The Defrosting of Charlotte Small

by Annabel Giles

Single mother Charlotte Small's life is falling apart...After flattening a friend's dog, carelessly losing not one job but three, and waving her daughter off to spend Christmas overseas, Charlotte hits the wall. Years of suppressed heartbreak and disappointment overwhelm her and the fine thread of sanity finally snaps. Consequently, having thrown the entire contents of her house onto the street, she's found by the police, lying on her back under a Christmas tree with an empty bottle of Port and a half-eaten lump of Stilton. Charlotte needs to claw her way back from the brink and start again. But can she build a bigger, brighter, and better existence this time around "The Defrosting of Charlotte Small" is wonderfully observed and genuinely funny, mining the glorious seam of black humour that is fast becoming Annabel Giles' trademark.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Novels

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[CM Lodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely awesome. Initially, the lead character is extremely hard to like and it all feels rather uncomfortable, but as it gathers pace and her story unfolds, empathy builds and you begin to root for her.

This is one of those 'there but for the grace of god..." type stories - I think because I read it during a really difficult and emotional time, that's where the discomfort came from - but humour is a golden thread throughout, and the vivid characters are a breath of fresh air.

Although it has far more depth and grit than your standard chick lit, don't let this put you off. It's one of those books you feel a better person for reading. The only downside is you'll need to clear your diary as you won't want to put it down.

Have ordered two more Annabel Giles books already.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Did you find the love you were desperately looking for, Charlotte?"
"Yes"
"A new man?"
"No a new woman"
"Oh, Who?"
"Me."

A lovely tale of a single mum trying to get her life together, brutally honest, with no filter. A must read

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly enjoyable read about Charlotte Small and the unravelling of her life. Having hit rock bottom the only way is up! Nice enough with some good humour but found her a little irritating sometimes!

[Birgit · Rating 3 out of 5]

And yet another one from my towering chick lit stack that finally made it into my hands for reading and proved to be a quick read that you can effortlessly read through in a day or two.
Mental breakdown, anyone? Some people need to have one to change, or thaw, for that matter. A fun, yet clever read, with lots of quirky characters, this book offers a story-line with perfect timing and, which is important even for fiction, believable true-to-life characters.
Following Charlotte through her depression and breakdown, straight into a clinic and back into a life that's suddenly reigned by her parents and the wish to make something out of her life, this is a witty and believable journey Annabel Giles takes us on in her fluently written style.
In short: A witty and smart novel, perfect for a lazy weekend!

[Emily Henley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chick lit with a bit of a difference. The Defrosting Of Charlotte Small tells the story of a single mother for whom life gets too much. After a mental breakdown, she is determined to get her life back on track, for the sake of both herself and her daughter.

Witty and well-written, it's worth a read if you're into this genre.

[Aimi Ramlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the writer's writing style. Modern approach yet funny. Since it's a reality adapted, I can say this book is very good and fun to read. I took quite a long time to finish, but still enjoy the story.
At the very beginning of new chapter, best quotes from novels and famous people had been included and that's made this book is very worth to read.

[Barbara Elsborg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started off thinking I wouldn't like this. I found it irritating - well the MC irritating and then something changed and I began to like her and the book just flowed after that. Amusing, touching, insightful, it was a cut above other books of this type. I really enjoyed it.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! It’s so raw and honest.

[Philippa West · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a few of her books, but not for a while. I thought this was a touching story, quite funny in places too.

[Salsabeel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amusing book to read in 2 days..

[Ashley Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I didn't think I would like this book but it changed quickly and I was absorbed!! Heart-warming

[Soph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing