Published By: Chatto & Windus
Pages: 192
Released On: 13/02/2025
It’s the day before her daughter’s wedding and things are not going well for Gail Baines. First thing, she loses her job – or quits, depending who you ask. Then her ex-husband Max turns up at her door expecting to stay for the festivities. He doesn’t even have a suit. Instead, he’s brought memories, a shared sense of humour – and a cat looking for a new home.
Just as Gail is wondering what’s next, their daughter Debbie discovers her groom has been keeping a secret…
As the big day dawns, the exes just can’t agree on what’s best for Debbie. Gail is seriously worried, while Max seems more concerned with whether to opt for the salmon or prime rib at the reception, if they make it that far.
The day after the wedding, Gail and Max prepare to go their separate ways again. But all the questions about the future of the happy couple have stirred up the past for Gail. Because ‘happy’ takes many forms, and sometimes the younger generation has much to teach the older about secrets, acceptance and taking the rough with the smooth.
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Chatto & Windus for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This sounded so good! I have heard of Anne Tyler before, but I hadn’t read any of her books so I was intrigued how I would find this.
It is a short, quick book, perfect for when you want to fit in a read but don’t have much time. I read it on Boxing Day, squeezed into an hour or so gap in the afternoon and it was lovely.
I didn’t know what to expect from her writing, but it was very good. Nothing much happens in this, but the characters and narrative are so well written. It’s very every day and that’s what makes it special.
It’s a great portrayal of a dysfunctional family, of ageing, divorce, trust issues, marriage, worry, and it was very well done indeed. I’ve not been through what the characters have – I’ve never been married, been divorced, had a child – and yet Anne makes it all seem like such a familiar experience. I think any adult would enjoy it but readers of a similar age to the characters (60s) would get the most out of it.
There is no complex plot, no real twists or turns or surprises, no outstanding reveals. It’s everyday and ordinary, but it’s a masterclass in gentle but powerful storytelling and characterisation.
If this isn’t on your 2025 radar, then get it on it! Buy it, borrow it, or steal it (but don’t steal it); however you get your hand son it, get it, and read it quickly, it’s glorious. I will definitely be looking out for her other work now.
Books By Your Bedside 