Customer Reviews
Achingly funny and poignant too - By: C. Pope, 08 Feb 2003 
Having read alll of Laurie Graham's novels, I can definitely say that this is my favourite, and, in my opinion, it's the funniest. The humour displays Victoria Wood & Alan Bennett overtones, & the laughs are interspersed with episodes of great poignancy. The central character, Birdie Gibbs, whilst perhaps not as instantly likeable as Lizzie Partridge in Perfect Meringues, is very engaging, & highlights the experiences of elderly people having to cope with life on rough council estates. The supporting cast of assorted pensioners, bullies & greyhounds is magnificent, & I found myself devouring this book in one sitting. Fans of David Nobbs' wonderful 'Going Gently' would definitely enjoy this too.
authentic female voice, NOT Bridget Jones does my bum etc. - By: Elizabeth A. Agarwal, 19 Oct 2001 This book made me laugh out loud several times. I recognized alll the characters & enjoyed Birdies dry commentary on them Like alll the best commedy though, it has its share of tradgedy.I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did.
AMUSING AND THOUGHT PROVOKING - By: , 10 Jan 2001 
COMPLETE CONTRAST FROM PERFECT MERINGUES. CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF THE HIGH RISE HOUSING ESTATE AND THE PLIGHT OF THE ELDERLY.WELL OBSERVED AND MAKES YOU EMPATHISE WITH BIRDIE'S PLIGHT AND HER DETERMINATION NOT TO END UP IN THE OLD PEOPLE'S HOME.
Disappointing for fans of Laurie Gaham - By: , 06 Jan 2001 
Laurie Graham was my find of 2000 - Perfect Meringues & The Dress Circle are 5 star recommendations. But this one left me cold - alhough life for the elderly on a depressed council estate is well portrayed the central character of Birdie Gibbs fell far short of Laurie Graham's usual central characters who are both likeable & believeable. Birdie Gibbs lives on chocolate bars & has had several husbands without being widowed or divorced. Her first husband makes a reappearance after many years but vanishes again before the end. Why? Readers who try this as their first taste of Laurie Graham will not come back for more. Those who start with Lizzie Partridge in Perfect Meringues always will!
