Prudence

by Jilly Cooper

The trouble with the Mulholland family, Prudence decided, was that they were all in love with the wrong people. She had been overjoyed when Pendle, her barrister boyfriend invited her home for the weekend to meet his family. It soon began to dawn on Prudence that there was more to this weekend than met the eye . . .

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Childrens, Adult Fiction

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Dame Jilly Cooper, OBE (born February 21, 1937) was an English author. She started her career as a journalist and wrote numerous works of non-fiction before writing several romance novels, the first of which appeared in 1975. She was most famous for writing the six blockbuster novels the Rutshire Chronicles.

Reviews

[Crazy About Love 💕 · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ three stars -

Apparently, when I’m not binging on Harlequin Presents you’ll catch me ploughing through Jilly Cooper 💁‍♀️🤣

Let’s hear it for all of these long, lost romance books! Hip hip hooray! It’s been a treat to have found all of these old-school romance books lately. Have some of them been dated? You betcha - 1970-something is so far removed from 2023, it’s not even funny.

You want a heroine going all blasé about rape? You need an og romance.
You want blatant sexism? Og romance
Men slapping women in the face - and it’s all just copacetic? Og romance
Cruel, forceful Heroes? check and check

Besides all of those actions, which you’re just expected to accept so you can move on with the story, cause why not? It’s 1970-something 💁‍♀️😂 what I’ve also found to be present in these stories is communication! What a refreshing change from modern romance! This has been my main takeaway after reading all of these fifty-something (year old) romances; the mc’s communicate! This action has been surprising to this modern reader, and it’s nice to get our mc’s developing their relationship through honest communication. I just love this aspect 👌

This earlier work from the incomparable Cooper was a quick, easy novella (I read it in under three hours); originally published in 1978, but written by the author in 1967. I just loved this one! I’ve read nearly all of Cooper’s earlier books (I’m making my way through her bibliography), and this story was super fun!

I found Prudence as an mc to be wholly adorable. Some of her snarky dialogue in the beginning was annoying, but Cooper quickly moved away from that and switched her one-liners over to internal dialogue, which worked a lot better. Whew! Because listening to her snark got old fast.

Overall, I really enjoyed the romance here. I loved the Hero. Having him take care of our heroine when she gets the flu just got me. Who doesn’t want a man to take care of them. That’s my whole raison d’etre 💁‍♀️

Would recommend this for my fellow Cooper and/or older romance novel fans.

I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again - no one writes tales of the debauched upper class Brits (from the 1960s lol) like Cooper. Just loved the look back in time at the crazy upper-crust shenanigans. So much bed hopping, seducing, an over abundance of drinking, and a cancer-inducing number of cigarettes!

Three strong stars. Do recommend.

[Sati Marie Frost · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jilly Cooper's kind of a guilty pleasure for me. I very rarely use that phrase to describe books, since a) it's horribly overused, and b) I believe the point of books is to make the reader feel, and if they can do that they've served their purpose, regardless of what critics say.

But I do feel a little bad sometimes about my love for Jilly. Her books are at times sexist, racist, xenophobic, homophobic and misogynistic, and it shows in these older ones (Prudence was originally written in 1967 and rewritten in its current form in 1978) even more than the big horsey blockbusters she's best known for. There were some sentences that made me cringe and flush with embarrassment, even reading them alone in the bath.

Yet for all that, her books have a certain charm to them.

Prudence is an average '70s middle-class London girl. Working a boring job by day, going to house parties at night in the hopes of finding Mr Right, she meets Pendle, and at first it seems like her dreams have been answered. Their relationship goes south quickly, but Pru is the eternal optimist, and when Pendle asks her to go to visit his family with him for a few days, she takes it as a sign that he really does love her (despite all evidence to the contrary) and gladly drives up north with him. On getting there, she discovers that things are not as she expected: the grand old house is falling to pieces, Pendle's "formidable" mother is a middle-aged ingenue who lives for shopping and charming men, and Maggie, Pendle's sister-in-law, has a far-too-familiar relationship with Pendle. Add in Maggie's flirtatious husband (and Pendle's younger brother) Jack, and forbidding elder brother Ace, and you truly do have a house of cards that looks about to fall any moment. (House of Cards was the original title for this tale, and I think it suits better than Prudence.)

