Description
Book Synopsis'A sheer joy' JOANNA LUMLEY 'This book gives me hope ... that life and marriage might permanently include taking the absolute piss while simultaneously dancing in the kitchen' EMMA FREUD 'An endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and love' GUARDIAN Joanna and Roger have been married for over forty years. Children of the Sixties, they're still free spirits, drawn together by their passion for music - and each other. Conversations from a Long Marriage is exactly that: following conversations that take them from the local café, to their kitchen table, taking in her resentment of new glasses - a symbol of ageing - and fury at being lectured by the dental hygienist. He has a dodgy knee and is on statins, and when they discuss the marriage break-up of their closest friends, Sally and Peter, there's jealousy and talk of affairs. She suggests there are advantages to single beds, separate holidays and wants to go clubbing in Ibiza for her imminent 'big' birthday. Witty, big-hearted and a whole lot of fun, Conversations from a Long Marriage will resonate with couples of any age - but especially those who are still dancing in the kitchen, singing in the car and trying to keep the passion alive.
Trade ReviewJan Etherington is a brilliant writer and these books are sheer joy -- Joanna Lumley
Sitcom is what most marriages are really like - repetitive and ridiculous - and Jan's words are some of the best ever written on the subject -- Richard Curtis
This book gives me hope ... that life and marriage might permanently include taking the absolute piss while simultaneously dancing in the kitchen -- Emma Freud
One of the best writers for radio ... Her dialogue works because it is so true -- Simon Brett
An endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love * Guardian *
Sublimely funny, touching ... Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship * Radio Times *
Witty and warm * The Spectator *
Beautifully written * Observer *
Astute ... They are unlike anyone I actually know but, truly, I like them * The Times *
Not just comedy but also a compelling, well-rounded drama. Brilliantly crafted, delightfully funny and perceptive ... they sparkle and spring vividly to life * Mature Times *
Pin-sharp * The Lady *
Exquisitely simple ... it captures the rhymes and language of spousal life [and] in these [Jan Etherington] hands it works perfectly -- Ben Dowell * The Times Pick of the Week *
