Talking about a book

Here I am, set to write/talk about a book, The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village by Joanna Neill, a book which really doesn’t merit the time it will take me to write about it.

The Godchild gave me this book at Christmas. The storyline follows the routine days of Peggy Smart, a resident of the Jacaranda Retirement Village. The first chapters introduce the main characters; glamorous fashionista Angie, Peggy’s friend from the past and the obligatory romantic interest in the form of Brian Cornell, a fellow resident plus other bit players.

Once the introduction of the characters is complete the story meanders off into the details of the predictability of life in the village and the determined efforts by Angie to transform Peggy into something less beige and self-effacing.

The final chapters add some drama to the situation and uncover surprises from Angie’s past. In between is a large chunk of superfluous writing which could have easily been eliminated without detracting from the overall story.

If you are a reader, maybe a resident of a retirement village, looking for a lightweight read and you are enthralled by fashion, you may really enjoy this book.

I prefer a book with more substance to it.