The Post-Birthday World

In this novel, you see how one choice can affect your life and how there are some things you can't change. This book is well written and the title character, Irina, is human--flawed, fun and realistic in her actions. Version one the chapters alternate has Irina kissing Ramsey while her husband is out of town. Version two has her not kissing him and staying with Lawrence. In many ways, the author is saying: There is no bad choice, but I can't help but prefer the version where she kisses, then marries Ramsey. It is a life with passion, understanding and loss, but the other Irina sometimes seems boring and blind to what goes on around her. Definitely recommended.

Another wonderful novel by Shriver, essentially following a dual perspective (via a dual timeline!) following children's book illustrator Irina McGovern: what happens if she stays with Mr Sensible vs what happens if she goes off with Mr Exciting. This was a surprisingly engrossing and immersive read......more

You know when you express an interest in, say, boats, and then for the next five years all anyone ever gets you has to do with boats? I'm experiencing something similar at the moment. [/irrelevant observation:] I loved Shriver's other book, We Need To Talk About Kevin, so I was actually a bit nervous......more

Ostensibly the classic chick-lit, romcom, virtuous Victorian type story of the young lady who must choose between prudence, security and morality vs. passion and a "consuming love," the story does much more than that, and delves much deeper than the typical story of the kind would do. It is tempting......more