December 2013, Candy Jar Books, 320 pages, Paperback, Review copy
Themes: being cheated on, having the world crash
around you, feeling ignored, having to keep going for someone you love, encouraging
others to love, unconventional paternity, misunderstandings, friendship new and
old, revenge, being too hasty, lotss of milk, lots of Mondays, finding out who
you really are, learning the reality of your friends' lives, parental support,
staying strong,
Content: affairs, occasional strong
language, a few adult situations
Summary from Candy Jar Books
Catherine has everything a modern girl needs – a successful business, idyllic family life and even an 'Aga' in the kitchen! But this all changes one Monday, after her husband decides to leave her for the cleaner. All of a sudden Catherine's
life is turned upside down. She is left to raise her baby daughter
alone, rebuild a tattered career, while trying to avoid the attentions
of Mike, who is ‘Mr Lovely’ until Catherine notices his wedding ring...
Having lost everything, Catherine is determined to prove that she can make it on her own as a single mother. Manic Mondays follows Catherine over a year of Mondays, as she tries to put her life back together.
Having lost everything, Catherine is determined to prove that she can make it on her own as a single mother. Manic Mondays follows Catherine over a year of Mondays, as she tries to put her life back together.
Nayuleska's thoughts
I didn't pick this book for the cover which
was a bit too dreary for me. I picked it because what happens to Catherine is
awful. How that man could abandon her and their beautiful daughter begs belief.
He is such an arrogant so and so by the way he ruins Catherine's return to
work, how he ignores his responsibilities, and rubs Catherine's face in his
alleged happiness. His lack of parental duty drove me potty. I hate men like him,
I really do.
Poor Catherine not only has to deal with
being cheated on, losing the one she loves, finding a new home and a new job,
she has to do all that while learning to be a mother. Parenthood is tough with
a husband, but being without one drives her a tad stir crazy, as proven in
several hours of choosing an outfit (I'm not into fashion and take under 5
minutes to decide what to wear). Although initially she is on her own
friendship wise, moving away from those she loves provides her with the mental
space to process everything. She makes a few good, reliable friends who her
mother wouldn't approve of, ones who help bolster her spirits when life gets
tricky. Life is never easy for Catherine; some of the difficulties she brings
on herself, especially with her outlook on the future, are valuable lessons for
the spoilt child side of her personality. I guess having different life views
is why I strongly disagreed with her behaviour later in the story, and her
choices in forging new romantic relationships which she royally stuffs up by
jumping the gun many, many times. This is a funny, inspiring if at times a
little frustrating read.
Find out more on Michaela's website.
Suggested read
Another story of a woman who has to restart
her life from scratch is Issy in Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan (Fiction, 10E/10E)
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