Day: January 10, 2020

A (late) middle-aged woman married for 29 (not 30!) years decides to leave her empty nest and pursue…well, she’s not exactly sure at first. I’m pretty sure that the premise of this book is relatable to any woman who has been married for more than a decade or two.

When Kay does something, she does it in a big way. She blindsides her husband, co-workers, and adult children with her decision. Some of them are more understanding than others. I could empathize with her for most of the book, but there were a few parts where she was downright unlikeable.

I related to her feeling of “the path not taken.” I think that is a common theme for women who have devoted their lives to their husbands and children, only to find their own interests have been pushed aside. Once “empty nest syndrome” sets in, there is more opportunity to think about what has been missed over the years.

What kept the story interesting, and ultimately saves Kay as a redeemable character, is that her memories of certain events and people are faulty, painted with a golden tinge of fond memories instead of stark reality. She also eventually finds out that real life bears little resemblance to the life she imagined might have happened.

There is a sub-plot with her daughter, Stella, who only recently moved out of the house. At times, it seemed like those parts didn’t fit into the narrative, but about halfway through it became apparent as to why Stella’s story was important to tell alongside of Kay’s

The letters mentioned in the title are between Kay and her friend Bear (it takes a while to discern who Bear is and the importance of the character). They serve as a “point/counterpoint” to Kay’s present story.

All in all, this was a well-crafted story that emphasized the importance of not losing oneself while also moving forward and not living in the past of “what could have been.” I very much enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.  

Author Bio

I have been told that I write like a tall blonde, so that’s how I’d like you to picture me.

I’ve published three novels, with one more about to be born, in January 2020. I’ve also published two non-fiction books. I work as a book coach and creative writing tutor.

Before writing books, I did a lot of different jobs. I worked in schools, shops, offices, hospitals, students’ unions, basements, from home, in my car, and up a tree. OK, not up a tree. I’ve been a sexual health trainer, a journalist, a psychology lecturer, a PhD student, a lousy alcohol counsellor, and an inept audio-typist. I sold pens, bread, and condoms. Not in the same shop. I taught parents how to tell if their teenagers are taking drugs (clue: they act like teenagers), and taught teenagers how to put on condoms (clue: there won’t really be a cucumber). I taught rabbis how to tell if their teenagers are druggedly putting condoms on cucumbers.

Throughout this, I always wrote, and always drank a lot of tea. I’m now pretty much unbeatable at drinking tea.