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The Revenge Club
When the odds are against you, it's time to get even.Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are all women at the top of their game; so imagine their surprise when they start to be personally overlooked and professionally pushed aside by less-qualified men. Only they're not going down without a fight.Society might think the women have passed their amuse-by dates but the Revenge Club have other plans.After all, why go to bed angry when you could stay up and plot diabolical retribution? Let the games begin...PRAISE FOR KATHY 'Deliciously rude and darkly funny' Nicole Kidman'Unputdownable' Stephen Fry'The thinking lady's hornbag' Kath and Kim
416 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2025
489 people are currently reading
1556 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Lette
62 books249 followersKathy Lette divides her time between being a full time writer,
demented mother (now there's a tautology) and trying to find a shopping trolley that doesn't have a clubbed wheel.
Kathy first achieved succés de scandale as a teenager with the novel Puberty Blues, now a major motion picture.
After several years as a singer with the Salami Sisters and a newspaper columnist in Sydney and New York (collected in the book "Hit and Ms") and as a television sitcom writer for Columbia Pictures in Los Angeles, her novels, "Puberty Blues" (1979) "Girls Night Out" (1988), "The Llama Parlour" (1991), "Foetal Attraction" (1993), "Mad Cows" (1996),"Altar Ego" (1998) "Nip'N'Tuck" (2001), "Dead Sexy" (2003) and "How To Kill Your Husband (and other handy household hints)" (2006) became international best-sellers. Kathy Lette's plays include "Grommits", "Wet Dreams", "Perfect Mismatch" and "I'm So Happy For You I Really Am".
She lives in London with her husband and two children and has just finished a stint as writer in Residence at London's Savoy Hotel.
Kathy says that the best thing about being a writer is that you get to work in your jammies all day, drink heavily on the job and have affairs and call it research! (Although her husband says he should have the affair as it would give her a better book!)
demented mother (now there's a tautology) and trying to find a shopping trolley that doesn't have a clubbed wheel.
Kathy first achieved succés de scandale as a teenager with the novel Puberty Blues, now a major motion picture.
After several years as a singer with the Salami Sisters and a newspaper columnist in Sydney and New York (collected in the book "Hit and Ms") and as a television sitcom writer for Columbia Pictures in Los Angeles, her novels, "Puberty Blues" (1979) "Girls Night Out" (1988), "The Llama Parlour" (1991), "Foetal Attraction" (1993), "Mad Cows" (1996),"Altar Ego" (1998) "Nip'N'Tuck" (2001), "Dead Sexy" (2003) and "How To Kill Your Husband (and other handy household hints)" (2006) became international best-sellers. Kathy Lette's plays include "Grommits", "Wet Dreams", "Perfect Mismatch" and "I'm So Happy For You I Really Am".
She lives in London with her husband and two children and has just finished a stint as writer in Residence at London's Savoy Hotel.
Kathy says that the best thing about being a writer is that you get to work in your jammies all day, drink heavily on the job and have affairs and call it research! (Although her husband says he should have the affair as it would give her a better book!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
February 5, 2024
Having read an earlier excerpt from this preview, I was extremely excited to read Kathy Lette’s latest novel. A big fan of Lette’s previous work I could not wait to read this.
However I was so disappointed with The Revenge Club. The premise is simple. Each one of the 4 main characters has had some injustice caused by a man and conspire together to effect their revenge. Lette’s trademark acerbic wit is here in abundance, but I couldn’t help but feel drained by the constant puns, feminist lectures and reminders that women are the weaker sex. The 4 main characters are defined by their injustice rather than highlighting just how strong they could be despite this.
Whilst I did enjoy the revenge played out in the last few chapters, any loose ends all get rather too conveniently tied up in a pretty stereotypical way. This is definitely, to use Lette’s own phrase, an example of ‘don’t give a shit-lit’, which ultimately is how I feel about the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
However I was so disappointed with The Revenge Club. The premise is simple. Each one of the 4 main characters has had some injustice caused by a man and conspire together to effect their revenge. Lette’s trademark acerbic wit is here in abundance, but I couldn’t help but feel drained by the constant puns, feminist lectures and reminders that women are the weaker sex. The 4 main characters are defined by their injustice rather than highlighting just how strong they could be despite this.
Whilst I did enjoy the revenge played out in the last few chapters, any loose ends all get rather too conveniently tied up in a pretty stereotypical way. This is definitely, to use Lette’s own phrase, an example of ‘don’t give a shit-lit’, which ultimately is how I feel about the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2025
EXCERPT: After a series of mistimed kisses involving rouged cheeks colliding across the table, we three old friends settled back into our chairs, genuinely happy to see each other. I'd been nervously expecting a lingering tension, a friction that would smack of scorched hearts, betrayal and unfinished business. But all I felt was residual love and affection.
