Wasting Time

by SarahHarris (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1998

  $6.16

  A fresh new British talent is revealed in this entertaining debut, where Sarah Harris anatomises the not-so-brilliant careers of three aspiring 20-somethings in the unforgiving worlds of television news and parliamentary politics. A novel about female ambition today, WASTING TIME opens with three nail-biting job interviews: Ellen's for producer on 'Fast News' tv programme; Myra's for press officer for the Pluralists; and Susan's for secretary at Dutton's department store. Each girl has her own particular hang-ups. Ellen is uptight, paralysed by her desperate attempts to keep up with world events. Myra is disorganised, can't keep a boyfriend or sustain her commitment to all the 'causes' she adopts. Meanwhile Susan's naivety makes her open to victimisation by cynical colleagues. Ellen, Myra and Susan don't know each other, but by the end of the novel their paths have crossed with significant results. As for the reader, these girls hold up a dizzying mirror of self-recognition in a novel both bitingly true and ultimately poignant.

• Used

  Paperback
  1999

  $3.40

  A satirical debut novel dissecting the progress in love and work of three young women in contemporary London. Widely reviewed and discussed on original publication for its acerbic view of the world of television news. A highly perceptive insight into the lives of young women in today's supposedly 'post-feminist' society. 'A brave attempt to come clean about the way that many young women feel now about the career/motherhood/domesticity dilemma. Light, funny and very readable. The conclusions to be drawn about the complex expectations and desires of modern life are potent. An impressive and entertaining debut, Wasting Time will strike a frightening chord with anyone who has found herself in the office at 9 o'clock on a Friday night yearning for the life her mother had.' Times '1998's answer to Bridget Jones's Diary, Wasting Time is a pre-requisite for every thirty-something. It's a hilarious and perceptive account of three very different women obsessed with relationships, careers and working wardrobes. A well-crafted debut from a writer with a razor-sharp wit and a power of observation that's spot-on.' 'Book of the Month', Sunday Post