Creator of the social media phenomenon and bestselling book, Tired and Tested, Sophie McCartney’s foray into fiction is explosive. Mother Hens is a chick lit black comedy about recently-divorced Cara Carmichael. She escapes to Ibiza with friends Jac, Amy and Debs for Jac’s long-awaited hen do. The ‘Flab Four’ leave behind their kids, partners and better judgement for a long weekend of sun, sea and sex…y support pants. As the blurb on the inside jacket teases, what could possibly go ‘Pete Tong’?
If you’re looking for the perfect summer read as you baste yourself by the pool, this is one for the tote bag. It’s like a summer special of Motherland but with added danger and vaginal references. Mother Hens is very funny and gloriously mucky. Sophie McCartney’s style is outrageous but she is a witty as well as a ridiculously rude wordsmith. When she’s not talking about sex and nether regions, she can produce a turn of phrase reminiscent of Victoria Wood.
‘The most “street” I’ve ever been was the time I accidentally went into Urban Outfitters looking for shelf brackets because I thought it was a hardware store.’
‘I’m going to sit here with a jamon croissant and FaceTime Will to talk him through how to use the microwave again – he’s been living on cold beans and white bread for twenty-four hours. His IBS will be crippling him.’
The plot rattles along nicely, from a hippy-dippy wellness resort and an exclusive beach club in Ibiza before a mad dash to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. There’s alcohol, illegal substances, revenge and murder with a cracking collection of supporting characters.
Hoist up your pelvic floor, ladies, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride in the Balearics!
About the author
Sophie McCartney is a comedy writer and performer from Liverpool. Her debut non-fiction, Tired & Tested: The Wild Ride into Parenting, was a Sunday Times number one bestseller. Propelled towards stardom in 2017 for a parody of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’, her stand-up, songs and sketches focus on the messier side of life and the truth about parenting. Winner of the Funny Women Best Web Series award in 2020, Sophie shares her frank and fearless takes on adult life with an army of fans online, onstage and on screen.
Sophie lives with her husband, three children and extremely spirited beagle in Warrington, Cheshire. She has recently sold out her first UK stand up tour and is now adding additional dates. For more details see www.sophiemccartney.com
Thanks to Harper North and ed public relations for sending me a copy of Mother Hens to review.
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