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Thursdays in the Park
What do you do if you've been married to a man for half your life and out of nowhere he leaves your bed - permanently When this happens to Jeanie, she's furious and hurt, and determined to confront George, her husband of thirty years. Her worst fear is that he's in love with someone else. What did she do wrong The brightest day of her week is Thursday, the day Jeanie takes her granddaughter to the park. There, one day, she meets Ray and his grandson. Ray is kind, easy to talk to, and gorgeous - everything George isn't. She starts to live for Thursdays. But does she have the courage to turn her life upside down for another shot at love Family ties, dramas, secrets and lies all weave their way though this beautiful and insightful first novel.
426 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2011
243 people are currently reading
2981 people want to read
About the author
Hilary Boyd
40 books132 followersBoyd was born and spent the first six months of her life in Prestatyn, North Wales, where her father, an army major, was stationed after the war. She was later educated in London, then at the boarding school Roedean. She trained as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, and subsequently as a marriage guidance counsellor with Relate before reading English Literature at London University in her late 30s.
After college, Boyd became a health journalist, writing about depression, step-parenting and pregnancy. She began writing fiction as a hobby whilst raising three children and working at various day jobs including running a cancer charity, Survive Cancer, working for an engineering company, and an online vitamin site.
After college, Boyd became a health journalist, writing about depression, step-parenting and pregnancy. She began writing fiction as a hobby whilst raising three children and working at various day jobs including running a cancer charity, Survive Cancer, working for an engineering company, and an online vitamin site.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 642 reviews
November 19, 2012
OK cut me some slack, I'm on 'holiday' (cue trashy novel-reading behaviour) - and this was top of the Kindle list (and the last time I bought something from the top of the list it was Before I Go To Sleep and it was awesome) - so I dipped into the 'granny porn'. Whoever dubbed it that please note that two 60 year olds having sex and lines like 'their love-making was amazing' does NOT constitute granny porn. The granny in this book is supposed to be liberated and still in full possession of her mojo - yet she's married to prematurely-dead George who calls her 'old girl' and hasn't slept with her for ten years. The apparent dilemma is should she leave him, pending perky meetings in the park with radiant Ray. No dilemma there as far as I could see. Should Harry meet Sally? Should Noddy go into town? Nonetheless it was stretched out for a few hundred pages of millsandboon-type soul searching. The trouble with Jeanie was that she was meant to be sixty going on 40 but actually the way she was portrayed she was sixty going on 80. Emeline Pankhurst might as well have stayed at home and cross-stitched and Germaine Greer might as well have kept her bra on for the amount of feminism that's made it into this novel, which would be more at home as a short story between the knitting patterns in Woman's Weekly.
Only two stars ... but I did stick with it, in a way that once you've got a big mac and fries in front of you you may as well chomp through to the end rather than bin it. And in a funny sort of way you kind of enjoy it.
Only two stars ... but I did stick with it, in a way that once you've got a big mac and fries in front of you you may as well chomp through to the end rather than bin it. And in a funny sort of way you kind of enjoy it.
December 5, 2012
Isn't it strange that people (some people) think it strange that people older than 60 not only make love, but very much enjoy it? Isn't it strange that (some) people think it strange, or even downright revolting, that people older than 60 feel lustful or romantic or just plain madly in love ... ? But love, lust, sex, romance and falling in all of those things is not just the province of the youthful. It can happen at any age between any two people and thank goodness for Hilary Boyd for celebrating love in the autumn ... as the cover suggests. It's a rich season.
And so is this book. I heard Hilary Boyd - on Radio 4 - calling it GranLit which is miles better than GranPorn (which this book certainly is not - the sex scenes are written by omission, the detail is left to the reader's imagination) but the love, which is what matters because love informs the whole of any relationship, is beautifully and hauntingly evoked, showing that when love arrives, no matter what your age or stage in life, it has the same effect at 60 as it does at 16.
Thank you Hilary Boyd for writing such a truthful book.
And so is this book. I heard Hilary Boyd - on Radio 4 - calling it GranLit which is miles better than GranPorn (which this book certainly is not - the sex scenes are written by omission, the detail is left to the reader's imagination) but the love, which is what matters because love informs the whole of any relationship, is beautifully and hauntingly evoked, showing that when love arrives, no matter what your age or stage in life, it has the same effect at 60 as it does at 16.
Thank you Hilary Boyd for writing such a truthful book.
November 17, 2012
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. It's a very well-written page turner and, being over 60, I could identify with the main characters and the emotions described. I would recommend it whole-heartedly. I read it after hearing the author interviewed on the "Today" programme on BBC Radio 4.
I was however appalled when I searched on the Web about its background to find some really snide and unpleasant articles about the book, written by young or middle-aged people who obviously hadn't actually read it, calling it things like "granny porn". It certainly isn't porn and the sex scenes are really restrained. What seemed to upset the authors of the pieces was the concept of "geriatrics" having happy and fulfilled sex lives – as if this was somehow unnatural and revolting. (Perhaps this has something to do with the taboo of imagining one's own parents having sex.) Various writers had strained to use phrases that they had obviously thought up in advance without any reference at all to the book itself, along the lines of "a mixture of the Kama Sutra and the Antiques Roadshow". Well, ha ha ha... very clever, but completely meaningless.
I look forward to Hilary Boyd's next book.
I was however appalled when I searched on the Web about its background to find some really snide and unpleasant articles about the book, written by young or middle-aged people who obviously hadn't actually read it, calling it things like "granny porn". It certainly isn't porn and the sex scenes are really restrained. What seemed to upset the authors of the pieces was the concept of "geriatrics" having happy and fulfilled sex lives – as if this was somehow unnatural and revolting. (Perhaps this has something to do with the taboo of imagining one's own parents having sex.) Various writers had strained to use phrases that they had obviously thought up in advance without any reference at all to the book itself, along the lines of "a mixture of the Kama Sutra and the Antiques Roadshow". Well, ha ha ha... very clever, but completely meaningless.
I look forward to Hilary Boyd's next book.
September 13, 2013
George and Jeanie have been married for many years. One night during making love George suddenly pulls away and announces that he can't do this anymore. Jeanie of course is confused and doesn't understand what has gone wrong. And George offers no explanation.
From that night on and even ten years later George sleeps in a separate room. When Jeanie brings the subject up George has nothing to say on the matter.
Jeanie runs a health food shop which George bought for her. The shop sells a variety of vitamins, vegetables, cheeses, dry goods, herbal remedies and fresh juices.
George use to work for an insurance company and the man who ran it offered George early retirement. So now George fills in his days with golf and his hobby of buying old clocks, pulling them apart and fixing them.
In a couple of weeks Jeanie will be turning sixty which she doesn't have a problem with as she feels she is not old and she is not ready for retirement. But George has different ideas as he wants to sell up and buy a house in the country.
Every Thursday Jeanie takes her granddaughter Ellie to the park for a play. This is where she meets Ray and his grandson Dylan.
Over time Jeanie and Ray start to have feelings for each as Jeanie feels Ray is everything that George isn't.
I quite enjoyed this book and found it to be an easy and pleasant read.
From that night on and even ten years later George sleeps in a separate room. When Jeanie brings the subject up George has nothing to say on the matter.
Jeanie runs a health food shop which George bought for her. The shop sells a variety of vitamins, vegetables, cheeses, dry goods, herbal remedies and fresh juices.
George use to work for an insurance company and the man who ran it offered George early retirement. So now George fills in his days with golf and his hobby of buying old clocks, pulling them apart and fixing them.
In a couple of weeks Jeanie will be turning sixty which she doesn't have a problem with as she feels she is not old and she is not ready for retirement. But George has different ideas as he wants to sell up and buy a house in the country.
Every Thursday Jeanie takes her granddaughter Ellie to the park for a play. This is where she meets Ray and his grandson Dylan.
Over time Jeanie and Ray start to have feelings for each as Jeanie feels Ray is everything that George isn't.
I quite enjoyed this book and found it to be an easy and pleasant read.
March 9, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this book. This was a very engaging, but frustrating read.
After over thirty years of marriage to George, Jeanie had been grappling with not knowing why George suddenly withdrew from her ten years ago. When she met Ray, she started feeling alive and like a vital woman again.
