The Cactus

When I first started this book, I thought “I see what Haywood is doing”, she’s going for the kind of character that we can all relate to, except the character possess those traits in extreme. A similar kind of vibe as Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine.

You can’t not relate to Susan. Her outer voice is like our inner voice, take for example, when a neighbour asks you to look after their kid in the middle of the night with no confirmed return time, we all think “well no, this isn’t how I wanted to spend my night” and “when the hell are you coming back?!”; whilst those are our thoughts that we keep hidden inside us, Susan just speaks her mind.

So I think you can already tell that I’ve mightily warmed to the main character, on to the plot.

Susan has just found out that she’s pregnant, and also that her mother has died. The circle of life is hard enough to rack your head around, but Susan has an added complication – her brother. Edward is the complete opposite to Susan – unreliable and reckless, and yet still he was the apple of his mother’s eye.

Being independent and decisive, Susan deems her baby’s father as unimportant and is determined to bring her child up on her own.

Her mother’s will could be the perfect blessing in disguise – a helping hand through the first few years, when money will be tight.

Except Susan’s mother hasn’t split things equally, the will is in favour of Edward.

Susan is outraged. Surely her mother wouldn’t be this stupid? How could this have happened? When did her mother write this will? Was she ill? Did Edward have something to do with it? Resolute on finding the truth, Susan puts on her detective hat and begins to build her case. Interviewing family and friends, and delving back into her childhood leads her closer to the truth, but will things work out before Susan gives birth?

I loved being alongside Susan as she interviewed her family, Haywood has created some absolute cracking background characters that will have your eyebrows rising and your head nodding along, without you even realising.

Along the way, Susan discovers something she has rarely relied upon – friendship. Kate and Rob stand by her side and watch as Susan blooms both physically and emotionally.

When I read the final few pages, I was quite tearful. Susan has come a long way. Oh how I miss her already!

I could go on and on about how much I loved this book and make this review even longer than it currently is! In summary, give it a go and thank me later!

I haven’t even expanded on the quirky relationship with the baby’s father – this book really packs a punch; it’s witty, clever and full of moments that will make you smile.

For bookworms who loved: Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine, Trying, and/or The Cows, you will absolutely adore this. In fact I’m loving this genre so much, that I really would love some similar recommendations – tweet me or comment down below if you can think of any! There is nothing more powerful than a woman taking control of her life and walking around fearless, it really speaks to my inner self – I just wish I was as confident as these women!

*Thank you so much Two Roads for providing me with the most gorgeous hardback through bookbridgr – not only am I grateful for you sharing this amazing story with me, I am absolutely in love with the cover – GORGEOUS!*

Until next time, Chloé x