Short version: “Not only is this a compelling family drama, it also offers an insight into menopause and the impact it has on everyday life. 5-Stars. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf Book Reviews Long version: I must say, I enjoyed every page of this novel by M E Lange. Why? Well, it’s different. Different in so much as it’s not only a well-written, emotive, family drama, but it also looks at menopause and how it impacts the life of the protagonist. It’s the story of a woman who’s at a crossroads in life, not just in her family life with her husband Connor, but in her work life, perfectly illustrated by the fact that she told her boss to, “Go f*** himself.” And underlying this story is the unrelenting impact of menopause on her life - irritability and mood swings, feeling depressed, digestive problems, etc. – it’s a very long list. There’s a lot to enjoy here, folks. As an insight into the problems women face during menopause, it’s highly enlightening. So much so, I’d recommend this book to women who suspect it’s on the horizon for them. It might help them to better prepare! Also, for partners of women with menopause, this novel could be an eye-opener, helping them to know what the ‘sufferer’ – don’t know if that’s the politically correct word – is going through and, as a result, be better prepared to help them and understand what’s happening. There’s also the drama element to the story: the protagonist's problems with her husband, her feelings towards work and what she wants to do next, and her wonderful bond with her daughter. This, in itself, is interesting and highly absorbing. So, if you happen to enjoy well-written, character-led dramas with a very ‘real’ feel to them, this book is for you. I think most readers will find the menopause element of the story enlightening, and they’ll be rooting for the MC to find what she’s looking for, if she ever works out what that is! Overall, a bit of a gem. A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review www.thewsa.co.uk