“Age 45, she thinks her life is perfect, as long as she avoids her feckless brother, Edward – a safe distance away in Birmingham. She has a London flat which is ideal for one; a job that suits her passion for logic; and a personal arrangement providing cultural and other, more intimate, benefits.
Yet suddenly faced with the loss of her mother and, implausibly, with the possibility of becoming a mother herself, Susan’s greatest fear is being realised: she is losing control. And things can only get worse … at least in Susan’s eyes”
Yet suddenly faced with the loss of her mother and, implausibly, with the possibility of becoming a mother herself, Susan’s greatest fear is being realised: she is losing control. And things can only get worse … at least in Susan’s eyes”
Just over a year ago the group made Eleanor Oliphant‘ their book of the year. So there was always going to be comparisons reading about a single lady living slightly outside of society norms. Would it be as good?
The book didn't get off to a good start with the group not taking to the very obvious metaphor - the Cactus = Susan. One of the group thought the book was the product of a creative writing course as it seemed to tick many boxes (the title being an obvious one) and other members of the group swiftly agreed.
The book didn't get off to a good start with the group not taking to the very obvious metaphor - the Cactus = Susan. One of the group thought the book was the product of a creative writing course as it seemed to tick many boxes (the title being an obvious one) and other members of the group swiftly agreed.
The book was very easy to read however with nearly all of us having finished it before the meeting. In this respect we thought it would make a very good sun-lounger read, (albeit one you would leave in the hotel library).
We all liked Sylvia, likening her to a Hyacinth Bucket but thought the twins were slightly forced and just didn't get why Rob would be attracted to Susan. Nor why he would be friends with Edward.
We all liked Sylvia, likening her to a Hyacinth Bucket but thought the twins were slightly forced and just didn't get why Rob would be attracted to Susan. Nor why he would be friends with Edward.
There were some funny moments and some sad moments and we discussed the effect Susan's childhood and her father's alcoholism had affected her adult life. But overall we felt The Cactus too predictable, too sweet and we just couldn't get over the fact we had read Eleanor first.
We awarded it a 6.
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