While I started out sympathizing with Jeanie, I found her reactions to both George and Ray to come off as bitchy and selfish. I don’t think the way she treated George was fair and her “making her bed so she had to lay in it” mentality just seemed to make everyone miserable. Even when trying to “do the right thing”, Jeanie’s actions came off as very hurtful and it brought down my enjoyment of the story somewhat.
After over thirty years of marriage to George, Jeanie had been grappling with not knowing why George suddenly withdrew from her ten years ago. When she met Ray, she started feeling alive and like a vital woman again.
While I started out sympathizing with Jeanie, I found her reactions to both George and Ray to come off as bitchy and selfish. I don’t think the way she treated George was fair and her “making her bed so she had to lay in it” mentality just seemed to make everyone miserable. Even when trying to “do the right thing”, Jeanie’s actions came off as very hurtful and it brought down my enjoyment of the story somewhat.
April 5, 2013
Reviewed for in-Interest
Last week I was down in no-so-sunny Cornwall and I purchased a Kindle Fire so I thought that a reasonable excuse to go on a book buying splurge - that and the elation derived from the pasties and the gale force coastal winds.This just happened to be on the Kindle top list and the cover looked cute so I thought 'why not?' It may or may not have been due to the fact it was 77p, also.
I was so shocked that this book has been branded as 'granny-porn.' 'Shocked' does not suffice: 'mortified' is more apt. It makes the novel sound cheap and it is anything but. I, generally, am not a fan of the crude or of the inappropriate and even I did not find 'Thursdays in the Park' uncomfortable to read at any point. It's nice, I like it.
What Hilary Boyd does so well is the classic 'will they, won't they?' scenario. If not handled correctly, it can become uninteresting but with the constant twists and turns it kept me reading and reading.The ending did not disappoint nor leave me feeling like I have wasted my time but left me feeling warm and cosy.
The cover depicts a book that is quite jolly, a bit sunshiney but I assure you that there is a lot to overcome before that is the case. It is not straightforward, there are a lot of ups and a lot of downs - I would probably say more downs. At times I was sad, angry, irritated, even disappointed.
Even as I am trying to recall the book critically there is not a single major issue I can summon to mind, at times some characters could irritate me slightly (Alex)from time to time and her husband constantly throughout but Boyd does what many authors do not: adds explanation, a reasoning behind their behavior, and adds depth.
Last week I was down in no-so-sunny Cornwall and I purchased a Kindle Fire so I thought that a reasonable excuse to go on a book buying splurge - that and the elation derived from the pasties and the gale force coastal winds.This just happened to be on the Kindle top list and the cover looked cute so I thought 'why not?' It may or may not have been due to the fact it was 77p, also.
I was so shocked that this book has been branded as 'granny-porn.' 'Shocked' does not suffice: 'mortified' is more apt. It makes the novel sound cheap and it is anything but. I, generally, am not a fan of the crude or of the inappropriate and even I did not find 'Thursdays in the Park' uncomfortable to read at any point. It's nice, I like it.
What Hilary Boyd does so well is the classic 'will they, won't they?' scenario. If not handled correctly, it can become uninteresting but with the constant twists and turns it kept me reading and reading.The ending did not disappoint nor leave me feeling like I have wasted my time but left me feeling warm and cosy.
The cover depicts a book that is quite jolly, a bit sunshiney but I assure you that there is a lot to overcome before that is the case. It is not straightforward, there are a lot of ups and a lot of downs - I would probably say more downs. At times I was sad, angry, irritated, even disappointed.
Even as I am trying to recall the book critically there is not a single major issue I can summon to mind, at times some characters could irritate me slightly (Alex)from time to time and her husband constantly throughout but Boyd does what many authors do not: adds explanation, a reasoning behind their behavior, and adds depth.
February 8, 2015
There comes a time in our lives when one sometimes questions their decisions in life. Did I marry the right man? If I chose someone else, what would have been different in my life? What If…. For someone like Jeanie, she only ever had one man; her husband. So when she begins to resent the way he treats her for the past 10 years and starts to question their strange relationship, I can understand that.
I think that all people and women especially, want to have that one true love. Many people are lucky to find it and many more go through life without ever finding it or they question whether the one they are with is the right one. The author explores this concept with an emotional story that is beautifully written and will suck you right into the story. The characters are like your sister or best friend. You can relate to them and feel everything just like you are right there in the story. I love it when an author is talented enough to completely wrap you in.
This book is a must read for women of any age. The story is written with grace and a nod to “older” women and their romantic struggles that we can all relate to. This is one book that you will enjoy with a lovely cup of tea on a weekend afternoon. You will not want to put it down!
I think that all people and women especially, want to have that one true love. Many people are lucky to find it and many more go through life without ever finding it or they question whether the one they are with is the right one. The author explores this concept with an emotional story that is beautifully written and will suck you right into the story. The characters are like your sister or best friend. You can relate to them and feel everything just like you are right there in the story. I love it when an author is talented enough to completely wrap you in.
This book is a must read for women of any age. The story is written with grace and a nod to “older” women and their romantic struggles that we can all relate to. This is one book that you will enjoy with a lovely cup of tea on a weekend afternoon. You will not want to put it down!
November 24, 2016
5 Words: Secrets, family, love, life, relationships.
This was a perfect read for when the evenings are drawing in.
I loved Jeanie, and how despite her age she still had dreams and aspirations, she wasn't content to be old and do old-people-things. She kept her character, she kept who she was, despite a husband trying very hard to stop her for so much of her life. So many older characters in books seem content to be old and I loved reading Jeanie's joie de vivre.
This is definitely not a super-slow, relaxing read. Despite the languorous (and quite sad) beginning, it goes on to pack a surprising punch with its pace and its wit and is thoroughly enjoyable. I couldn't put it down!
Don't let the age of the protagonist put you off - I'm in my mid twenties and found this book refreshing and delightful.
This was a perfect read for when the evenings are drawing in.
I loved Jeanie, and how despite her age she still had dreams and aspirations, she wasn't content to be old and do old-people-things. She kept her character, she kept who she was, despite a husband trying very hard to stop her for so much of her life. So many older characters in books seem content to be old and I loved reading Jeanie's joie de vivre.
This is definitely not a super-slow, relaxing read. Despite the languorous (and quite sad) beginning, it goes on to pack a surprising punch with its pace and its wit and is thoroughly enjoyable. I couldn't put it down!
Don't let the age of the protagonist put you off - I'm in my mid twenties and found this book refreshing and delightful.
October 30, 2014
I often choose books because I am drawn to the covers. Normally, I am not disappointed; not so this time. While the cover was attractive, I really did not like this story at all. I kept at it thinking that it would redeem itself or that I would change my mind, but no such luck.
Being on the other side of 50, I enjoy stories about "more mature" women. We have stories to tell just as much as the young 20 and 30 year old. We still have adventures and strong emotions and we still have spunk. That is what drew me to the actual story. The back cover revealed that Jeanie, turning 60, is hurt and frustrated. Married for 30 years, she is turning 60. For the past ten years, George, her husband has refused to sleep in the same bed as Jeanie, and yes, that means they haven't been intimate in the period of time. It is not talked about, but it is the elephant in the story...over and over and over.
Jeanie runs a small health food shop and she takes care of her two year old granddaughter on Thursdays as they visit the park together. Those two things keep Jeanie going as her resentment towards her husband builds and comes to a head when George decides that she will retire, they will sell the house, and they will move to the country. No discussion needed even though Jeanie hates the very idea.
Jeanie meets a gentleman who also visits the park while his grandson is in his care. Guess what happens? After two weeks, the two fall in love. Only problem is, Jeanie has a husband. Should be faithful to him? Is it worth it? Can she really give up everything to please George? On and on and on goes her whining and whimpering and complaining and the reader begins to wonder if all her talk about "not being old" is just that. Talk. She sure doesn't put up much of an argument with George about their marriage and the odd relationship the two of them have. She has no spunk and seems to be even older than 60...and that's an insult to those energetic women I know who are definitely still going strong way beyond that age. For all her talk about youth, Jeanie doesn't come across as sincere or as though she believes what she herself says.
