Have you ever had your heart broken? How did you get over it? Did a tub of ice cream cheer you up? Did you delete his number and start again? Are you now friends with your ex? Perhaps you’re godmother to his children?I've heard great things about Chris(sie) Manby, but I've never had a chance to read any of her books - until the lovely Book Chick City offered me her copy of Ms Manby's latest book to review. I was more than happy to accept to see what the fuss over Ms Manby was about, and I have to say that I got pretty much what I expected - a funny romcom. I wasn't disappointed, but I wasn't really blown away either.
In which case, you’re a weirdo and this book is not for you.
But if you reacted with denial, begging or a spot of casual witchcraft, then you’ve come to the right place. This is one woman’s journey from love to lunacy and back again . . .
This novel is pretty much about Ash, our heroine, coping with her sudden breakup with her boyfriend Michael and boy oh boy, does she do some craaaazy things. Yes, I know it was all exaggerated for the comedy effect - and yet, as silly and annoying and childish as Ash could be, I could help but chuckle at the things she came up with, heh. Although I couldn't help but agree with Ash's best friend as she tried to knock some sense into her, but it just didn't work, argh. I also couldn't understand what she saw in her boyfriend, who was a complete git and it simply felt wrong for her to be so madly upset over such an idiot.
I just couldn't hate her and I started to feel for her after her life *really* went downhill - she lost her job, destroyed a wedding and nearly burned her place down so she had to move back in with her parents, eeek! I liked her more and more as she slowly learned to have fun again - she may not be my favourite heroine ever, but overall she was pretty charming.
As I said, this is the first Manby book I've read (certainly not the last though) and I have to say that it was quite well written and certainly downright hilarious occassionally. The cover is alright, I suppose, but I supposed the characters could have a bit more dimension, especially Michael ...
All in all, this was a fab quick read and a cute romcom. It should certainly comfort those nursing a broken heart (I do hope your breakup reaction wasn't this bad, heh) or just cheer you up if you're looking for a funny read - I thought it couldn't *quite* compete with Sophie Kinsella or Jenny Colgan, but it was still a cute and enjoyable read!
overall rating:
plot: 3/5 | writing: 4/5 | characters: 3/5 | cover: 3/5
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