Lives Like Mine Eva Verde
Paperback published by Simon and Schuster 3rd February 2022
ISBN 9781398502857
Monica is living the family life she always longed for playing grateful housewife to a good man, creating a happy home life for their children, and always trying to please others.
But between ignoring her in-laws barely concealed racist remarks, and pushing aside thoughts of her own estranged parents, she is clear to breaking point.
With the children now in school, Monica finds herself wondering if this is all there is. Couldn’t she be something more? Shouldn’t she feel more than this?
A chance encounter at the school gate might just be the shock that will redefine her future and transform her ever day into something better.
Here is an authors name to remember Eva Verde!
This is one of my favourite funny chapter from Lives Like Mine by Eva Verde.
Mother. Daughter. Wife. Woman.
‘This one ? Dan gives a forced little stretch-smile This one’s my wife.’
‘And a wife for life. Reckon a woman made that up.’ Budgie’s arm loop’s my neck, his mouth almost grazing my ear. I bet you could still taste her on him. He squeezes me like a kind Father Christmas, the rest of the table oblivious.
Except Dan. Dan awkward shifting like he’s shat his pants says everything.
‘Let’s get you a drink, Monica, knock that frost off.’ Budgie squashes my shoulders, so brittle beneath his hands I fear they’ll crumble. ‘Help me get a round in, Danny-boy.’
Our well-finessed telepathy falters as Dan follows Budgie to the bar, just as Fran back at the table, the only one still heaving with dirty crockery and foggy Prosecco flutes. ‘I’m bursting.’
Taking her hand I stomp down the corridor to the ladies, my fingers trembling on the lock. The floors wet, and so’s the seat, so I pick Fran up to hover over it.
‘Don’t drop me.’
‘I’d never drop you.’
‘Not even tomorrow, when we’re at the top of the castle?’ Shit. The bloody school outing. Today’s loomed for so long in my thoughts it’s eclipsed everything else. There was me dreaming of an easy , silent day of just me, myself and our dog, Sir Duke. But first trips are first trips.
What has been said about this book
A confident and original voice, with a sharp eye for detail, wonderful characterisation and some seriously badass humour. By Yvette Edwards.
Visceral, authentic and funny by Kit De Waal Thought-provoking Good Housekeeping Magazine.
A writer who’s going to go far. Red Magazine
Full of grit, raw emotion and flawed characters you can sympathise with, you’ll still feel it’s emotional punch days after finishing. By Heat Magazine.
About author Eva Verde
female rage are recurring themes throughout her work and her debut novel Lives Like Mine, is published by Simon and Schuster.
Eva’s love song to libraries, I Am Not Your Tituba forms part of Kit De Waal’s Common People: An Anthology of Working-Class Writers. Her words have featured in Marie Claire, Grazia, Elle and The Big Issue, also penning the new foreword for the international bestselling author Jackie Collins Goddess of Vengeance.
Eva lives in Essex with her husband, children and dog.
In Bloom will be published in August 2023.
Bookread2day 