This is one of the better early romances (a couple of them I didn't like much at all), and while it's neither as developed nor as risqué and sexy as Polo or Riders, it's quite a delightful read, almost made for a lazy Sunday. It's sort of a 3-star, maybe 3.5-star, story, but I'm giving an extra star for the sheer yumminess of Ace. And I'm allowed to, since reviews are subjective, and all that.

Delightful fluff.

[Melinda Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, this is the best of Jilly Cooper's romance books. In her simple, flowing style, she creates a unique atmosphere, fairytale landscapes and strong characters. Prudence is the prototype of every single, romantic young woman, looking for love in a wrong direction. She finds it though, where she'd less expected it, in Ace's arms, a strong-willed man, intelligent and attractive. Every woman-reader, no matter how feminist or independent, secretly longs for a hero to sweep her off her feet and give her love, security and stability and be there for her when she needs to let go. Prudence's story is about that kind of dream and fulfillment and it touched a deep chord into my heart. An excellent read, to which I sentimentally return, time and time again!

[Vicki Antipodean Bookclub · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prudence, our eponymous heroine, lives in a rarified world where heartbreak leads you to mindlessly feed your kitten a tin of lobster, marinading your beef joint requires several bottles of Nuit St. George and to be “tight” means to be drunk. When Prudence becomes embroiled with the three handsome Mulholland brothers, all sorts of romantic misunderstandings ensue. This novel was first published in 1978 and is very much of its time. The plot is faintly ludicrous (with a hint of Jane Bennett), the ultimate ambition of the heroine is seemingly to bag the perfect man and judgements are definitely made on the basis of appearance. If you can accept this however, then Prudence is an enjoyable, romping read written by a keen observer of a particular echelon of British society. The dialogue zings, the plot hums along and it all works out in the end.

[Margo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and surprisingly modern in many ways. The dialogue is very funny and clever. 3 1/2 stars.

There might be a moment of concern about the safety of this book when the OW returns, however, I feel that that’s resolved quite clearly when they discuss it at the end of the book.

[Hannah Edmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, one part actually had me crying with laughter.

Prudence is one of Cooper's best written women; she's less naive than some of them and is very witty and funny, not to mention intelligent.

The book is about her travelling to The Lakes to meet her new boyfriend's eccentric family, however things aren't as they first appear; no one seems to be happy with the person they're currently with and Prudence is soon forgotten by her frosty lawyer boyfriend, Pendle. Devastated at first, Prudence soon finds someone new to focus on, until an American spanner is thrown in the works.

Pendle's brother, Ace is one of Cooper's sexier men as well, he was written to seem like a bit of a bully at first, but once his softer side comes out, he sounds irresistible and charming. It probably also helped that I picture him as a young Gregory Peck!

I really loved the humour in this one, it made me laugh aloud a few times, with Cooper's signature wit and wonderful dialogue, Prudence is a really fun, impossible to put down book. The romance was amongst her best as well; some of her men come across as brutish and bullying, but Ace and Jack as well are really loveable characters.

[Tressa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not exactly sure how I feel about Prudence. The story is set in the 1970s or 1980s and the attitudes during that period...were interesting. Anyway, I don't think the story picked up until Pru went to the country. Even then, though, I felt like I was watching a train wreck. I just found the personalities and decisions made by so many of the characters quite odd.

[Minty McBunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

While waiting for Wicked to come out, I bought up a bunch of these old girl name books out of desperate desire for new Jilly Cooper. They were a pleasant enough diversion, not up to the splendor of the Rutshire books (best trashy novel series EVER) but enjoyable little slices of swinging 60s life. I have had this one in my car for a long time, I read on it if I finish a book or forget my current book while I am out. I finished it today and it's as charming and predictable as the others. When it comes to romance, Jilly Cooper does it better than anyone else.

