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The Wrong Man: A page-turning book club read from Amanda Brookfield
‘In the weeks that followed, Jane did her best not to think about anything very much. Usually, it worked. But every so often she would freeze, and tremble at the terrifying realisation that she wanted to leave her husband.’
While many regard her marriage with admiration and a touch of envy, Jane Lytton quietly reaches the shocking conclusion that her relationship with Michael, a successful banker with little time for her – or the nitty-gritty of family life – is failing.
Even daring to contemplate leaving Michael is daunting. With no obvious outward signs of any marital problems, family and friends greet news of the predicament with a mixture of anger and uncomprehending sympathy.
Forced to accept that she is alone, Jane takes drastic steps that veer her life off course. When at last her vision clears to reveal the best chance of happiness, it looks as if she may have left it too late. Being with the wrong man does not make finding the ‘right’ one any easier.
Amanda Brookfield’s loving but unflinching dissection of marriage and relationships is timeless and irresistible. The Wrong Man demonstrates brilliantly why she got her well-deserved reputation for writing about women’s lives with humour and honesty.
*Please note this title was originally published as *Walls of Glass. **
Praise for Amanda
'An engaging, emotionally-charged and intriguing story' Michelle Gorman
No one gets to the heart of human relationships quite so perceptively as Brookfield.' The Mirror
'Unputdownable. Perceptive. Poignant. I loved it.' bestselling author Patricia Scanlan on Before I Knew You
'If Joanna Trollope is the queen of the Aga Saga, then Amanda Brookfield must be a strong contender for princess.' Oxford Times
What readers are saying about Amanda
‘I’ve loved all Amanda Brookfield’s books and this latest one was excellent too. She writes so well, with insight and natural dialogue.’
‘I could read it again, I read it so fast, I couldn't put it down. Very well written. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.’
‘Brilliant book - just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, another twist popped up -had me picking it up whenever I had the chance.’
‘A great story, great characters, vivid, immediate, so 'real', and such compassion. Every bit a page turner as Brookfield so gets you into her people. Only my second (Good Girls was a lucky dip first), but am hooked. If you like reading really well written real-life novels about your relationships, try this.’
‘I enjoyed Amanda Brookfield’s writing style. She really taps into her characters and writes them warts and all, with some raw and honest emotions.’
‘All of Amanda's books are well written. She certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be an enjoyable read.’
While many regard her marriage with admiration and a touch of envy, Jane Lytton quietly reaches the shocking conclusion that her relationship with Michael, a successful banker with little time for her – or the nitty-gritty of family life – is failing.
Even daring to contemplate leaving Michael is daunting. With no obvious outward signs of any marital problems, family and friends greet news of the predicament with a mixture of anger and uncomprehending sympathy.
Forced to accept that she is alone, Jane takes drastic steps that veer her life off course. When at last her vision clears to reveal the best chance of happiness, it looks as if she may have left it too late. Being with the wrong man does not make finding the ‘right’ one any easier.
Amanda Brookfield’s loving but unflinching dissection of marriage and relationships is timeless and irresistible. The Wrong Man demonstrates brilliantly why she got her well-deserved reputation for writing about women’s lives with humour and honesty.
*Please note this title was originally published as *Walls of Glass. **
Praise for Amanda
'An engaging, emotionally-charged and intriguing story' Michelle Gorman
No one gets to the heart of human relationships quite so perceptively as Brookfield.' The Mirror
'Unputdownable. Perceptive. Poignant. I loved it.' bestselling author Patricia Scanlan on Before I Knew You
'If Joanna Trollope is the queen of the Aga Saga, then Amanda Brookfield must be a strong contender for princess.' Oxford Times
What readers are saying about Amanda
‘I’ve loved all Amanda Brookfield’s books and this latest one was excellent too. She writes so well, with insight and natural dialogue.’
‘I could read it again, I read it so fast, I couldn't put it down. Very well written. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.’
‘Brilliant book - just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, another twist popped up -had me picking it up whenever I had the chance.’
