Time Out by Emma Murray #Review

I am delighted to be taking part in the celebrations for Emma Murray's Time Out, especially on its Publication Day.

  

‘It’s just a phase,’ they said. ‘These are the happiest years of your life,’ they said…

Mother of one and professional writer Saoirse (pronounced Seersha, not Searcy – thanks a bunch Game of Thrones!) is still adjusting to the demands of motherhood, four years after the birth of her daughter, Anna.

Living in the claustrophobic London suburb of Woodvale, and being surrounded by passive-aggressive mum-wars, isn’t helping. Neither is her increasingly pent-up anger at her once-perfect husband. Her only comrade in arms, best friend Bea, is the one thing keeping her sane.

When Saoirse’s agent asks her to pitch for a book, she is horrified to discover the topic is motherhood. How can she possibly write a ‘warts and all’ account of being a mother without giving away what it’s really like?

Laugh-out-loud funny, painfully well-observed, but with an unmistakable warmth and unforgettable characters, this is the perfect antidote to all those parenting bibles that bear absolutely no relation to real life. The novel may or may not have been inspired by real life…

My Thoughts

This is a witty and amusing look at the life of a parent which had me smiling, especially the parts where Saoirse read the latest postings from the local Mum's social media group. The 'Organics' Mums' responses were priceless. Beneath the surface of the humour. there is an important message about meeting others with kindness and offering the hand of friendship to people who may be lonely and under pressure.

    Saoirse's relationship with her husband is under strain and although her husband, in her eyes, is full of irritating habits, it is interesting to hear her mother and Bea's take on him. You see that Saoirse's view of him may be a little unreliable. This is a fun read with a cast of slightly eccentric characters and some genuinely funny moments.

In short: A wry look at motherhood and marriage. 

About the Author 

Emma Murray is originally from Co. Dublin and moved to London in her early twenties. After a successful career as a ghostwriter, she felt it was high time she fulfilled her childhood dream to write fiction.

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Book link:  Amazon UK

Thanks to Emma Murray, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Follow the rest of the tour!