Buy Buy Baby is published by Cranachan on 7th July 2016. My thanks to them and the author for inviting me on the blog tour and sending me a review copy.
Set in and around Glasgow, Buy Buy Baby is a moving and funny story of life, loss and longing.
Packed full of bitchy banter, it follows the bittersweet quest of two very di fferent women united by the same desire – they desperately want a baby.
Carol talks to her dog, has an expensive eBay habit, and relies on wine to forget she’s no longer a mum following the death of her young son.
Cheeky besom Julia is career-driven and appears to have it all. But a fter disastrous attempts at internet dating, she feels there is a baby shaped hole in her life.
In steps Dan, a total charmer with a solution to their problems. But only if they are willing to pay the price, on every level…
My Thoughts:
I am thrilled to be reviewing Buy Buy Baby today, I was on the blog tour for Helen's debut novel Talk of the Toun last year. I reviewed it and had a very interesting interview, if you like you can see that here.
Sometimes the second novel from an author disappoints, never quite matching the excitement of discovering someone for the first time. I can actually say the opposite is true in this case. I preferred this novel way more.
From the outset this novel has a much more contemporary feel to it, whilst still maintaining the writing style that is unique to this author. I found this story to be bold and moving and some interesting themes have been tackled very well and have been handled with an expert touch.
Julia seems to be more about style and material items. Fiercely independent, she has a great job, nice home and designer clothes. On the surface she could be accused of caring more about labels than anything of substance. She isn't happy though, she wants a baby and it would seem that it is these instincts that she pursues at every waking moment.
Carol's son Ben died two years ago, she is still grieving and vulnerable. She has come a long way with moving forward with her life but she thinks another child might bring her the happiness again that she so craves. We get to read some of her story via her journal entries and I found these the best sections of the story.
Dan arrives on the scene with seemingly the solution to both of the ladies problems, but life is rarely that simple.
The author has managed to write a highly emotive story that is shot through with her now trademark wit and humour. An interesting story that tackles themes including grief, motherhood, abuse and many others. It also struck me that life isn't always what we think has been mapped out for us. I found it to be an interesting look at the desires and what drives women to the desperation of wanting a baby. I think it is also an interesting question as to whether these particular characters feel the way they do because they feel there is some sort of expectations of them.
A thought provoking read that would garner much discussion, I really recommend it.
About the Author:
Please have look at the other stops on the blog tour:
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