‘A great story, great characters, vivid, immediate, so 'real', and such compassion. Every bit a page turner as Brookfield so gets you into her people. Only my second (Good Girls was a lucky dip first), but am hooked. If you like reading really well written real-life novels about your relationships, try this.’
‘I enjoyed Amanda Brookfield’s writing style. She really taps into her characters and writes them warts and all, with some raw and honest emotions.’
‘All of Amanda's books are well written. She certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be an enjoyable read.’
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2023
64 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Brookfield
39 books104 followersI have two elder sisters and a twin brother who is much quieter than me and with much longer legs. Our Dad was in the Foreign Office so we spent our childhood living in far-flung places like Shanghai and Stockholm. In fact, until the age of 32 I had never spent more than 3 years under the same roof...it's left me with the opposite of 'itchy feet'.
I fell in love with writing aged 11 when my class was asked to write a ghost story - that thrill of being able to make it all up! Studying English at Oxford was a dream come true, but then real life got in the way and I started a career in advertising, climbing the greasy pole for four years, helping sell washing powder and cold remedies.
Aged 25, I got the chance to go and live in Argentina. I left advertising, set myself up as a freelance journalist and wrote my first novel,'Alice Alone' which was published (to critical acclaim!) in 1989. I haven't stopped,or looked back, since.
I am now published by Penguin. At the last count I had produced fifteen novels and two sons. There will be no more offspring, but lots of books I hope.
I fell in love with writing aged 11 when my class was asked to write a ghost story - that thrill of being able to make it all up! Studying English at Oxford was a dream come true, but then real life got in the way and I started a career in advertising, climbing the greasy pole for four years, helping sell washing powder and cold remedies.
Aged 25, I got the chance to go and live in Argentina. I left advertising, set myself up as a freelance journalist and wrote my first novel,'Alice Alone' which was published (to critical acclaim!) in 1989. I haven't stopped,or looked back, since.
I am now published by Penguin. At the last count I had produced fifteen novels and two sons. There will be no more offspring, but lots of books I hope.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 16, 2024
Family drama.
A very enjoyable and compelling book. We follow the main character, Jane who is a lovely and very likeable wife and mother of two children, and she shows how deceptive appearances can be and how much a person can change when no longer constrained by another.
A very enjoyable and compelling book. We follow the main character, Jane who is a lovely and very likeable wife and mother of two children, and she shows how deceptive appearances can be and how much a person can change when no longer constrained by another.
August 10, 2023
This book was previously published as Walls Of Glass.
In the weeks that followed, Jane did her best not to think about anything much. Usually, it worked. But every so often she would freeze, and tremble at the terrifying realisation that she wanted to leave her husband. While many regard her marriage with admiration and a touch of envy, Jane Lytton quietly reaches the shocking conclusion that her relationship with Michael, a successful banker with little time for her - or the nitty-gritty of family life - is failing. Even daring to contemplate leaving Michael is daunting.
Amanda Brookfield gives a detailed look into marriage and relationships. This is a well-written story with well-developed and flawed characters. I also liked the authors writing style. The pace is steady throughout. I really felt for Jane, everyone thought she had the 'perfect' marriage, I was pulled into this story after reading a couple of chapters, then I was hooked. This is quite an emotional read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AmandaBrookfield for my ARC of #TheWrongMan in exchange for an honest review.
In the weeks that followed, Jane did her best not to think about anything much. Usually, it worked. But every so often she would freeze, and tremble at the terrifying realisation that she wanted to leave her husband. While many regard her marriage with admiration and a touch of envy, Jane Lytton quietly reaches the shocking conclusion that her relationship with Michael, a successful banker with little time for her - or the nitty-gritty of family life - is failing. Even daring to contemplate leaving Michael is daunting.
Amanda Brookfield gives a detailed look into marriage and relationships. This is a well-written story with well-developed and flawed characters. I also liked the authors writing style. The pace is steady throughout. I really felt for Jane, everyone thought she had the 'perfect' marriage, I was pulled into this story after reading a couple of chapters, then I was hooked. This is quite an emotional read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AmandaBrookfield for my ARC of #TheWrongMan in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2023
The Wrong Man by Amanda Brookfield
*Please note this title is a revised version of Amanda's novel, ' Walls of Glass', initially published in 1995.
