Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year by Sue Townsend

I do most of my reading on a Kindle. But whenever I come across a book that isn't on available on the Kindle, I'm almost gleeful. As much as I love the Kindle, I do miss the feel of a real book. So when Kyle started on Adrian Mole, I thought I'd accompany him with Sue Townsend's latest. None of her books are available on the Kindle.

And whilst Kyle really enjoyed 'The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4", I can't say I did the same with "The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year". The premise was interesting & had potential ... fed up with her life, a woman withdraws from it & takes to her bed to think. She doesn't leave it at all & constructs a 'white path' of sheets to get to the bathroom even. Society of course doesn't understand this bizarre behavior & soon bestows on her a saint-like aura. Loonies, crazies & those seeking assistance & blessings are drawn to her, providing the backdrop to highlight all that is wrong in this modern world.

But whilst the premise had potential, the book just did not deliver ... for me at least. It didn't draw me in & I only got to the end through sheer perseverance. There is a profound realization at the end, but this could be missed by readers turned off by the tedium preceding it. A shame really, because Sue Townsend's previous books have been very witty observations of life, often bringing hilarity to the mundane.

It is well written & an easy read. But with not much else to commend it, you won't miss anything if you decide not to read it. I give it 2 stars (which is probably on the generous side).