Emma,

I very nearly lost the privilege of recommending books to my mum (she didn't like Ali Smith's The Accidental) but she said she'd trust me one more time and is now LOVING The Mathematics of Love. I'm thoroughly jealous because she's reading my copy BEFORE ME as I'm on a self-imposed reading ban until I've finished my own book...should be a fortnight or so, yippee! I think I'm as excited about reading your book as I am about finishing mine! But more importantly, if I know my mother she'll have recommended your book to the over-45 population of North London within days.

Congrats on all your great reviews.

Myrtle

Myrtle, thank you. I'm glad your mother's loving it, and that your reputation as a book recommender is at least partly restored.

I know what you mean about a book ban; it's terribly frustrating, but utterly necessary. I recently relaxed mine to start Oscar & Lucinda and it was so bloody good I got all disheartened about my own stuff, and have had to put it aside at least till I've got the first draft done and the beast has a life of its own, so that I don't just look miserably at it and feel it should be some other species.

Emma

Cecil has tugged all my maternal heartstrings and tied them in knots. Oh, how i long to scoop him up into my arms and tell him everything is all right, whilst simultaneously kickboxing Belle in the face...

Sorry, keep having to remind myself it's fiction

Casey

Yes, I found myself rubbing my hands and thinking, 'Okay, so what beastly thing can I do to him next...'

Don't worry, it gets worse...

Emma

Just finished my copy of TMOL. It's a stunning piece of work; so layered. Among the many lasting impressions it left with me was my outrage when Belle beat up poor little Cecil and broke his arm.
Tony

That's it! I'm not reading any further!

Casey

Told you it got worse. Glad you enjoyed it, Tony.

Casey, it's all okay in the end, I promise.

Emma

Doh! Sorry, Casey, didn't mean to spoil the suspense for you.

No spoilers, for goodness sake!! I haven't even started yet!

Oops! Sorry.

There's a old story of a couple going to the French equivalent of The Mousetrap, and failing to tip the usherette, as you're expected to do. When they were settled in their seats and the curtain was rising, the usherette bent down and whispered, 'The Butler did it.'

Emma

Thanks, Emma, that's 'The Moustrap' spoiled for me then.

Jim

Oh no, it's only the butler in France!

Emma