37

by Maria Beaumont Narrated by Kate Reading

Overview

On the eve of her thirty-seventh birthday, former voice-over artist Fran Clark finds herself in a role she could never have envisioned: that of a surprisingly desperate housewife, suffocating in her life despite, or because of, her ad-exec husband and two children. She's far too cynical to take suburban life too seriously-“if it weren't for the Happy Meal, several thousand women would have murdered their children”-yet she can't seem to stop herself from entering a panicky, drink-enhanced spiral downward to rock-bottom depression. It will take her children and her two best friends counting on her more than they'd ever dreamed for her to find the inner strength to rebuild her life.

Fran's completely flawed yet charming personality narrates this funny, self-deprecating tale about one woman's brutally candid trip to the brink and back.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Nothing could be more challenging for an audiobook reader than to take on the character of a voice-over artist. Fran Clark, a well-to-do Londoner burnt out thanks to two small children, an unfaithful husband and two unexpectedly pregnant friends, is in the grip of early onset midlife crisis and a career-ruining case of stage fright. Kate Reading's bravura performance nails down every character, including the mothers in a posh London district, a Germanic school administrator, many small children and Fran's charming but wayward husband, who is given a suave, sexy voice that ignites his thousand-watt smile. The grand finale finds Fran attempting to impress her children's friends and their parents by imitating the cast of The Simpsons, Bette Davis and a few politicians, all in a few moments' time, during which she switches back and forth to the reactions of her audience. Reading turns this amiable novel into a tour de force performance that is funny, fast-moving and fearless. Simultaneous release with the Hyperion hardcover (Reviews, Oct. 22, 2007). (Jan.)

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School Library Journal

British author Beaumont's American debut tells the story of a once successful London voiceover artist nearing the end of her 30s and possibly a divorce. Narrator Fran Clark, a 36-year-old stay-at-home mother of two, has been stuck in a rut for nearly 11 years. Her marketing genius husband Richard's career has taken off, and though he's spending less time at home, he wants Fran to get back into the voiceover game because he thinks it'll make her happier. Fran, however, chickens out before every audition and soon suspects Richard's cheating on her. Run-ins with gossipy mothers at the children's school, missed auditions, accusations of unfit parenting by the school principal, a dangerous flirtation with alcoholism and her friends' separate life dramas provide the obstacles to Fran's mission of getting herself sorted out. It's enjoyable mommy lit, aided by ample doses of British humor, breezy storytelling and an upbeat feel even in the down moments. (Jan.)

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information

Kirkus Reviews

Depression grabs hold of a middle-aged housewife in the British author's third novel, her first to appear in the United States. Postpartum depression descended upon ex-actress Fran Clark when she became a mother. Now, with her two kids in school, it's time to take stock of the future. Trouble is, routine and the rigors of parenting have killed Fran's spirit. To the outside world, Fran has little to complain about: She has healthy offspring, a hardworking husband, unquestionable talent and financial comfort. Yet she can't shake off the malaise. Fran's woes-weight gain, boredom, fear of career failure after taking a break-may be familiar, but she's unique, and when she screws up, she does it theatrically. On her 37th birthday, she treats herself to a full-blown panic attack marked by binge drinking and lashing out at her loved ones. As a result, her marriage suffers seemingly irreparable damage; her once doting spouse moves out leaving Fran to cope with kids and home. Slowly, Fran reconnects with her non-mummy identity and pieces together her life. Beaumont nails the cattiness and competitiveness of upper-middle-class uber-mums. Any woman who has sacrificed her dreams to nurture a family will identify with Fran. Beaumont's batty heroine is a gift for dissatisfied housewives. Agent: Grainne Fox/Ed Victor Ltd.

From the Publisher

"A gift for dissatisfied housewives."—Kirkus Reviews

"[Fran] may be a desperate housewife, but her observations about life near 40 are hilarious."—OK! Magazine

"Enjoyable mommy lit . . . ample doses of British humor."—Publishers Weekly

OK! Magazine

"[Fran] may be a desperate housewife, but her observations about life near 40 are hilarious."

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169804638
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	01/01/2008
Edition description:	Unabridged

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