Read it while waiting to pick up your kids in the car, read a few pages before you go to bed, pass the time in the doctor's waiting room with it, but, by all means, treat yourself to The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus.
Sonya Sones, author of four award-winning novels for teens, paid attention to the admonitions, "Write what you know" and "Identify your audience." She explores a new genre in The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus.She not only has switched her focus from young adult books, she has incorporated a delightful story told through poetry of a woman fearing menopause, laughing at herself, desperate for her daughter's attentions and needing her mother's love.
Refreshing and light, this book will surprise you. If you are a woman near menopause or mid-life, Sonya Sone's book will make you laugh, cry and sigh. Sones' main character, Holly, is right there with you in your memory slips, sagging boobs, double chin and frustration in dealing with aging parents and departing children. Voicing the feelings of a fifty-ish woman in the inventive form of a poetic saga brimming with wit and sensitivity was a stroke of genius on the author's part.
One might balk to open a book published as fiction and see poetry. But therein lies part of the brilliance of the book. "I dare you to make me like this," the reader may say. You will love it! After ten pages, this reader was hooked. Not only is the poetry fresh and easily digested, it is often presented in interesting, fanciful diagrams, adding coquettishness to the style. This poetic saga will touch you in places you didn't remember existed. Prepare to be refreshed by this original exploration of women coping with aging and all its implications. Sones reminds us that we need to laugh at ourselves, love our children, and be grateful for our mothers. Holly finds her mother's words "Your baby-making days may be over, but you will always be my baby," as soothing as a cup of chamomile tea.
Who is "The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus?" You'll be treated to the answer among the pages of this fresh, funny book. Highly recommended for adult women approaching menopause, going through menopause, daughters and mothers of menopausal women.
I thank Library Thing and Harper Collins for providing an advance review copy. The opinions expressed in my review are unbiased and wholly my own.