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The Cactus

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The Cactus

By: Sarah Haywood
Narrated by: Katherine Manners
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A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | SHORTLISTED FOR THE BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD | A RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK

People aren't sure what to make of Susan Green. Family and colleagues find her prickly and hard to understand - but Susan makes perfect sense to herself. Age 45, she thinks her life is perfect. She has a London flat which is ideal for one; a steady 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. 

This sparkling debut is a breath of fresh air with real heart and a powerful emotional punch. In Susan we find a character as exasperating and delightful as The Rosie Project's Don Tillman. An uncompromising feminist and a fierce fighter, it's a joy to watch her bloom.

©2018 Sarah Haywood (P)2018 John Murray Press Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt Feel-Good Funny Witty
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Critic reviews

'Quirky, poignant and extremely readable' Sunday Mirror

'Brilliantly comic' The Lady

'Wonderfully funny and astute' Red
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What did you like most about The Cactus?

It is a really good read with well drawn characters and a fantastic plot. The narrator conveys the characters extremely well.

Which character – as performed by Katherine Manners – was your favourite?

Susan is a wonderfully believable character who can be both irritating and funny.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for more from this brilliant new author.

Loved this book.

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Really enjoyed this audiobook. Katherine Manners narration was excellent and gave it such life. An easy listen when doing my daily walk.

Great audiobook

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I could enjoy and sink into the story for the most part, but the last couple of chapters felt rushed and a bit disappointing. Compared to the majority of the book, it felt like we were suddenly hurtling to the close! This may have just been because I didn't want it to end!

Rushed Ending

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Super book. Kept me interested all the way along - with some unexpected twists and turns. Enjoyed the narrator’s voice. Recommend for those of you who enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine. Worth a precious credit!

Great listen

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I enjoyed the exploration of relationships between family and friends, I felt like I really got to know many of the characters.

Good portrayal of different personality types

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