READING IDEAS FOR THE WEEK

The Woman Who Took A Chance

This new feelgood novel from Fiona Gibson is a lighthearted read that shines a light on oftenneglected topics through the gaze of our single 50-year-old protagonist Jen.

Jen, a single mum of one grown-up daughter, finds her entire world turned upside down when she is made redundant from her job as a flight attendant post pandemic.

Finding herself struggling with empty-nest syndrome now her daughter has moved to London, Jen is persuaded by both her daughter Hannah, who fears her mother is lonely, and her friends, to join the world of online dating.

Jen is also in a rush to find herself a date, having won a trip to Greece as a prize at work. The trip is close to expiring, so she uses her dating apps as an audition process for a holiday companion!

While Jen’s romantic escapades occupy much of the story, it is the sub-plots interwoven within the chapters that really bring this novel to life.

Jen’s ageing mother has dementia, and her condition is worsening by the day. She also must come to terms with the fact that Hannah’s dad Rod, with whom she has a close bond, has moved on with a new girlfriend.

Each thread comes together to shape Jen’s journey of rediscovering herself as a “mature” woman, and finding out who she is outside of her relationships and role as a mother.

The author creates a really likeable and resilient character in Jen, and her circumstances will be relatable to every reader.

The plot was simplistic, but effective and I thoroughly enjoyed Fiona Gibson’s laid-back, light-hearted writing style which provides many laugh-out-loud moments throughout.

This is an easy-to-consume romcom that didn’t need a heightened sense of drama to leave a lasting impression and I look forward to seeking out more from Fiona Gibson’s catalogue.