by RachelBillington (Author)
Alice Lightfoot is far too young to be a widow and a grandmother. Perhaps she'd been too young to be a wife, although she was happy enough at the time. Now, nearly three years after her husband's death, the world suddenly begins turning at a disconcertingly faster pace. Over the course of four very disturbing weeks, Alice finds herself dashing hurriedly from one adventure to another, and begins to ask herself whether this is how life is to be now she's on her own. Her daughter expects Alice's life to revolve around her grandchild, Lily, and everyone else seems to think that Alice must be looking for a new husband - after all, she's such a WIFE. There doesn't seem to be space to decide what Alice wants for herself: does she want a man around, or would independence give her the full life she craves? Alice is a woman at a turning-point, coming out from the protection of a long marriage into the hurly-burly of the wider world. She has far-reaching choices to make and the seriously unexpected to face.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 320
Edition: First British printing.
Publisher: Orion
Published: 01 Apr 2004
ISBN 10: 0752846922
ISBN 13: 9780752846927
Book Overview: Rachel Billington has for years been writing fiction with warmth, substance and memorable characters for a literate female readership Wonderful reviews for A WOMAN'S LIFE: 'I beg you to read it ... the female characters are so superbly drawn, so real, that you are reminded of the skill of the female novelists of the 19th century' Daily Telegraph 'Ranks with the best achievements of fine authors such as Joanna Trollope, who have staked claims in similar territory ... this novel, which is a pleasure to read from start to finish, has a breadth of vision that left me full of admiration' The Tablet 'This novel is a reflection of the characters' lives - vivid, dramatic and sometimes chaotic, with the emotional volume turned up to full blast... a narrative of striking exuberance and generosity' The Times Rachel Billington is a 'name'. Former president of English PEN, she is well connected and popular with the media An author who brings style and class to the Orion list