"First published as two novels under a pseudonym, The Diaries of Jane Somers caused a sensation when the author later revealed that she was the world-famous novelist, Doris Lessing.

Smart, well off and successful editor of a glossy magazine, Janna Somers is in control of her destiny. But the death of her first husband and then of her mother opens a space in Janna's fashionable armour that she hadn't expected. And into that space creeps Maudie Fowler; a stubborn old woman both frail and alone. As the difficult friendship between them grows, Janna's vision of the world and of herself begins to deepen and change. At last the space is wide enough to allow something even more unexpected to happen - and the middle-aged woman with the perfect life finds herself falling in love for the very first time."

This was previously published as two seperate novels, and the two halfs are distinctly different. The first focusses on the development of Jane's friendship with Maudie Fowler, and the impact this has on her life. She realises that she has spent most of her life on autopilot, pursuing success at the expense of really knowing or communicating with the people in her life. The second half is about Jane working out what she wants from life, now that she has reevaluated her priorities.
I really enjoyed this book, and was completely transported into Jane's world. What will really stay with me is the message that looking after your or anyone else's physical needs isn't enough, that everyone needs attention, respect, emotional support and love. The story counterbalances the opinion that people/society shouldn't have to be responsible for other people; that if they can't look after themselves that is their concern.

I'm hoping to set up a bookring for this book, if there's any interest....

Book details - 510 pages, 315 g (11 oz)

As it's fairly long, I would ask if people would agree to move the book on in 6-8 weeks rather than the usual 4 weeks.

Participants:

Jubby - Australia (Intl)

Released on Tuesday, December 07, 2004 at about 4:00:00 AM BX time (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada) at overseas surface mail in Fellow Bookcrosser, A Book Relay Controlled Releases.

RELEASE NOTES:

Received in the post today, thank you csvariation.

I plan to read this next.

To whom should I post it to next?

Look, it did come back!

RELEASE NOTES:

Releasing at the mini-meetup at The Community Centre Book Exchange.

Well!

I was at the book exchange today in Pyrmont, and this poor little book was still sitting on the shelf waiting for someone to take it home.

So, I've brought it home so that I can add it to the '1001 books to read before you die' Virtual Book Box on www.bookobsessed.com.

But lastly, what has happened to csvariation?

RELEASE NOTES:

Posted to Perfect-Circle for the www.bookobsessed.com '1001 books to read before you die' virtual book box.

Arrived today, safely, thanks!

I prefered the first part of this, Jane's relationship with Maudie Fowler. It was interesting to read Jane's character development. The second half I found a little annoying for some reason, can't quite put my finger on it. Overall, it was a good look at the changing roles of women during the 60s and 70s. Will go back into the 1001 vbb on my next turn.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Chosen from the 1001 VBB

Got this last friday. Just getting around to journaling it!

I'm reserving this for a member who choose it off of bookobsessed.