Still, my default position is chippy humour, so, after ordering a bottle of wine, I added, 'Well, this is like a noirish trope from one of my own novels. An unexpected invitation heralds a murder mystery with personalities from the past assembled to expose skeletons in the cupboard and settle old scores in blood . . . I just hope I'm not about to become a ghost writer, literally.'
Cressida and Penny gave a little titter, but the tinge of truth in what I said sent a small chill around our table. Why had Jo summoned us back together after all these years?
ABOUT 'THE REVENGE CLUB': WHEN THE ODDS ARE AGAINST YOU, IT'S TIME TO GET EVEN.
Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are all women at the top of their game; so imagine their surprise when they start to be personally overlooked and professionally pushed aside by less-qualified men.
Only they're not going down without a fight.
Society might think the women have passed their amuse-by dates but the Revenge Club have other plans.
After all, why go to bed angry when you could stay up and plot diabolical retribution? Let the games begin...
MY THOUGHTS: My initial comment, when I first began this read, was 'From the moment I read the dedication and the opening lines of the first chapter, I knew this book was going to be fun.' But, by the time I had reached the 25% mark I wanted to strangle the author. The constant puns and quips were wearing. I could only cope with reading a few pages at a time. I felt pummeled by not only what quickly became ridiculous statements posing as humour, but by the stereotypes of both men and women. There is not a realistic main character to be seen.
It's a pity really, as there is a great storyline buried under the incessant inanity. The characters are constantly over the top, and a lot of the humour totally missed the mark with me. Some of it I found to be just plain cruddy, one example being - ' . . . that Giles twat is clearly the most misogynist wank stain publishing has to offer.'
Not an experience I want to repeat in a hurry despite the rather wonderful Dedication: For the Sisterhood . . . Especially my three actual sisters, Jenny, Liz, and Caroline; my cherished mum, Val; dear daughter, Georgie; all my many warm and witty gal pals and, of course, all those courageous, inspirational feminist heroines who fight to make the world a fairer place for women.
No men were harmed in the making of this book, well, only a couple of misogynists and they totally bloody deserved it.
Sorry, Kathy, but IMHO, you do feminism and equal rights no favors.
⭐.7
#TheRevengeClub #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Kathy Lette divides her time between being a full-time writer,
demented mother (now there's a tautology) and trying to find a shopping trolley that doesn't have a clubbed wheel.
She lives in London with her husband and two children and has just finished a stint as writer in Residence at London's Savoy Hotel.
Kathy says that the best thing about being a writer is that you get to work in your jammies all day, drink heavily on the job and have affairs and call it research! (Although her husband says he should have the affair as it would give her a better book!)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Aria & Aries via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Revenge Club by Kathy Lette for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Still, my default position is chippy humour, so, after ordering a bottle of wine, I added, 'Well, this is like a noirish trope from one of my own novels. An unexpected invitation heralds a murder mystery with personalities from the past assembled to expose skeletons in the cupboard and settle old scores in blood . . . I just hope I'm not about to become a ghost writer, literally.'
Cressida and Penny gave a little titter, but the tinge of truth in what I said sent a small chill around our table. Why had Jo summoned us back together after all these years?
ABOUT 'THE REVENGE CLUB': WHEN THE ODDS ARE AGAINST YOU, IT'S TIME TO GET EVEN.
Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are all women at the top of their game; so imagine their surprise when they start to be personally overlooked and professionally pushed aside by less-qualified men.
Only they're not going down without a fight.
Society might think the women have passed their amuse-by dates but the Revenge Club have other plans.
After all, why go to bed angry when you could stay up and plot diabolical retribution? Let the games begin...
MY THOUGHTS: My initial comment, when I first began this read, was 'From the moment I read the dedication and the opening lines of the first chapter, I knew this book was going to be fun.' But, by the time I had reached the 25% mark I wanted to strangle the author. The constant puns and quips were wearing. I could only cope with reading a few pages at a time. I felt pummeled by not only what quickly became ridiculous statements posing as humour, but by the stereotypes of both men and women. There is not a realistic main character to be seen.
It's a pity really, as there is a great storyline buried under the incessant inanity. The characters are constantly over the top, and a lot of the humour totally missed the mark with me. Some of it I found to be just plain cruddy, one example being - ' . . . that Giles twat is clearly the most misogynist wank stain publishing has to offer.'