Jane Lytton quickly concludes that her relationship with her husband, Michael, a successful banker with little time for her – or the nitty-gritty of family life – is failing.
She contemplates leaving Michael, but with no apparent signs of marital problems, family and friends handle her plight insensitively. Sympathy and strength, however, are to come from the most unlikely direction.
I have enjoyed reading all of Amanda Brookfield's books; she has a distinctive descriptive writing style and invests time in making her characters full of natural, realistic feelings, which draws you into their world.
The Wrong Man is an emotionally charged detailed glimpse into marriage and relationships and its effects on family and friends when they come to an end.
A compelling read with twists and turns that keep your interest until the final page.
I want to thank Publishers Boldwood Books and author Amanda Brookfield for a copy of the book to read and review and Rachel's Random Resources for the tour invite.
*Please note this title is a revised version of Amanda's novel, ' Walls of Glass', initially published in 1995.
Jane Lytton quickly concludes that her relationship with her husband, Michael, a successful banker with little time for her – or the nitty-gritty of family life – is failing.
She contemplates leaving Michael, but with no apparent signs of marital problems, family and friends handle her plight insensitively. Sympathy and strength, however, are to come from the most unlikely direction.
I have enjoyed reading all of Amanda Brookfield's books; she has a distinctive descriptive writing style and invests time in making her characters full of natural, realistic feelings, which draws you into their world.
The Wrong Man is an emotionally charged detailed glimpse into marriage and relationships and its effects on family and friends when they come to an end.
A compelling read with twists and turns that keep your interest until the final page.
I want to thank Publishers Boldwood Books and author Amanda Brookfield for a copy of the book to read and review and Rachel's Random Resources for the tour invite.
August 13, 2023
Jane and Michael - end of their marriage. What now for Jane?
If you like that very British writing with lots of community, chaos, messy lives, grubby children, and still a strong sense of family and love, then this is such a fabulous read. It’s the story of Jane navigating her separation, and the possibility of a new love, much closer to home than she expected. Lots of to-ing and fro-ing to get there. FMC Jane is so likeable, she’s great fun and has a lovely sense of humour, and gets out of her own way eventually. The MMC or love interest is a bit of a spoiler...
There’s no steam, not much pining (everyone’s too busy), multiple POV and so much going on, the romance is only one thread of this delicious, character-driven novel.
Perfect if you like Mhairi McFarlane and Beth O’Leary.
Thank you so much NetGalley, the author and the publisher.
If you like that very British writing with lots of community, chaos, messy lives, grubby children, and still a strong sense of family and love, then this is such a fabulous read. It’s the story of Jane navigating her separation, and the possibility of a new love, much closer to home than she expected. Lots of to-ing and fro-ing to get there. FMC Jane is so likeable, she’s great fun and has a lovely sense of humour, and gets out of her own way eventually. The MMC or love interest is a bit of a spoiler...
There’s no steam, not much pining (everyone’s too busy), multiple POV and so much going on, the romance is only one thread of this delicious, character-driven novel.
Perfect if you like Mhairi McFarlane and Beth O’Leary.
Thank you so much NetGalley, the author and the publisher.
August 21, 2023
The book shows that appearances can be misleading, especially in relationships. Jane's journey to find herself and feel empowered reminds us that even seemingly perfect relationships can have problems.
The author skillfully tells a captivating story about Jane's inner struggles. Jane tries to hide her true feelings and pretend to be content, but this leads to intense emotional moments. Readers can relate to her battle between societal expectations and her own desires. Watching Jane transform from a hesitant woman to someone taking control of her life is inspiring.
The book explores love, sacrifice, and finding happiness in a touching way. The writing keeps readers interested, and unexpected twists make the story even more exciting. The book makes the reader reconsider what happiness and relationships, even friendship, really mean.
