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The Cactus

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The Cactus

By: Sarah Haywood
Narrated by: Katherine Manners
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Summary

A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | SHORTLISTED FOR THE BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD | A RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK

People aren't sure what to make of Susan Green. Family and colleagues find her prickly and hard to understand - but Susan makes perfect sense to herself. Age 45, she thinks her life is perfect. She has a London flat which is ideal for one; a steady job that suits her passion for logic; and a personal arrangement providing cultural and other, more intimate, benefits.

Yet suddenly faced with the loss of her mother and, implausibly, with the possibility of becoming a mother herself, Susan's greatest fear is being realised: she is losing control. And things can only get worse ... at least in Susan's eyes.

This sparkling debut is a breath of fresh air with real heart and a powerful emotional punch. In Susan we find a character as exasperating and delightful as The Rosie Project's Don Tillman. An uncompromising feminist and a fierce fighter, it's a joy to watch her bloom.

©2018 Sarah Haywood (P)2018 John Murray Press Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt Feel-Good Funny Witty
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Critic reviews

'Quirky, poignant and extremely readable' Sunday Mirror

'Brilliantly comic' The Lady

'Wonderfully funny and astute' Red
All stars
Most relevant

What did you like most about The Cactus?

It is a really good read with well drawn characters and a fantastic plot. The narrator conveys the characters extremely well.

Which character – as performed by Katherine Manners – was your favourite?

Susan is a wonderfully believable character who can be both irritating and funny.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for more from this brilliant new author.

Loved this book.

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I wanted to like this story so much, as I was looking for story of a middle age woman getting pregnant and trying to adjust to a new world. I found it about a woman who likes no one, does want love or true friendship and yet wants to have this baby alone for no apparent reason. It was mostly about siblings rivalry and childhood resentment. The story was slow and boring but the narrator was amazing, she is the reason I finished it!

Disappointed

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Really enjoyed this audiobook. Katherine Manners narration was excellent and gave it such life. An easy listen when doing my daily walk.

Great audiobook

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I could enjoy and sink into the story for the most part, but the last couple of chapters felt rushed and a bit disappointing. Compared to the majority of the book, it felt like we were suddenly hurtling to the close! This may have just been because I didn't want it to end!

Rushed Ending

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Super book. Kept me interested all the way along - with some unexpected twists and turns. Enjoyed the narrator’s voice. Recommend for those of you who enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine. Worth a precious credit!

Great listen

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