Coffee2words

ETA: The author has informed me that this version of the book no longer exists and a new and improved version (with a new title too - Never Too Late) will be released shortly through Penner Publishing.

Edith is the second of Jo Barney's books I've read. While the first, Uprush, was a more polished read, I still enjoyed Edith too.

I tried to explain this genre type to a male friend the other day, I suggested it was like 'Chick Lit' but for the "grey" generation readers, like the recent 'grey nomad lifestyle'. He instantly knew what I meant and thought it was an amusing new sub-genre.

Despite not being in the target audience demographic, I still enjoyed going through Edith's rather tumultuous daily life. Her sense of humour, at times, was right on point and was very amusing. I followed her through unravelling the mystery left to her by her husband, Art. And I also loved watching the relationships build around her.

I felt at about 70% things got a little slow, I struggled to keep reading because so much of what was happening felt like Edith was just being 'woe-is-me' and not actively participating in the events. This feeling did pass fairly quickly when the climax of the story came about.

I also feel a little more closure could bolster the strength of this book.

All in all, I did enjoy reading this story, it's got mystery and emotional or familial themes running through it and would be suitable for most adult readers. I do feel this would have a stronger message for women, and men, in the target demographic more than the younger readers, but I don't think it's appeal is limited to the 'grey readers'.

It does need quite an extensive edit. The things I noticed:
9% - ...wine in the other hand. '" - remove space after fullstop.
20% - ...a tender a (delete a) teat at him.
22% - ...any apron strings still tie tie (delete second tie) me to...
27% - ...found this receipt, and she is (delete is) needs to know...
28% - ...bother me so much (to) find out about them?
29% - He had tried (to) change things.
30% - ...I'm trying to become.. (Delete second fullstop)
37% - I believe change is (a) good thing...
38% - ...holding (a) book on my chest...
- ...turns his back away fro(m) the light...
40% - (sentences both start in the middle) doesn't answer my question.
must have seen my eyebrows...
- ...given much thought to (one)'s skin color;
41% - ...rings, startles (replace with startling) me, I almost ignore it.
- several instances of Ginnie's name missing from the text, leaving "'s".
- spoonsful should be spoonfuls.
42% - " (insert Art or He) gave me his phone...
- ...once or twice with , (insert relevant name) and then...
46% - ...that's enough (to) make my heart beat...
- ...we have made our ways (delete s) to the dog park...
48% - ...middle-of (delete space)-the-night...
58% - ...the l930's (1930's) bungalow...
62% - "I'm (delete I'm add I've) pulled out a black...
63% - ...talked a while back. ? (Delete ?)
66% - ...what we both should do (to) help...
68% - So I asked (Dad/Art) out for a drink...
69% - ...she'd run as (delete s) check of some sort...
81% - (Is) it still unfinished,
89% - " (delete space) I am okay.
91% - ...many secrets do you and (insert missing word) keep, about my son...

**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**