her husband suffers from what sadly happens far too often after children are born. The mothers running her school’s equivalent to the PTA act and react just like catty women everywhere. Beaumont nailed the competitive nature between women that has no real reason to exist. Women are our own worst enemies.
37 was somewhat heavier than I had anticipated, but it read quickly. I related to Fran and empathized with her experiences. The ending was satisfying and inspiring. I hope that Maria Beaumont continues to write. Her voice is what made this story special.
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Comments
5 Responses to “#89 37”
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Shana
Posted: Jul 26th, 2008 at 1:02 pm1Reply to this comment.I love British chick lit. Thanks for the review. Sounds like another good one!
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Becca
Posted: Jul 27th, 2008 at 7:48 am2Reply to this comment.This sounds like a great read…I’ll be on the lookout for it
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Literate Housewife
Posted: Jul 28th, 2008 at 8:48 am3Reply to this comment.This was an entertaining book. I hope that you guys enjoy it. It will probably be in my next batch of giveaways, so stay tuned.
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pingback:
Posted: Jul 28th, 2008 at 11:14 am4July Book Blowout Update Day 28 « The Literate Housewife ReviewReply to this comment.[...] it’s been a while since my last update. In that time, I finished reading 37 by Maria Beaumont, Sweetsmoke by David Fuller, and Rabies Mom by Pat Carrol and Jack McGowan. [...]
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kegsoccer
Posted: Jul 31st, 2008 at 10:11 pm5Reply to this comment.I’ll def add this to my TBR list, thanks !
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