I found the story boring, tedious, and with way too many "excuses" as everyone's miserable past is revealed--from Jeanie to George to Chanty, (the couple's daughter) to Alex, Chanty's husband.
Then there was Rita, Jeanie's best friend, also in the 60 year old bracket who always gave Jeanie advice and pep talks and urged her to take a stand against George. Then when Jeanie finally does, Rita becomes almost hostile with her criticism and lack of support.
And, ok. I am picking on a two year old; but the two year old granddaughter's speech development was over the top. No two year old I have ever known (now, remember I am "old" so I have known a lot of two year olds) speaks so clearly and in such intricate sentences. It was annoying and really didn't have much to do with the plot anyway.
I don't like bashing books or authors. I could never write a book that would sell and I couldn't take the critics either; but I really did not like this book. And, once again, looking over other reviews...I'm one of the few who didn't like it. So, don't listen to me. Read it yourself. You may enjoy it.
Being on the other side of 50, I enjoy stories about "more mature" women. We have stories to tell just as much as the young 20 and 30 year old. We still have adventures and strong emotions and we still have spunk. That is what drew me to the actual story. The back cover revealed that Jeanie, turning 60, is hurt and frustrated. Married for 30 years, she is turning 60. For the past ten years, George, her husband has refused to sleep in the same bed as Jeanie, and yes, that means they haven't been intimate in the period of time. It is not talked about, but it is the elephant in the story...over and over and over.
Jeanie runs a small health food shop and she takes care of her two year old granddaughter on Thursdays as they visit the park together. Those two things keep Jeanie going as her resentment towards her husband builds and comes to a head when George decides that she will retire, they will sell the house, and they will move to the country. No discussion needed even though Jeanie hates the very idea.
Jeanie meets a gentleman who also visits the park while his grandson is in his care. Guess what happens? After two weeks, the two fall in love. Only problem is, Jeanie has a husband. Should be faithful to him? Is it worth it? Can she really give up everything to please George? On and on and on goes her whining and whimpering and complaining and the reader begins to wonder if all her talk about "not being old" is just that. Talk. She sure doesn't put up much of an argument with George about their marriage and the odd relationship the two of them have. She has no spunk and seems to be even older than 60...and that's an insult to those energetic women I know who are definitely still going strong way beyond that age. For all her talk about youth, Jeanie doesn't come across as sincere or as though she believes what she herself says.
I found the story boring, tedious, and with way too many "excuses" as everyone's miserable past is revealed--from Jeanie to George to Chanty, (the couple's daughter) to Alex, Chanty's husband.
Then there was Rita, Jeanie's best friend, also in the 60 year old bracket who always gave Jeanie advice and pep talks and urged her to take a stand against George. Then when Jeanie finally does, Rita becomes almost hostile with her criticism and lack of support.
And, ok. I am picking on a two year old; but the two year old granddaughter's speech development was over the top. No two year old I have ever known (now, remember I am "old" so I have known a lot of two year olds) speaks so clearly and in such intricate sentences. It was annoying and really didn't have much to do with the plot anyway.
I don't like bashing books or authors. I could never write a book that would sell and I couldn't take the critics either; but I really did not like this book. And, once again, looking over other reviews...I'm one of the few who didn't like it. So, don't listen to me. Read it yourself. You may enjoy it.
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March 16, 2014I really wanted to enjoy this, but it wasn't for me - but absolutely NOT for the reasons a few other readers have given. I bought this because it was a romance between two older people. Love is not the exclusive right of the young, and romantic/sexual love, I'd like to think, is something that stays with us way, way beyond our forties and even fifties. But romances are mostly about women in their twenties. I know, I write them myself, and though I've edged over into heroines in heir thirties, I've not ventured beyond - yet. Partly of course it's the fact that gravity comes along and makes describing the actual act less appealing but partly it is this thing we have about sex and the beyond-menopausal woman. So yes, I really wanted to like this.
My problem wasn't the sex or the romance though, it was the main protagonist. She drove me nuts. She could not make up her mind. I get that she was torn. I get that she was caught on the horns of a dilemma and so was frozen. But I didn't get that she let her inaction allow her husband to carry on with his plans an her daughter to make assumptions and her son-in-law to be his devious self. Speak up! I wanted to scream. No-one is listening to you because you're not actually giving an opinion. So instead of sympathising and empathising, I wanted to give her a bit of a slap. And by the time the revelations about her husband's past came along, I had really lost all interest in her, I'm afraid, what with the way she was stringing her lover along and letting her husband carry on with his plans and - well, I've already said it.
It's a shame, because as a story it was great, and as a step in the right direction for romances, it was really great. But looking at the reviews, I see I'm in a minority, so - as I said, just not for me but I'm glad it's out there, all the same.
My problem wasn't the sex or the romance though, it was the main protagonist. She drove me nuts. She could not make up her mind. I get that she was torn. I get that she was caught on the horns of a dilemma and so was frozen. But I didn't get that she let her inaction allow her husband to carry on with his plans an her daughter to make assumptions and her son-in-law to be his devious self. Speak up! I wanted to scream. No-one is listening to you because you're not actually giving an opinion. So instead of sympathising and empathising, I wanted to give her a bit of a slap. And by the time the revelations about her husband's past came along, I had really lost all interest in her, I'm afraid, what with the way she was stringing her lover along and letting her husband carry on with his plans and - well, I've already said it.
It's a shame, because as a story it was great, and as a step in the right direction for romances, it was really great. But looking at the reviews, I see I'm in a minority, so - as I said, just not for me but I'm glad it's out there, all the same.
March 10, 2017
4 and a half stars! I reeeeeally loved reading this one. The only thing that's holding me back from that little half star is that the first 75% of the book went so fast, but it lost just a bit of momentum for me at the end. I also would have liked to see 'something' happen with Chanty and Alex. But I was glad that the author tied most things up at the end and didn't leave me wondering what happened with any character. I loved the main character Jeanie. Her relationship with her husband was really intriguing, and I really felt for her in her situation. George (her husband) made me nuts! He never took her seriously, and the simplest example of that is his 'nickname' for her, which she was constantly asking him not to use and he never stopped using! He was really quite manipulative. Even so, I didn't want to see him turn out badly. I won't say exactly what happens concerning him, but I was pleased :) I loved reading this book. I looked forward to checking in with Jeanie each night when I could just curl up and get comfy with this book. It was such a fun and relaxing read. Good choice, Susan! I loved it!
March 18, 2014
Let me prefice this by saying the following statements. I am not a xenophobe by any stretch of the means, but for some reason I don't like British lit. This book was a British book. Fact 2: I don't like chick lit. Sorry, but most of the time, it's too fluffy and there WAS a time when I enjoyed it, but that ship has sailed. Fact 3: I am not over 60. So what does that have to do with this book? The main character, Jeanne, is a 60 year old woman who has a marriage that is rather dull. Her husband, George, refuses to be intimate for unknown reasons. So naturally she is drawn to Ray, another granpda who sparks her attention. The plot is sappy and sweet, but despite me not having anything in common with almost any of the charaters, it worked and I enjoyed it. It was a filler read but it was well written.
August 14, 2015
Il giorno in cui è stato distribuito il talento per la scrittura, Hilary Boyd era probabilmente a casa in malattia. Quando è tornata, non ce n’era rimasta neanche una briciola. Ma lei e il suo editore non se ne sono mica accorti, purtroppo.
Però, dai, non è grave. La collana “Harmony” mi pare goda di ottima salute e lì questo romanzo non stonerebbe neanche più di tanto, credo.
Però, dai, non è grave. La collana “Harmony” mi pare goda di ottima salute e lì questo romanzo non stonerebbe neanche più di tanto, credo.
June 21, 2019
‘Thursdays in the Park’ by Hilary Boyd caused quite a stir when it was published because the heroine and her love interest were both in, or near, their 60s. The media loved this sweet tale that reminded readers that there can be both love and passion between grannies and granddads and that falling in love was not the unique privilege of the young. I’m rather surprised that was seemingly such a surprise but then that might have something to do with my best friend at school who had a grandmother who was attempting to break Henry VIII's record for the number of marriages. Husband number five dropped dead at the wedding reception – husband number 6 was not far behind. It’s never been in my mind that 60-year olds (and people older than that) had somehow signed up for a loveless life of celibacy.
