Book Review 07/15/2010
 
The Reluctant Bride - Lucy Mangan

As I'm sure some of you know by know, Lucy Mangan is one of my favourite columnists (and almost spookily mirrors my inner thoughts on a far too regular basis). And as I'm getting deeply into the details of organising a wedding, this read of her own experiences wedding planning seemed perfectly timed.

The wedding industry works in a way similar to a factory line - it may be your special day, but you're expected to want the same special day as everyone else with the dress, cake and flowers. The Bridezilla cliché has become firmly imbedded in society consciousness along with the idea that girls start planning their wedding at the age of 6 and have opinions on the smallest detail of 'the best day of their life'. Ms Mangan fits in far more realistically with my personal experience of not wanting the excessively ordered and timed wedding, and instead wanting to be left to indulge in a good book, a glass of wine and the luxury of an empty flat.

Following Lucy's story from the meeting of her future husband through to leaving for the honeymoon, it perfectly captures the unexpected stress, drama and moments of pure pantomime involved in wedding planning. I found myself nodding in recognition or laughing unexpectedly at moments scattered among the pages.

I do wish it had delved slightly deeper into the comic aspects instead of keeping the light tone developed during the limits of column writing, but as criticisms go it's a small one. And I'd also have liked more detail on her life outside of the relationship, but hopefully that novel won't be too far away.

Four Pasties - A must for bibliophiles, those lacking the bridezilla gene and who appreciate the peacefulness of an empty house and a good book.

 


Comments




Leave a Reply