Two Kinds of Wonderful

by Isla Dewar

When Roz's silent, compulsive husband refused to discuss his problem, when her children seemed embroiled in their own lives, Roz did the unthinkable – she walked out. She did not know that her children would not understand, would not forgive her. She had one moment of joy, shutting the door, leaving, followed by ten years of guilt.

Then the death of the family matriarch Nan reunites Roz, now with a career, a flat and a lover, with her family. Histrionic Zoe and infuriatingly laid-back Jamie arrive on her doorstep. Suddenly Roz is a mother again. A human soup is stirred, and dark family secrets are revealed. But Roz soon realises that her children have only returned to her so that, in the proper scheme of things, they can leave her. Rather than she leaving them.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Family

Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

Born in Edinburgh, Isla Dewar now lives in Fife with her husband, a cartoonist, and two sons. Her first novel, Keeping Up with Magda, published in 1995, has been followed by a string of bestsellers.

Reviews

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zuerst wusste ich nicht, was ich vom Schluss des Buchs halten soll. Nach allen Wirrungen haben sich auf einmal alle Probleme in Wohlgefallen aufgelöst. Sogar mit Matthew hat Roz ihren Frieden gemacht, nachdem sie den Grund für sein seltsames Verhalten im letzten Brief von Nan erfahren hat. Aber kann nach einer so langen Zeit der Mißverständnisse und des Hasses aufeinander wirklich alles gut sein? Ich bezweifle das und auch Roz sieht schon die erste graue Wolke am Horizont. Aber wie die Geschichte in zwei, drei oder noch mehr Jahren ausgeht, werde ich wohl nicht erfahren. Deshalb wünsche ich Roz und ihrer Familie alles Gute.

[Sue Lilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great cast of odd-bods, as is usual for Isla Dewar’s novels. She seems to have a never ending supply of eccentric characters that either bamboozle or draw you in. Jamie was my favourite. I liked how he grew up and evolved. Roz was a typical heroine, very flawed and not altogether likeable. But I found she grew on me and I wanted to know how things turned out for her.

[Bronwyn Rykiert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This another book that was just a story.

[Rachel Murphree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and charming

[Karlajansenmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for the lovely read, Isla

[Ingrid Booij · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heerlijk boek, Boeiend van het begin tot het einde.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Real chic-lit.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read from Isla Dewar of a very dysfunctional family, with Roz leaving behind in Edinburgh her obsessively taciturn husband and stroppy teenage children for a new life in London. The most likeable character in the book is Nan (Roz's feisty mother-in-law) who dies in the first chapter but whose presence permeates the book. I can't say I could relate to Roz who seemed to behave in a much younger fashion than her actual age and it was never all that clear (with my practical head on) how she managed to make a living in London, have reasonable accommodation and subsidise her grown up children who after years of estrangement turn up on her doorstep. But this is not a novel of angst, doom and depression, as spirited Rose juggles her family like, her love life and her work as an illustrator together. There is a strong comic element to the book as characters move quickly between Edinburgh and London but somehow it makes for an engaging, enjoyable read with a good development of characters.

[Elyse Rudin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Well told story about a married woman with two young teenage children from Scotland. She has been in a loveless marriage for years and one day she leaves and moves to London. Fast forward the kids are now young adults and move back into their mother's apt. The arguments that ensue and the psychological growth that the three of them go through are believable and a joy to read. Very real and very good

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla Dewar's books are excellent. Her characters and their emotions are very real.

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just couldn't finish this book. I was totally disgusted by the non-challant way the author described and justified the divorce.

[Kerrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got a little bored with this book and haven't touched it for over a month.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of a somewhat dysfunctional family ... a quick read albeit a bit far fetched. Easy entertainment.

[Nifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from this writer. She is so funny. Hope she will keep on writing a lot more ...

[Gisele · Rating 3 out of 5]

British writer...quirky characters that are so well developed that they feel real. Makes everyone's family seem normal!

[Malka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of makes you realise “hey maybe my family isn’t THAT dysfunctional.”

[Adri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad, not brilliant. Sure many people will love it.