Review of 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
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Julie du Plessis
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Review of 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
[Following is a volunteer review of "28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir" by Poppy Mortimer.]
Mortimer’s laugh-out-loud memoir was a joy to read. This was not only because of her superb humour, word play and easy reading style, but also due to the layout of the book. Each date is numbered with a heading which summarises the main point about the man, followed by some basic details regarding the man’s age and where and how they met. The introductory paragraph links each date to the next and includes some details about the author’s life which, together with her account of the date, help the reader to build a picture of who she is and what she is up to between dates. This creates the sense that we are on the journey with her and makes us want to see what lies ahead. This is followed by a detailed description of the date and then a ‘lessons learned paragraph. The memoir ends with a chapter entitled “Final Thoughts” which catches the reader up to the writer’s present situation; encourages the reader; includes a thank you to the men who are treating women well and an admonishment to men who have done anything similar to that described in the dates to stop these actions and ask for help. Finally there is a numbered summary of lessons learned.
Mortimer describes herself as a “humour addict” and she certainly lives up to that name. The memoir is light-hearted. It is clear that Mortimer sees all these experiences as something she can learn from - a world vision which will resonate with many readers. What is astounding is just how bizarre many of these dates are and although she gets angry and upset, she genuinely wants to understand these men. Although the dates may be weird and shockingly unique in some cases, one can see universal traits in them all. It is these that allow the reader to relate.
The reflection on lessons learned is an integral part of the memoir and raises many universal issues that women face. In particular, the idea that we should accept bad behaviour and treatment in order to keep the peace and not make a scene. Although I think this is a particularly British trait, I think many women (of a certain generation) will relate to this. One of the lessons that keeps coming up is that women should trust their intuition. This will resonate with all readers who have not listened to their gut and then regretted it. Is there a woman on the planet who has not experienced this?
There is, however, a more sombre side to this memoir and that is the universal themes of how many men perceive and treat women and what is considered acceptable or not on a first date. Sadly, many readers will have stories of their own horrible (if not bizarre) experiences which feature these themes. As a long-time online dater, the deception and lying which seem to be standard practice, are my pet peeves. It is interesting to think about what has led some men to behave in these ways.
I recommend this book to any woman who has had a disastrous date (most women on the planet!) and to anyone interested in how men and women interact with each other. I don’t suppose any men will read it although it certainly could be enlightening - a ‘what not to do” guide. Since there were almost no errors in this book and because it was such fun to read I rate it 5 out of 5.
579 words
******
28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Mortimer’s laugh-out-loud memoir was a joy to read. This was not only because of her superb humour, word play and easy reading style, but also due to the layout of the book. Each date is numbered with a heading which summarises the main point about the man, followed by some basic details regarding the man’s age and where and how they met. The introductory paragraph links each date to the next and includes some details about the author’s life which, together with her account of the date, help the reader to build a picture of who she is and what she is up to between dates. This creates the sense that we are on the journey with her and makes us want to see what lies ahead. This is followed by a detailed description of the date and then a ‘lessons learned paragraph. The memoir ends with a chapter entitled “Final Thoughts” which catches the reader up to the writer’s present situation; encourages the reader; includes a thank you to the men who are treating women well and an admonishment to men who have done anything similar to that described in the dates to stop these actions and ask for help. Finally there is a numbered summary of lessons learned.
Mortimer describes herself as a “humour addict” and she certainly lives up to that name. The memoir is light-hearted. It is clear that Mortimer sees all these experiences as something she can learn from - a world vision which will resonate with many readers. What is astounding is just how bizarre many of these dates are and although she gets angry and upset, she genuinely wants to understand these men. Although the dates may be weird and shockingly unique in some cases, one can see universal traits in them all. It is these that allow the reader to relate.
The reflection on lessons learned is an integral part of the memoir and raises many universal issues that women face. In particular, the idea that we should accept bad behaviour and treatment in order to keep the peace and not make a scene. Although I think this is a particularly British trait, I think many women (of a certain generation) will relate to this. One of the lessons that keeps coming up is that women should trust their intuition. This will resonate with all readers who have not listened to their gut and then regretted it. Is there a woman on the planet who has not experienced this?
There is, however, a more sombre side to this memoir and that is the universal themes of how many men perceive and treat women and what is considered acceptable or not on a first date. Sadly, many readers will have stories of their own horrible (if not bizarre) experiences which feature these themes. As a long-time online dater, the deception and lying which seem to be standard practice, are my pet peeves. It is interesting to think about what has led some men to behave in these ways.
I recommend this book to any woman who has had a disastrous date (most women on the planet!) and to anyone interested in how men and women interact with each other. I don’t suppose any men will read it although it certainly could be enlightening - a ‘what not to do” guide. Since there were almost no errors in this book and because it was such fun to read I rate it 5 out of 5.
579 words
******
28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Way of the Goddess by Ananta Ripa Ajmera