[Laura..devouring books like crumpets · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it Jilly Cooper really is My Guilty Pleasure

[Snail Busfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

Designed to be read on a sunbed or in the bath I think, smutty as anything. Hardly a page goes by without the mention of a particularly vivacious nipple

[Elusive · Rating 4 out of 5]

In ‘Prudence’, 23-year-old Prudence is intrigued by detached, intelligent barrister Pendle. After playing it cool with her, he invites her to meet his family. She eagerly accepts, only to be pleasantly surprised by the chaos and drama of the Mulholland family –glamorous, irresponsible Rose (mother), handsome married Jack (brother) and mysterious Ace (stepbrother). Soon, it is evident that Pendle and Jack’s wife, Maggie have eyes for each other while she and Jack find themselves attracted to each other. Will the days spent with them result in happiness or sadness for Prudence?

The characters were easily the best thing about this book. They were all fleshed out, distinguishable and mostly three-dimensional. Prudence was a likeable lead character. She instantly fit in with all of them. She was convincingly witty, funny and charming. Therefore, I could believe that the three brothers were at one point or another interested in her – normally, this sort of ‘love triangle / square’ would have me rolling my eyes. Besides that, I liked how she truly enjoyed herself there even amidst some tension instead of wondering why Pendle paid more attention to Maggie.

The romance aspect was slow paced but it was wonderfully developed and worth waiting for. I personally liked her best with Jack though, despite him cheating on Maggie. They just had fantastic chemistry and I really liked how they would secretly look at each other, sharing an unsaid joke between them. Best of all, they had no ulterior motives such as trying to make their respective partners jealous. As for Prudence and Ace, they were believable as a couple though they seemed better off as good friends to me. Needless to say, Prudence and Pendle were mismatched right from the beginning.

There were many hilarious as well as heartwarming moments – combined with the lively, fun characters, those ensured that this story never got boring. All the characters got a generous share of the limelight, even Rose and Professor Copeland (who was the butt of the joke – no pun intended – at one point). There was also some information on Ace’s tragic past and I’m glad that the author didn’t constantly try to remind the reader about it. The two dogs as well as the ginger cat and her kittens were unbelievably cute and as I read, I could actually feel how cozy and warm the house was.

Overall, ‘Prudence’ was a delightful read thanks to its diverse, memorable characters coupled with the well-written humour and romance. It's definitely one of the author's best works.

[Yrinsyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed the first Cooper novel I read, so I decided to read another - I borrowed this novella from the local public library. This is a delightful romp in the English countryside and city, set in the 80’s. The protagonist is a young lady who falls for a stiff-upper lip, but ends up in the arms of his older brother. The characters are rather anachronistic and over the top, with lots of heavy drinking involved. The story is rather unlikely but just the thing if you are looking for a quick pick me up. I do not know when this was published, but judging this next to other Cooper novels, this has the aura of being a ‘first’. Her later novels have more character development and more believable story lines.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

While battling with Crime and Punishment I thought I'd give myself a break and read something less negative for a bit as I was getting ill weirdly at the same time as the main character and all that darkness wasn't helping me feel better.

I LOVE Jilly's Rutshire chronicles, but when I read Imogen (another one of her shorter romance fiction titles) I found it a bit teen fictiony so I decided just to stick to long Jilly Coopers. However I read somewhere that Rupert Campbell Black first appears in Prudence (not true) so I thought for the sake of continuity I'd read it.

I'm really glad I did read it, it was so lovely and comforting, pure escapism and a good page turner. I'll definitely give the other Jilly Cooper books a go.

[Amanda Svensson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Jilly Cooper and I especially like this series. This was not the strongest among them, others of her books has made me gasp in surprise and cry of both joy and despair. This was a good book, but not as capturing as some of her others.