I unashamedly despise chick lit so I didn’t really expect to particularly enjoy lit in which the chick was more of an old boiler than a spring chicken. I’m too old and too smart to read the tales of 20-30 year old ditzy heroines who like to go shopping and keep falling in love with the wrong people which typically make up the genre. I’m also far too young to be reading ‘Thursdays in the Park’ but I couldn’t resist seeing what all the fuss was about and when it came up as a cheap offer on Kindle I decided it was worth a gamble.
Jeanie has been married to George for three decades during which time they’ve done rather well for themselves. I’m not sure what George did for a living but thanks to inheriting the family home in a well-to-do area of London, he and Jeanie have a very comfortable life. She has a health food store, plays tennis and goes swimming with friends and enjoys taking her granddaughter, Ellie, for walks in the park. George likes to tinker with his collection of old clocks and play golf. But George has a plan to move to the countryside, sell up and enjoy a seaside retirement which isn’t quite how Jeanie – sick of being referred to by him as ‘old girl’ – sees her twilight years playing out. Jeanie doesn’t consider herself to be old and isn’t ready for slippers and a lap rug. She’s heading for a late-mid-life crisis and George seems blind to her protestations. Clearly he thinks Jeanie doesn’t know her own mind whilst he knows ‘what’s good for her’.
Jeanie and George’s daughter Chanty has an artist husband called Alex of whom her parents don’t entirely approve. Chanty and Alex also encourage Jeanie to go along with George’s plans, all the more so when Chanty discovers that whilst looking after her granddaughter on Thursday afternoons, Jeanie has been loitering in the park with an attractive grandpa called Ray. Thanks to Alex starting some unfortunate rumours about Ray, the budding friendship with Jeanie is put under pressure. What starts out innocently as two older people chatting in the park whilst ‘walking’ their grandchildren soon turns into lots of furtive yearning and self-torture. Can Jeanie defy the demands of her daughter to give up Ray, should she follow her heart and can she break away from the man with whom she’s spent more than half her life?
If the publicity has led you to expect a raunchy romp, a sort of ’50 Shades of Grey Hair’ then you will be very disappointed. If you prefer your literary sex to be strictly only when necessary and to be given the writer’s equivalent of waves crashing on the beach in ‘From Here to Eternity’ then this book should be pretty acceptable. It’s delightfully free of all the squelchy stuff. If you’re expecting plenty of rumpy-pumpy then you’ll need to be patient – when it finally happens you’ll be nearly three-quarters of the way through the book and it’s rather a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ business. I found the ‘shall I, shan’t I’ torment of Jeanie as she tries to decide whether to fall, whether to run away, whether to give George a second chance and whether to continue being pushed around by a complete control freak, quite but not very interesting. I know these things happen, I know that these are not particularly interesting circumstances but the whole story has hidden shallows – there’s just very little depth to this amateurish little novel.
I found the standard of the prose to be painfully constructed and packed with cliché. In order to make our heroine a ‘good girl’ despite her bad intentions, we are given a background of a sexless marriage for the previous decade as if that somehow makes it OK for her to run off after sexy-Ray. When we eventually find out why George went cold on Jeanie all those years before, we’re left wondering if it’s actually true or just another aspect of his controlling nature. Having watched a friend of mine try to split with her husband who managed to just carry on acting as if everything was exactly like normal, I did find George’s behaviour eerily believable and I would say he was the most fascinating character in this rather dull book. There are no surprises in the plot – no twists or unexpected turns and no plot devices that aren’t well tested and well worn. The only difference from zillions of other novels of the genre is the age of the protagonists and I’m afraid that’s really not enough to make this book in any way special.
Despite my better judgement and my expectations, by the time I’d slogged my way through the first two-thirds of the book with a determination to ‘get to the end even if it kills me’, I was oddly starting to almost slightly care what happened at the end. I was pretty sure I knew exactly how it would end, but not 100% sure exactly how we’d get there. As the story sucked me in, I learned to ignore the clichéd writing and just let it flow over me. I enjoyed the pronouncements of the young granddaughter who calls Jeanie ‘Gin’ and comes out with some delightful phrases but occasionally spouts something that’s grammatically way beyond her toddler years.
One aspect that I felt should have received a bit more exploration to make it seem a bit more ‘real’ was the financial impact of breaking up a long-established marriage. The characters are all so well-heeled that Jeanie’s ‘Shall I, shan’t I?’ self-debate manages to ignore one of the most critical issues that would affect most women in her position; less ‘Can I?’ and more ‘Can I afford to?’ George is looking at properties for one and a half million pounds, Jeanie has her own shop with a flat over it and Ray has a flat with lovely views and an Aikido club. Nobody’s going to be wondering where the next Sanatogen is coming from. In the ‘real’ world, the decisions she takes would have massively complex financial repercussions but in the ‘love will conquer all’ world, there’s not a mention of how everyone will survive if they shake things up.
Chick lit is supposed to be about fantasy and light-hearted romance so I shouldn’t perhaps be so harsh. My criticism is that of someone who thinks the world would be a better place without ‘women’s romantic fiction’ and is no stronger for ‘Thursdays in the Park’ than for any other books of its type. If you love this sort of thing then you’ll love this sort of book. If you’d rather stick pins in your eyes than read poorly written books with clearly sign-posted plots and predictable endings, then you’ll perhaps feel like me and only finish it so you can be really rude about it after. Ignore my thoughts completely and take a look at the Amazon reviewers who almost universally adore this book. It had a solid 4-star rating with more people giving it 5 stars than any other rate. They can’t all be wrong but you can be sure that none of them is me.
I unashamedly despise chick lit so I didn’t really expect to particularly enjoy lit in which the chick was more of an old boiler than a spring chicken. I’m too old and too smart to read the tales of 20-30 year old ditzy heroines who like to go shopping and keep falling in love with the wrong people which typically make up the genre. I’m also far too young to be reading ‘Thursdays in the Park’ but I couldn’t resist seeing what all the fuss was about and when it came up as a cheap offer on Kindle I decided it was worth a gamble.
Jeanie has been married to George for three decades during which time they’ve done rather well for themselves. I’m not sure what George did for a living but thanks to inheriting the family home in a well-to-do area of London, he and Jeanie have a very comfortable life. She has a health food store, plays tennis and goes swimming with friends and enjoys taking her granddaughter, Ellie, for walks in the park. George likes to tinker with his collection of old clocks and play golf. But George has a plan to move to the countryside, sell up and enjoy a seaside retirement which isn’t quite how Jeanie – sick of being referred to by him as ‘old girl’ – sees her twilight years playing out. Jeanie doesn’t consider herself to be old and isn’t ready for slippers and a lap rug. She’s heading for a late-mid-life crisis and George seems blind to her protestations. Clearly he thinks Jeanie doesn’t know her own mind whilst he knows ‘what’s good for her’.
Jeanie and George’s daughter Chanty has an artist husband called Alex of whom her parents don’t entirely approve. Chanty and Alex also encourage Jeanie to go along with George’s plans, all the more so when Chanty discovers that whilst looking after her granddaughter on Thursday afternoons, Jeanie has been loitering in the park with an attractive grandpa called Ray. Thanks to Alex starting some unfortunate rumours about Ray, the budding friendship with Jeanie is put under pressure. What starts out innocently as two older people chatting in the park whilst ‘walking’ their grandchildren soon turns into lots of furtive yearning and self-torture. Can Jeanie defy the demands of her daughter to give up Ray, should she follow her heart and can she break away from the man with whom she’s spent more than half her life?
If the publicity has led you to expect a raunchy romp, a sort of ’50 Shades of Grey Hair’ then you will be very disappointed. If you prefer your literary sex to be strictly only when necessary and to be given the writer’s equivalent of waves crashing on the beach in ‘From Here to Eternity’ then this book should be pretty acceptable. It’s delightfully free of all the squelchy stuff. If you’re expecting plenty of rumpy-pumpy then you’ll need to be patient – when it finally happens you’ll be nearly three-quarters of the way through the book and it’s rather a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ business. I found the ‘shall I, shan’t I’ torment of Jeanie as she tries to decide whether to fall, whether to run away, whether to give George a second chance and whether to continue being pushed around by a complete control freak, quite but not very interesting. I know these things happen, I know that these are not particularly interesting circumstances but the whole story has hidden shallows – there’s just very little depth to this amateurish little novel.
