Description

Book Synopsis
An exciting new talent, shortlisted for the 1997 Booker Prize, hailed as a triumph' by The Times, and a poignant observer of human hearts, foibles and follies. 'There isn't a false note in the book, nothing but ravishing grace, wit and tender feelings.' Mail on SundayNicola's problems began when she is finally told by her partner, Jonathan, that we should part'. She nips out to the off-licence to buy cigarettes and returns to find a stranger in her living room. The stranger looks like Jonathan, talks like Jonathan, yet Nicola did not recognise him as the man he was before. Jonathan had always been predictable, but now Nicola wondered where was the man she loved? How did he become such a mystery all of a sudden? Since when did a solicitor have hidden depths? Friends gather round, always ready to offer encouragement or insult her ex-husband, yet Nicola must face up to the adjustments of Life After Jonathan. It is not the experience of liberation, empowerment and excitement it is meant to

Trade Review

‘An astute observation of English manners’ Independent on Sunday

‘The touch is light, the dialogue crisp and funny, and the strength to be gained from friendships shines like a beacon’ Sunday Times

‘Delivered with humour and her dialogue is so real, you could almost believe she’s been eavesdropping in lots of west London households.’ She

The Essence of the Thing

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Sat 13 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback by Madeleine St. John

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      Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
      Publication Date: 7/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN13: 9780007291359, 978-0007291359
      ISBN10: 0007291353

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      An exciting new talent, shortlisted for the 1997 Booker Prize, hailed as a triumph' by The Times, and a poignant observer of human hearts, foibles and follies. 'There isn't a false note in the book, nothing but ravishing grace, wit and tender feelings.' Mail on SundayNicola's problems began when she is finally told by her partner, Jonathan, that we should part'. She nips out to the off-licence to buy cigarettes and returns to find a stranger in her living room. The stranger looks like Jonathan, talks like Jonathan, yet Nicola did not recognise him as the man he was before. Jonathan had always been predictable, but now Nicola wondered where was the man she loved? How did he become such a mystery all of a sudden? Since when did a solicitor have hidden depths? Friends gather round, always ready to offer encouragement or insult her ex-husband, yet Nicola must face up to the adjustments of Life After Jonathan. It is not the experience of liberation, empowerment and excitement it is meant to

      Trade Review

      ‘An astute observation of English manners’ Independent on Sunday

      ‘The touch is light, the dialogue crisp and funny, and the strength to be gained from friendships shines like a beacon’ Sunday Times

      ‘Delivered with humour and her dialogue is so real, you could almost believe she’s been eavesdropping in lots of west London households.’ She

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