[Rowan Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read these first Jilly cooper novels as a teenager and loved them - have a feeling I'd hate them if I re-read them (I sense they will have dated badly), but I don't intend to, so that's ok :)

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of Jilly Cooper when I was a young teenager and learned an awful lot from her! I loved it at the time and think its about time I read them all again!

[Missy Cahill]

Classic Jilly in snippet form. Looking forward to her new book being released in Sept sometime, I miss the old set terribly.

[Verity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok some/most/all of the attitudes and content are a little worrying but there’s no denying that this book was a hoot. Like taking a long, hot bath with a big glass of babycham - aka fabulous.

[SophReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 because what in the ever-living fuck was that but also I could not stop reading for whatever absolutely insane thing happened next. Could have done without the rogue 1970s racism (always a jumpscare), the casual misogyny, but it’s Jilly Cooper, expectations must be managed.

But also what the actual fuck???

[Imogen Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Jilly Cooper delivers and gives us a heroine that is both hopelessly misunderstood and scattered, and extremely likable and plucky. Easy and enjoyable holiday read, even if the romance between Pru and her true love seems a little rushed at the end.

[Dalia Gamal]

nice enjoyable

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread this when fed up / sick, have all of Jilly's novels from the same period. Men are total b******* on the whole and the women wimpy, but the humour is appealing all the same!

[Aiga Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess it's still my favorite of all the Jilly Cooper's books I have read.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much fun- I love Jilly Cooper's shorter novels and this is one of my favourites!

[Gill McKinlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Messy, dramatic, written so long ago it’s outdated and overly prejudiced. Sprinkled with toxic masculinity throughout.

[Kim (Wistfulskimmies Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely piece of escapism!

[Victoria Sigsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting to read shorter books at the moment until I get further into July so chose Prudence from my to be read pile. I do enjoy Jilly's novels and this was no exception. This is a very light hearted book and does not include any racy scenes whatsoever. In some ways, it doesn't contain much substance at all but I found it to be a very cosy read and I really enjoyed it.
It revolves mainly around one family in the countryside and Prudence goes there with her boyfriend, one of the family members and the story really goes from there.
Certain sections resonated with me, the deathly boring party, the first time she goes horse riding and the making of boiled egg sandwiches with the addition of salad cream. I enjoyed the egg sandwiches bit especially as I hadn't come across this before in a novel and I learned this from my mother and still make them this way.
There is, of course, a lot of man swapping but no mention of anything happening so you wonder, well I did, whether any hanky panky occurs. Probably best left to the imagination.
Not a book of substance but a good easy read and perfect for summer days.

[Do_81 · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something about Jilly Coopers characters that is evasive, it takes a while to get a clear idea of them or care for them. Meanwhile the action has started, and as always in her books: a LOT of action. In the beginning of the book I was disappointed but then I got more into it, and dropped my expectations of a believable story, so I could enjoy the humor and also the snapshot of the late 70's. Who cares if it seems unrealistic that someone would have the flu so badly for 3 whole weeks that they can't go to work? Who cares if all the characters are drunk driving when a family member died in a car accident? Who cares if the love interest is a very predictable domineering man that is only slightly more sympathetic than Christian Grey? Or that all the characters are protesting healthy food, insist on drinking and smoking and eating meat, and yet value their pets, beauty and thinness enormously?
Jilly Cooper is like the blueprint writer of chick"lit" and I can't help enjoy her books.

[Mrs B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prudence, Jilly Cooper’s romantic heroine, falls in love with ice-cold lawyer Pendle. He’s not the right man for Pru, as her flat mates and friends point out. But Pru nonetheless agrees to go away with Pendle to his cold and shabby Lake District house to meet his family…

Although I enjoyed the book, it didn’t have quite the warmth of some of Jilly Cooper’s other works. Pendle’s family are cold and lack charm, and the way the brothers coolly swap wives and partners seems callous. I wasn’t convinced, at the end, that Pru had found the prospect of happiness by annexing herself to the questionable Mulholland family.