Larger Than Life

This is the first book of Adele Parks’ that I have read, and a big part of me thinks it will probably be the last. Whilst I was intent on finishing it, at times I started to wonder why.

Georgina fell in love at university. Instantly she knew that Hugh was the only man she would ever love, and want to be loved by. She spends the next 14 years going to every possible end to recreate herself to become the person she thinks he would want. We enter the story after Hugh has been married and had children, and is now separated from his wife and living with Georgina. It seems that all her dreams have come true. Enter one unplanned pregnancy…

The book charts Georgina’s pregnancy, month by month. This is probably the saving grace of the book – as Georgina’s pregnancy progresses, her character develops from being the type of self absorbed city slicker most people would prefer to hide from in the toilets than speak to at a function, to being a more thoughtful and considerate woman with a redeeming feature or two.

Part of what makes this book less than appealing is the general characterisation of Georgina. This woman is so flawed that I doubt there would be many women who would fail to spot their own flaws in the character – not always what we are looking for in a supposedly escapist novel. At times Georgina seems so flawed that you can find yourself thinking ‘surely not’.

I can see how some women could really love this book, as the reality of the character could be a welcome escape if you're fed up of over-indulged, perfect characters in 'happy ending' chick lit. However, I think most will find it frustrating. I’d recommend borrowing this one and saving your hard earned cash for something a bit more likeable. [Jenni Nock]

Larger Than Life - Adele Parks

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