I found the standard of the prose to be painfully constructed and packed with cliché. In order to make our heroine a ‘good girl’ despite her bad intentions, we are given a background of a sexless marriage for the previous decade as if that somehow makes it OK for her to run off after sexy-Ray. When we eventually find out why George went cold on Jeanie all those years before, we’re left wondering if it’s actually true or just another aspect of his controlling nature. Having watched a friend of mine try to split with her husband who managed to just carry on acting as if everything was exactly like normal, I did find George’s behaviour eerily believable and I would say he was the most fascinating character in this rather dull book. There are no surprises in the plot – no twists or unexpected turns and no plot devices that aren’t well tested and well worn. The only difference from zillions of other novels of the genre is the age of the protagonists and I’m afraid that’s really not enough to make this book in any way special.
Despite my better judgement and my expectations, by the time I’d slogged my way through the first two-thirds of the book with a determination to ‘get to the end even if it kills me’, I was oddly starting to almost slightly care what happened at the end. I was pretty sure I knew exactly how it would end, but not 100% sure exactly how we’d get there. As the story sucked me in, I learned to ignore the clichéd writing and just let it flow over me. I enjoyed the pronouncements of the young granddaughter who calls Jeanie ‘Gin’ and comes out with some delightful phrases but occasionally spouts something that’s grammatically way beyond her toddler years.
One aspect that I felt should have received a bit more exploration to make it seem a bit more ‘real’ was the financial impact of breaking up a long-established marriage. The characters are all so well-heeled that Jeanie’s ‘Shall I, shan’t I?’ self-debate manages to ignore one of the most critical issues that would affect most women in her position; less ‘Can I?’ and more ‘Can I afford to?’ George is looking at properties for one and a half million pounds, Jeanie has her own shop with a flat over it and Ray has a flat with lovely views and an Aikido club. Nobody’s going to be wondering where the next Sanatogen is coming from. In the ‘real’ world, the decisions she takes would have massively complex financial repercussions but in the ‘love will conquer all’ world, there’s not a mention of how everyone will survive if they shake things up.
Chick lit is supposed to be about fantasy and light-hearted romance so I shouldn’t perhaps be so harsh. My criticism is that of someone who thinks the world would be a better place without ‘women’s romantic fiction’ and is no stronger for ‘Thursdays in the Park’ than for any other books of its type. If you love this sort of thing then you’ll love this sort of book. If you’d rather stick pins in your eyes than read poorly written books with clearly sign-posted plots and predictable endings, then you’ll perhaps feel like me and only finish it so you can be really rude about it after. Ignore my thoughts completely and take a look at the Amazon reviewers who almost universally adore this book. It had a solid 4-star rating with more people giving it 5 stars than any other rate. They can’t all be wrong but you can be sure that none of them is me.
April 16, 2020
The cover hooked me, the story reeled me in! A great storyline with wonderful character developement. You will cheer, and be brought to tears. You will get angry, and fall in love, and you will question what you would do in Jeanies situation. Sweet and thought provoking. I love it when a book lives up to its cover ❤
March 19, 2013
Reviewed by Claire McSweeney for www.lovenovel.co.uk
Although I didn’t know very much about this book when I first picked it up, I was really looking forward to starting it once I’d read the ‘blurb’ on the back. The main character, Jeanie, is a hard working mother of one, loving grandmother and devoted wife to her husband George. Jeanie runs her own health food shop in London, something that she loves. She also looks after her granddaughter every Thursday afternoon and enjoys nothing more than taking her to the park.
The story begins with a little insight into the relationship between Jeanie and George, informing us very quickly about one evening, many years previous, when George decided that he couldn’t have sex with Jeanie any longer and moved out of the marital bedroom. How this affected their marriage is then unfolded!
Approaching her 60th Birthday, George wants Jeannie to sell her shop and move with him to the country. Her daughter, Chanty, seems to want her to do the same, even though it will mean leaving London for good. But this is something that Jeanie cannot contemplate. She doesn’t want to leave behind the life that herself and George had built. He was the man that she devoted her whole life to, even though he had left their bedroom without explanation all those years ago. Then, one Thursday, when Jeanie takes her granddaughter, Ellie, to the park, she meets a kind gentleman called Ray, whom over time, she begins to form a friendship with.
Their friendship starts to throw up questions about her marriage, and her needs as a woman, as a person. She realises that her husband, her daughter and her son in law have all been taking advantage of her, and mainly because she has let them! She ends up confiding in her best friend, Bea, who is a character that I instantly loved! Witty and straight to the point, she points her friend in the right direction with her honest opinions. And so Jeanie’s friendship with Ray quite obviously turns into more. But, as with all good books, there are complications!
This is a story of one woman’s journey to discover true happiness. We explore the different relationships that Jeanie has with those around her, from her struggling marriage to the strained tolerance she has for her son-in-law, Alex. Jeanie attempts to do the right thing by her husband. She tries to semi-retire and moves to the country, but soon she realises that the life she is trying so desperately to lead is just not for her. And finally, Jeanie discovers the secret her husband has been hiding for so long, which I am sure will come as a shock to anyone reading this book.
Although her sex life with her husband returns, it is now unwanted by her and she is forced to admit that what she has just isn’t what she wants anymore. Jeanie leaves George and moves back to London, but surprisingly not straight back into Ray’s arms. She appears to grow stronger as the book continues, realising what she wants and starting to stand up for herself with those around her. And so, eventually everything finally seems to fall into place – she welcomes another granddaughter into the world, her relationship with her son in law improves, George finds love in Devon and Jeanie allows herself to fall in love all over again with Ray.
I think ‘Thursdays in the Park’ is a very pleasant and well-written novel. Heart-warming as well as funny, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a light, easy read. Whilst I did find the content a little predictable in parts, it’s still a complete page-turner and I, for one, love that it has a happy ending.
Although I didn’t know very much about this book when I first picked it up, I was really looking forward to starting it once I’d read the ‘blurb’ on the back. The main character, Jeanie, is a hard working mother of one, loving grandmother and devoted wife to her husband George. Jeanie runs her own health food shop in London, something that she loves. She also looks after her granddaughter every Thursday afternoon and enjoys nothing more than taking her to the park.
The story begins with a little insight into the relationship between Jeanie and George, informing us very quickly about one evening, many years previous, when George decided that he couldn’t have sex with Jeanie any longer and moved out of the marital bedroom. How this affected their marriage is then unfolded!
Approaching her 60th Birthday, George wants Jeannie to sell her shop and move with him to the country. Her daughter, Chanty, seems to want her to do the same, even though it will mean leaving London for good. But this is something that Jeanie cannot contemplate. She doesn’t want to leave behind the life that herself and George had built. He was the man that she devoted her whole life to, even though he had left their bedroom without explanation all those years ago. Then, one Thursday, when Jeanie takes her granddaughter, Ellie, to the park, she meets a kind gentleman called Ray, whom over time, she begins to form a friendship with.
Their friendship starts to throw up questions about her marriage, and her needs as a woman, as a person. She realises that her husband, her daughter and her son in law have all been taking advantage of her, and mainly because she has let them! She ends up confiding in her best friend, Bea, who is a character that I instantly loved! Witty and straight to the point, she points her friend in the right direction with her honest opinions. And so Jeanie’s friendship with Ray quite obviously turns into more. But, as with all good books, there are complications!
This is a story of one woman’s journey to discover true happiness. We explore the different relationships that Jeanie has with those around her, from her struggling marriage to the strained tolerance she has for her son-in-law, Alex. Jeanie attempts to do the right thing by her husband. She tries to semi-retire and moves to the country, but soon she realises that the life she is trying so desperately to lead is just not for her. And finally, Jeanie discovers the secret her husband has been hiding for so long, which I am sure will come as a shock to anyone reading this book.
Although her sex life with her husband returns, it is now unwanted by her and she is forced to admit that what she has just isn’t what she wants anymore. Jeanie leaves George and moves back to London, but surprisingly not straight back into Ray’s arms. She appears to grow stronger as the book continues, realising what she wants and starting to stand up for herself with those around her. And so, eventually everything finally seems to fall into place – she welcomes another granddaughter into the world, her relationship with her son in law improves, George finds love in Devon and Jeanie allows herself to fall in love all over again with Ray.