The author skillfully tells a captivating story about Jane's inner struggles. Jane tries to hide her true feelings and pretend to be content, but this leads to intense emotional moments. Readers can relate to her battle between societal expectations and her own desires. Watching Jane transform from a hesitant woman to someone taking control of her life is inspiring.
The book explores love, sacrifice, and finding happiness in a touching way. The writing keeps readers interested, and unexpected twists make the story even more exciting. The book makes the reader reconsider what happiness and relationships, even friendship, really mean.
August 21, 2023
Thank you Boldwood Books for a place on the recent book tour.
I found the novel 'The Wrong Man' to be a highly enjoyable read. The character development of Jane was particularly noteworthy, as she underwent a significant transformation throughout the story. I appreciated the reliability factor that the author incorporated, which added a layer of authenticity to the narrative. Despite the plot being somewhat unconventional, it was expertly crafted and kept me hooked from beginning to end. I was particularly impressed by the personal journey that Jane embarked upon, which added depth and complexity to the overall story.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging page-turner.
I found the novel 'The Wrong Man' to be a highly enjoyable read. The character development of Jane was particularly noteworthy, as she underwent a significant transformation throughout the story. I appreciated the reliability factor that the author incorporated, which added a layer of authenticity to the narrative. Despite the plot being somewhat unconventional, it was expertly crafted and kept me hooked from beginning to end. I was particularly impressed by the personal journey that Jane embarked upon, which added depth and complexity to the overall story.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging page-turner.
August 19, 2023
We've all been with the wrong man at some point on our journey through relationships, sometimes with our friends and family not realising something is wrong...this is that book! Seemingly happy Jane has realised her marriage has reached an end and because everything seems ok to those on the outside looking in, no one is there to support her.
Previously titled Walls of Glass, The Wrong Man is an emotionally charged character driven read, with a credible plot and heavily flawed characters, it's so good you could even believe it's true.
Engrossing and definitely one to recommend.
Previously titled Walls of Glass, The Wrong Man is an emotionally charged character driven read, with a credible plot and heavily flawed characters, it's so good you could even believe it's true.
Engrossing and definitely one to recommend.
August 14, 2023
This is an emotional read, through the authors writing, we see relationships can be so different. It’s definitely a case of reality differs when looking in from the outside.
The characters are all relatable and I liked watching how they all connected (or didn’t) to deal with the situation.
Also, a shout out to the letter writing! A blast from the past 😊
The characters are all relatable and I liked watching how they all connected (or didn’t) to deal with the situation.
Also, a shout out to the letter writing! A blast from the past 😊
August 14, 2023
Jane is married to Michael works in London they live in cobham have 2 kids.Jane not happy deciding to separate I can understand if it’s not working sometimes it’s best to move on I did not like michael or Lisa loved all the other characters pippa and Tim take or leave great read x
August 19, 2025
Nice book, but not my favourite
February 3, 2026
An yet another solid piece of middle brow fiction. I think I have now completed the whole back catalogue.
February 26, 2024
Jane Lytton recognizes her failing marriage with successful but neglectful banker husband Michael. Contemplating leaving him, she faces insensitivity from family and friends who see no apparent signs of trouble. Unexpected sympathy and strength emerge from an unlikely source. Amanda Brookfield’s distinct descriptive style and authentic character portrayal shine in this emotionally charged exploration of marriage’s impact on relationships, family, and friends. The narrative unfolds with compelling twists, maintaining reader interest until the final page. This book provides a detailed glimpse into the complexities of marriage and its aftermath.
August 20, 2023
Amanda Brookfield really writes compelling stories that are thought provoking and look deeply at relationships and the emotions in them. Jane Lytton appears to have a wonderful marriage but she is not happy. She can’t quite put her finger on why but knows that she needs to end it. Even though this has various POV and multiple characters I found it easy to follow and to understand how everyone is connected. This looks not only at how Jane and her husband deal with the situation, but also the impact this has on their children, extended family and friends. All Jane’s relationships with these people are covered, and whilst Jane is on her journey of self discovery it turns out that she is not the only one. An absolute brilliant read about the realities of relationships, motherhood and marriage. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews