Book Review - Francesca's Party by Patricia Scanlan - Paperback Summer

Amazon UK

Title: Francesca's Party 

Author: Patricia Scanlan

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Competition Win

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Publication Date: 6th November 2014

Rating: 4 Stars

After years of being a loyal wife and mother, Francesca Kirwan finds her life changed irrevocably one dismal autumn morning when her husband Mark forgets his mobile phone. In the space of ten minutes her comfortable, safe, uneventful life is shattered. She has a choice - sink or swim. After a shaky start, Francesca's life takes a decidedly upward turn - new job, new friends, new love? Mark is not at all pleased and Mark's mistress, Nikki Langan, realises Francesca to be a far tougher woman than she expected. And then Francesca decides to throw a party, and that's when the fun really starts...

This book had me hooked right from the start when Francesca discovers that her husband Mark has been having an affair. It doesn't take her long to decide that she will be throwing him out, refusing a divorce but insisting he pays her a monthly allowance. 

There is some wallowing in self-pity from Francesca but slowly with the support of her sons, her sister and he friends, she is encouraged to start embracing life again, especially with regards trying to get back into the work force. 

This book great was great as it tell's of Francesca's journey from down trodden housewife, to a woman made of sterner stuff that is capable of fighting her corner, and doesn't giver her soon to be ex-husband a leg to stand on. 

The spats between Francesca, Mark and Nikki (his mistress) are all hilarious and entertaining, and were compelling reading. There is name calling, and occasionally we see things from their points of views, and its clear that Mark may soon live to regret being caught. 

This book is classic Patricia Scanlan, and I always love reading books by top Irish Women's fiction authors. It spans 18 months and the main focus is on Francesca and her family. 

I was interested in the story the whole way through the book, and really enjoyed it a lot.