I think ‘Thursdays in the Park’ is a very pleasant and well-written novel. Heart-warming as well as funny, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a light, easy read. Whilst I did find the content a little predictable in parts, it’s still a complete page-turner and I, for one, love that it has a happy ending.
December 1, 2012
I have had Thursdays in the Park sitting on my kindle for a little while now and when It started getting called “granny-lit” I had to move this to the front of my To Be Read list to see what on earth this book could be about to be called a granny-lit I was just hoping that at 27 years of age I would be OK reading this!
PLOT
What do you do if you've been married to a man for half your life and out of nowhere he leaves your bed – permanently? When this happens to Jeanie, she's furious and hurt, and determined to confront George, her husband of thirty years. Is he in love with someone else? What did she do wrong? He won't tell her.
The brightest day of her week is Thursday, the day Jeanie takes her granddaughter to the park. There, one day, she meets Ray and his grandson. Ray is kind, easy to talk to, and gorgeous – everything George isn't. She starts to live for Thursdays. But does she have the courage, in the teeth of opposition from all sides, to turn her life upside down for another shot at love?
I think the whole term “granny-lit” is going to be met with the same angry faces as “chick-lit” but please don’t let this term put you off because I actually really enjoyed this book. It made a change to have a main character who is approaching 60 as our typical heroines tend to be 25-35 years of age so this made for a nice change reading about the older generation. Jeanie is a very realistic character who leads a very normal life and she is in a marriage that has had its ups and downs and unfortunately like a lot of marriages Jeanie can feel her marriage slipping away. I love how realistic the whole of this book felt nothing seemed far-fetched it almost felt as though Jeanie was a friend sitting there telling you her story.
The majority of the book did flow well but towards the end it did feel as though it was being drawn out a bit and going around in circles but it wasn’t long before the storyline got on track again and then tied us up with a perfect ending. I also found the baby talk from Ellie was a little grating but I often find this when authors try to write a young character into a story.
The book covers a wide range of issues such as abuse, secrecy and affairs but one thing that it is not heavy on ( just in case you believe all you read in the media) is sex. Yes there are a couple of sex scenes but they are not graphic or distasteful, they are fitting in with the storyline and do not make you feel uncomfortable.
This is definitely worth reading especially at the current Kindle price of only 20p !
PLOT
What do you do if you've been married to a man for half your life and out of nowhere he leaves your bed – permanently? When this happens to Jeanie, she's furious and hurt, and determined to confront George, her husband of thirty years. Is he in love with someone else? What did she do wrong? He won't tell her.
The brightest day of her week is Thursday, the day Jeanie takes her granddaughter to the park. There, one day, she meets Ray and his grandson. Ray is kind, easy to talk to, and gorgeous – everything George isn't. She starts to live for Thursdays. But does she have the courage, in the teeth of opposition from all sides, to turn her life upside down for another shot at love?
I think the whole term “granny-lit” is going to be met with the same angry faces as “chick-lit” but please don’t let this term put you off because I actually really enjoyed this book. It made a change to have a main character who is approaching 60 as our typical heroines tend to be 25-35 years of age so this made for a nice change reading about the older generation. Jeanie is a very realistic character who leads a very normal life and she is in a marriage that has had its ups and downs and unfortunately like a lot of marriages Jeanie can feel her marriage slipping away. I love how realistic the whole of this book felt nothing seemed far-fetched it almost felt as though Jeanie was a friend sitting there telling you her story.
The majority of the book did flow well but towards the end it did feel as though it was being drawn out a bit and going around in circles but it wasn’t long before the storyline got on track again and then tied us up with a perfect ending. I also found the baby talk from Ellie was a little grating but I often find this when authors try to write a young character into a story.
The book covers a wide range of issues such as abuse, secrecy and affairs but one thing that it is not heavy on ( just in case you believe all you read in the media) is sex. Yes there are a couple of sex scenes but they are not graphic or distasteful, they are fitting in with the storyline and do not make you feel uncomfortable.
This is definitely worth reading especially at the current Kindle price of only 20p !
May 1, 2015
Jedna lijepa životna priča o bračnom paru "u najboljim godinama".Jeanie uskoro navršava šezdeseti rođendan,živi u skladnom,pomalo dosadnom,braku,gdje glavnu riječ drži njezin suprug,George.
Oni se lijepo slažu,provode večeri na terasi, s čašom vina,u svojoj prekrasnoj kući u Londonu.Ona ima vlastitu trgovinu zdrave hrane,koja joj ispunjava većinu vremena.Četvrtkom vodi unučicu u park.
I sve izgleda prilično idilično,kako bi i trebao izgledati život u tim godinama.Društvene norme ispunjene i sad se samo čeka da život nekako prođe..jer,što bi se sad trebalo spektakularno događati u njihovim godinama?
Ali..počne se događati! Prava prekretnica,spoznaja o promašenim godinama,život po tuđim pravilima..
Jeanie upoznaje gospodina koji također izvodi svog unuka u park,i oni se sprijatelje.
Počet će se sviđati jedno drugome i nestrpljivo iščekivati dan kada će se opet sresti u parku.
Vrlo poučno i sjetno napisano.Pogotovo za nas mlađe koji mislimo da je život u šezdestoj već potrošen.Izuzetno hvala ovoj spisateljici koja nam je ponudila jedan drugačiji pogled na život.
Vjeru u mladost koja traje onoliko-koliko mi želimo.
To su godine gdje se preskaču "kurtoazni" razgovori.Nema smisla.Treba biti jasan,direktan..jer iskustvo progovara.I zašto potrošiti najljepše godine na nekog ili nešto što nas iscrpljuje,u najmanju ruku,osrednje zadovoljava? Treba voljeti sebe,udovoljavati si,a ponekad i riskirati i donositi odluke koje će možda biti pogrešne.Jer..kada će doći vrijeme za ostvarenje vlastite sreće? Pritisnuti životnim normama,moralnim ograničenjima,očekivanjima vlastite obitelji koja točno zna što biste trebali činiti u svojim godinama,prišapnuvši vam da ste stari...?
E baš i nije tako! Opet zahvaljujem Hilary Boyd što mi je omogućila da "virnem" u,za mene potpuno novu,"gran-lit" literaturu.Jednostavno neodoljivo!
Oni se lijepo slažu,provode večeri na terasi, s čašom vina,u svojoj prekrasnoj kući u Londonu.Ona ima vlastitu trgovinu zdrave hrane,koja joj ispunjava većinu vremena.Četvrtkom vodi unučicu u park.
I sve izgleda prilično idilično,kako bi i trebao izgledati život u tim godinama.Društvene norme ispunjene i sad se samo čeka da život nekako prođe..jer,što bi se sad trebalo spektakularno događati u njihovim godinama?
Ali..počne se događati! Prava prekretnica,spoznaja o promašenim godinama,život po tuđim pravilima..
Jeanie upoznaje gospodina koji također izvodi svog unuka u park,i oni se sprijatelje.
Počet će se sviđati jedno drugome i nestrpljivo iščekivati dan kada će se opet sresti u parku.
Vrlo poučno i sjetno napisano.Pogotovo za nas mlađe koji mislimo da je život u šezdestoj već potrošen.Izuzetno hvala ovoj spisateljici koja nam je ponudila jedan drugačiji pogled na život.
Vjeru u mladost koja traje onoliko-koliko mi želimo.
To su godine gdje se preskaču "kurtoazni" razgovori.Nema smisla.Treba biti jasan,direktan..jer iskustvo progovara.I zašto potrošiti najljepše godine na nekog ili nešto što nas iscrpljuje,u najmanju ruku,osrednje zadovoljava? Treba voljeti sebe,udovoljavati si,a ponekad i riskirati i donositi odluke koje će možda biti pogrešne.Jer..kada će doći vrijeme za ostvarenje vlastite sreće? Pritisnuti životnim normama,moralnim ograničenjima,očekivanjima vlastite obitelji koja točno zna što biste trebali činiti u svojim godinama,prišapnuvši vam da ste stari...?
E baš i nije tako! Opet zahvaljujem Hilary Boyd što mi je omogućila da "virnem" u,za mene potpuno novu,"gran-lit" literaturu.Jednostavno neodoljivo!
September 25, 2014
If you get nothing else from this book. Think about this quote from the main character's Aunt Norma:
"Sixty is heaven," she had told Jeanie as they sat having tea."The world is done with you, you become to all intents and purposes invisible, particularly if you are a woman. There's childhood, then adult conformity---work, family, responsibility---then just when everyone assumes it's all over and you're on the scrap heap of old age, freedom! You can finally be who you are, not what society wants you to be, not who you think you ought to be."
"Sixty is heaven," she had told Jeanie as they sat having tea."The world is done with you, you become to all intents and purposes invisible, particularly if you are a woman. There's childhood, then adult conformity---work, family, responsibility---then just when everyone assumes it's all over and you're on the scrap heap of old age, freedom! You can finally be who you are, not what society wants you to be, not who you think you ought to be."
October 29, 2012
This was one of those stories where I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not, some of the subject matter was quite close to home.
The story was well written and the characters were really easy to like, despite some of the circumstances that they found themselves in.
It did leave me smiling, and really does show that you don't always know what is round the corner.
The story was well written and the characters were really easy to like, despite some of the circumstances that they found themselves in.
It did leave me smiling, and really does show that you don't always know what is round the corner.
March 20, 2016
Mene je oduševila! Zaslužuje svih pet zvijezdica od mene!
October 28, 2013
I won a copy of "Thursdays in the Park" by Hilary Boyd through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest. This romance novel explores the consequences of having an affair. The setting takes place in London, England.
George and Jeanie Lawson had been married for thirty two years and their life was orderly and dull. George needed to have the upper hand and controlled Jeanie. As long as she followed his instructions, they never argued. Then one night, George abandoned his conjugal obligations, and moved into the spare room and refused to discuss or provide an explanation. Jeanie felt ashamed...but she hadn't done anything wrong. The incident served as a constant tension point between the two.
George had been offered early retirement five years ago, and he spent his time playing golf or repairing clocks in the house. He bought Jeanie a health food store to manage, but always keeping a close eye on his wife. They had a daughter, Chanty, a documentary editor, and husband, Alex, an artist, who does most of the childcare for their two year old daughter, Ellie.
Every Thursday, Jeanie takes Ellie,her granddaughter to the park...the love of her life. One day at the park she met a man, Ray and his grandson, Dylan...and begins a friendship. He is there every Thursday.
When Jeanie gets back home, George tells her that they should sell their Victorian house and move to the country...after all Jeanie was going to be sixty next month. But she still had the store to run. She wasn't old, and she wasn't ready to retire and leave her granddaughter!
Ray owns a aikido school, sort of a boys' club. In a heightened moment, Jeanie tells Ray everything that is going on in her life, including that she hadn't had relations with her husband in ten years. She was attracted to Ray, and they continued to meet at the park.
On the eve of her 60th birthday, Jeanie confides in her girlfriend, Rita and tells her, "I'm married, and George is a decent man. But Ray is ...well, he's wonderful. I haven't felt so strongly about anyone, not even George, not in this way...and I don't know what to do."
She was now living two separate lives and she had to make the most difficult decision of her life...but who would be hurt?
A very enjoyable romance novel with warm believable characters, that involve you in the dilemma.
George and Jeanie Lawson had been married for thirty two years and their life was orderly and dull. George needed to have the upper hand and controlled Jeanie. As long as she followed his instructions, they never argued. Then one night, George abandoned his conjugal obligations, and moved into the spare room and refused to discuss or provide an explanation. Jeanie felt ashamed...but she hadn't done anything wrong. The incident served as a constant tension point between the two.
George had been offered early retirement five years ago, and he spent his time playing golf or repairing clocks in the house. He bought Jeanie a health food store to manage, but always keeping a close eye on his wife. They had a daughter, Chanty, a documentary editor, and husband, Alex, an artist, who does most of the childcare for their two year old daughter, Ellie.
Every Thursday, Jeanie takes Ellie,her granddaughter to the park...the love of her life. One day at the park she met a man, Ray and his grandson, Dylan...and begins a friendship. He is there every Thursday.
When Jeanie gets back home, George tells her that they should sell their Victorian house and move to the country...after all Jeanie was going to be sixty next month. But she still had the store to run. She wasn't old, and she wasn't ready to retire and leave her granddaughter!
Ray owns a aikido school, sort of a boys' club. In a heightened moment, Jeanie tells Ray everything that is going on in her life, including that she hadn't had relations with her husband in ten years. She was attracted to Ray, and they continued to meet at the park.
On the eve of her 60th birthday, Jeanie confides in her girlfriend, Rita and tells her, "I'm married, and George is a decent man. But Ray is ...well, he's wonderful. I haven't felt so strongly about anyone, not even George, not in this way...and I don't know what to do."
She was now living two separate lives and she had to make the most difficult decision of her life...but who would be hurt?
A very enjoyable romance novel with warm believable characters, that involve you in the dilemma.
March 18, 2016
I finally finished this book last night and I can barely give it 2 stars. Actually, when I say finished I mean skimmed the rest of the book, reading all of the dialogue and then most of the pertinent scenes but in no way did I read every line because I just could not stand it. I don't know, maybe it's me. Normally when I read a book you find yourself rooting for the main character (as I expect most readers do) but this woman was just so bloody annoying.
After everything she gave in to her daughters threats, told her husband about the affair and then frickin stayed with the man! He was such a controlling weasel!!! Even moved to Dorset although she had stated from nearly the beginning of the book that this wasn't what she wanted to do and even more so annoying, she started having sex with him again after nearly 10 years. Yes, I know, what happened to him as a child was tragic and devastating but he lets it ruin his marriage and then everytime the two of them had an argument he would say "she ruined the marriage". Infuriating. And as well I don't think there was any point in the book where she finally stood up to him (that I can recollect) and really truly told him how she felt about him leaving her bed - how it wounded her, angered her, made her feel less of a woman and a person than she should.
There is no way that I could recommend this book to anyone! Yes she did eventually leave her husband and get with the love of her life Ray but it wasn't until like the last bloody 15 pages of this stinkin' book. WTF!?
I'm not going to tick the box marked "hide entire review because of spoilers" because I would hope that someone would read this, "spoil" it for them and hopefully save them from reading this book!
(I have come back to edit my review as I realised I was too generous with two stars and am now re-rating it with one star)
After everything she gave in to her daughters threats, told her husband about the affair and then frickin stayed with the man! He was such a controlling weasel!!! Even moved to Dorset although she had stated from nearly the beginning of the book that this wasn't what she wanted to do and even more so annoying, she started having sex with him again after nearly 10 years. Yes, I know, what happened to him as a child was tragic and devastating but he lets it ruin his marriage and then everytime the two of them had an argument he would say "she ruined the marriage". Infuriating. And as well I don't think there was any point in the book where she finally stood up to him (that I can recollect) and really truly told him how she felt about him leaving her bed - how it wounded her, angered her, made her feel less of a woman and a person than she should.
There is no way that I could recommend this book to anyone! Yes she did eventually leave her husband and get with the love of her life Ray but it wasn't until like the last bloody 15 pages of this stinkin' book. WTF!?
I'm not going to tick the box marked "hide entire review because of spoilers" because I would hope that someone would read this, "spoil" it for them and hopefully save them from reading this book!
(I have come back to edit my review as I realised I was too generous with two stars and am now re-rating it with one star)
November 12, 2012
With its floral pattern and enticing cover Thursdays in the Park promised to be an uplifting read, but yet the backcover blurb suggested only a simplistic romance offering nothing with any real bite. However, very quickly Hilary Boyd’s narrative captured my imagination and I realised that her first novel was so much more than it seemed. The concept is simple: a married woman falls in love with a handsome stranger and soon realises that her marriage is a sham. But Boyd interweaves complex issues of child abuse, depression and betrayal to captivate the reader’s mind and heart.
Boyd lets you see the world through 60-year-old Jeanie’s eyes and reminds you that retirement offers freedom, not the end of the line. Her portrayal of the first true romance of Jeanie’s life will captivate both single and married women as her writing instantly takes you back to those moments of true passion that blocked out everything else in the world. This is a story of family responsibilities, true love and life after the big 60.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com
Boyd lets you see the world through 60-year-old Jeanie’s eyes and reminds you that retirement offers freedom, not the end of the line. Her portrayal of the first true romance of Jeanie’s life will captivate both single and married women as her writing instantly takes you back to those moments of true passion that blocked out everything else in the world. This is a story of family responsibilities, true love and life after the big 60.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com
May 19, 2014
Wasn't sure if I was going to like this book ... but I did. It is about a romance between two 60- something grandparents who are anything but old. I usually don't like infidelity in books, but I was actually rooting for Jeanie. The author made the dialogue in this book seem like you were there listening. Love in later life is not usually discussed and it was handled extremely well. I would recommend this to people of any age though ... sooner or later we will all be Jeanie and Ray ... or maybe some of us already are.
December 20, 2014
Couldn't drop it. It was a very well written, sweet page turner.
February 6, 2019
Jeanie, la protagonista, ha sessant’anni… Ora, qualcuna di voi a questo punto potrebbe aggrottare la fronte (io l’ho fatto…), pensando che possa essere difficile farsi coinvolgere da una storia con un personaggio femminile “non tanto giovane”…
Ma questo è il racconto di un profondo viaggio interiore… che qualsiasi donna, a qualsiasi età, può ritrovarsi a percorrere, che abbia trenta o settant’anni…
Jeanie è sposata con George, un uomo complesso che riesce sì a farsi odiare con la sua arroganza, le sue manie di controllo e la sua incapacità di ascoltare, ma anche a sorprenderti con premure e dichiarazioni d’amore. Il loro matrimonio ha subìto un drastico cambiamento quando, una notte di molti anni prima, all’improvviso George decide che non vuole più condividere l’intimità con Jeanie, senza alcuna spiegazione e nascondendosi dietro un segreto di cui non riesce a parlare.
Così, Jeanie si ritrova a vivere, dieci anni dopo, in un rapporto dove , senza rendersene conto (o senza volersene rendere conto), si è persa, facendosi trascinare dalla quotidianità fra casa, lavoro e l’adorabile nipotina.
Prossima al suo sessantesimo compleanno, le persone che la circondano non fanno altro che farle notare che è giunta l’ora di andare in pensione e godersi la vita in campagna, ma non è quello che vuole lei. Soprattutto non vuole che altri decidano per lei, non più. Ma sembra così difficile farsi ascoltare…
Un giorno, al parco dove entrambi portano i nipoti a giocare, Jeanine conosce Ray, ed i giovedì insieme diventano una piacevole abitudine.
Settimana dopo settimana, imparano a conoscersi, scoprendo che hanno in comune più di quando possano immaginare. Il loro è un sentimento che cresce non tanto nel desiderio e nella passione, che comunque entrambe sentono, ma dalla profondità di due cuori che si sono trovati.
Entrambe hanno subìto grandi perdite affettive in passato, conoscono la disperazione e questo li avvicina.
Ad un certo punto, Jeanie si troverà a dover fare delle scelte, scelte dolorose e difficili perché, comunque vada, cambieranno la sua vita per sempre.
“Qualunque cosa tu scelga, io sarò qui “… Questo è Ray: l’aria che non sapevi che ti mancasse. Più di trent’anni di matrimonio sono una grossa responsabilità, anche se vissuti come una menzogna.
Ma fino a che punto è giusto rinunciare alla propria vita, per aiutare e stare vicino alle persone a cui vuoi bene?
Un racconto intenso, dove l’autrice riesce a portarti nel mondo di Jeanine al punto che ti viene da gridare “Dai Jeanine, svegliati! Non mollare! Combatti!”
E’ la storia di una donna che percorre una lunga, difficile strada e deve trovare il coraggio di decidere se cambiare la propria vita senza sapere cosa l’aspetta dopo, pur sapendo che una grande perdita, ad esempio quella del suo matrimonio, sarà profondamente dolorosa e difficile.
Ma questo è il racconto di un profondo viaggio interiore… che qualsiasi donna, a qualsiasi età, può ritrovarsi a percorrere, che abbia trenta o settant’anni…
Jeanie è sposata con George, un uomo complesso che riesce sì a farsi odiare con la sua arroganza, le sue manie di controllo e la sua incapacità di ascoltare, ma anche a sorprenderti con premure e dichiarazioni d’amore. Il loro matrimonio ha subìto un drastico cambiamento quando, una notte di molti anni prima, all’improvviso George decide che non vuole più condividere l’intimità con Jeanie, senza alcuna spiegazione e nascondendosi dietro un segreto di cui non riesce a parlare.
Così, Jeanie si ritrova a vivere, dieci anni dopo, in un rapporto dove , senza rendersene conto (o senza volersene rendere conto), si è persa, facendosi trascinare dalla quotidianità fra casa, lavoro e l’adorabile nipotina.
Prossima al suo sessantesimo compleanno, le persone che la circondano non fanno altro che farle notare che è giunta l’ora di andare in pensione e godersi la vita in campagna, ma non è quello che vuole lei. Soprattutto non vuole che altri decidano per lei, non più. Ma sembra così difficile farsi ascoltare…
Un giorno, al parco dove entrambi portano i nipoti a giocare, Jeanine conosce Ray, ed i giovedì insieme diventano una piacevole abitudine.
Settimana dopo settimana, imparano a conoscersi, scoprendo che hanno in comune più di quando possano immaginare. Il loro è un sentimento che cresce non tanto nel desiderio e nella passione, che comunque entrambe sentono, ma dalla profondità di due cuori che si sono trovati.
Entrambe hanno subìto grandi perdite affettive in passato, conoscono la disperazione e questo li avvicina.
Ad un certo punto, Jeanie si troverà a dover fare delle scelte, scelte dolorose e difficili perché, comunque vada, cambieranno la sua vita per sempre.
“Qualunque cosa tu scelga, io sarò qui “… Questo è Ray: l’aria che non sapevi che ti mancasse. Più di trent’anni di matrimonio sono una grossa responsabilità, anche se vissuti come una menzogna.
Ma fino a che punto è giusto rinunciare alla propria vita, per aiutare e stare vicino alle persone a cui vuoi bene?
Un racconto intenso, dove l’autrice riesce a portarti nel mondo di Jeanine al punto che ti viene da gridare “Dai Jeanine, svegliati! Non mollare! Combatti!”
E’ la storia di una donna che percorre una lunga, difficile strada e deve trovare il coraggio di decidere se cambiare la propria vita senza sapere cosa l’aspetta dopo, pur sapendo che una grande perdita, ad esempio quella del suo matrimonio, sarà profondamente dolorosa e difficile.
August 3, 2018
This is a novel about finding love again in your sixties. I enjoyed reading about Jeanie and her problems with husband George. She meets a man, Ray, when she goes to the park on Thursday afternoons with her granddaughter, Ellie. Ray has a young grandson, Dylan. Of course, the path to true love is no smoother at 60 than it is at 20, so there are complications. The characters were well described and real. Occasionally I thought the children were a bit annoying, especially since the author spelled all their dialogue in childspeak. But, overall, I liked the book. Jeanie's friend, Rita, was probably my favorite character. She acts as a sounding board for Jeanie when things get complex and confusing for her. I wasn't fond of all the sexual references, not that they were graphic, but were not always necessary.
August 14, 2023
I really enjoy Hilary Boyd’s novels. I wouldn’t say they are solely ‘romance’ as the main thing I like is the realistic portrayal of marriage at the stage of life nearing retirement. She paints a picture of an ordinary life- family, food, English scenery and I find it all quite cosy and comforting to read but there is a good dose of drama and a love story to sink your teeth into. I didn’t know which way this would go. I enjoyed the characters and found myself emotionally invested in this story.
August 22, 2025
1.5 stars. The only fleshed-out character was the main character, who nonetheless is super annoying throughout the whole book. The book itself is one big repetition of the same arguments and filler. Nothing interesting happens. It was a quick read, but definitely the worst read of the year so far. I will say that this is the first fiction book this author has written, and that's definitely noticeable. I hope she does better in subsequent novels (which I will probably avoid regardless).
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