Not an experience I want to repeat in a hurry despite the rather wonderful Dedication: For the Sisterhood . . . Especially my three actual sisters, Jenny, Liz, and Caroline; my cherished mum, Val; dear daughter, Georgie; all my many warm and witty gal pals and, of course, all those courageous, inspirational feminist heroines who fight to make the world a fairer place for women.
No men were harmed in the making of this book, well, only a couple of misogynists and they totally bloody deserved it.
Sorry, Kathy, but IMHO, you do feminism and equal rights no favors.
⭐.7
#TheRevengeClub #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Kathy Lette divides her time between being a full-time writer,
demented mother (now there's a tautology) and trying to find a shopping trolley that doesn't have a clubbed wheel.
She lives in London with her husband and two children and has just finished a stint as writer in Residence at London's Savoy Hotel.
Kathy says that the best thing about being a writer is that you get to work in your jammies all day, drink heavily on the job and have affairs and call it research! (Although her husband says he should have the affair as it would give her a better book!)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Aria & Aries via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Revenge Club by Kathy Lette for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
April 19, 2024
Don’t be fooled by the high score reviews… most seem to have been written by readers who have been sent an extract by the publisher. Perhaps they felt compelled to inflate their review because they appreciated being asked to write one?
I haven’t read Kathy Lette for years, and picked this up as a fun holiday read. I made it to the end of Part One, willing it to get better but have given up… it’s simply awful.
Lette writes down to her readers, with not only ridiculous caricatures of men, but with awful stereotypes of middle aged women… ‘e.g. oooh, I want the cake / cake is evil / I have to make cake a THING’. Really? We’re still on cake?? Every mid-life woman I know eats the cake if she wants the cake, and doesn’t if she doesn’t. Soooo many lazy - and not witty or amusing - stereotypes.
The book - and I'm aware of the irony of the word - patronises the reader, and so many puns are squeezed on to the page that it becomes cringeworthy to read.
I can only hope that Lette wrote it as an experiment to checkmate a male publisher… would they publish something so bad to avoid being accused of the sexiest, ageist behaviour in the book? If so, it’s a genius move and well done Kathy!
I haven’t read Kathy Lette for years, and picked this up as a fun holiday read. I made it to the end of Part One, willing it to get better but have given up… it’s simply awful.
Lette writes down to her readers, with not only ridiculous caricatures of men, but with awful stereotypes of middle aged women… ‘e.g. oooh, I want the cake / cake is evil / I have to make cake a THING’. Really? We’re still on cake?? Every mid-life woman I know eats the cake if she wants the cake, and doesn’t if she doesn’t. Soooo many lazy - and not witty or amusing - stereotypes.
The book - and I'm aware of the irony of the word - patronises the reader, and so many puns are squeezed on to the page that it becomes cringeworthy to read.
I can only hope that Lette wrote it as an experiment to checkmate a male publisher… would they publish something so bad to avoid being accused of the sexiest, ageist behaviour in the book? If so, it’s a genius move and well done Kathy!
May 4, 2024
The title to this excerpt caught my eye. It's only the first chapter, but wow if the entire book is as much fun as the first chapter I'm going to really enjoy this one. Putting it on my TBR list for when it's released.
Thanks to Aria & Aries through for an advance teaser of this book.
Thanks to Aria & Aries through for an advance teaser of this book.
April 11, 2024
DNF. Dire. Read 120 pages but then gave up. Felt like it was all strung together by one liners and jokes. Cute for the first few pages but the novelty soon wore off.
April 23, 2024
My two star rating may be a little unfair but I just found this novel a one trick pony. I have read Kathy Lette’s column over the years and found it funny most of the time but a whole novel was hard to take. The overall premise that older women don’t get the same opportunities as older men is not in dispute. The novel revolves around four women who decide to get their revenge on men that have behaved dreadfully and destroyed their careers. It is funny at first but just goes on for too long and I found the women irritating and the men just awful. All the characters are pretty much one dimensional. When Kathy references herself it’s a bit much. Nevertheless the idea is a good one and these men certainly deserve everything they get!
April 29, 2024
DNF at 50%
The Revenge Club follows a quartet of middle aged friends who meet for a catch up, except one of them has been masquerading as a man. She's not trans, she just wants to benefit from a patriarchal society where men succeed, earn more, and are taken seriously for half the effort after being rejected for a job. After this revelation, the rest of the group subsequently experiences some misogyny (ones husband is having an affair, another's book is rejected, and the other is offered a job she deems demeaning) and thus plot revenge on the men that wronged them.
This was awful. I wanted to DNF at less than 10% but I carried on to give a fair review, but I couldn't take it anymore. I wanted a fun, easy read but instead received cringey basic white feminism that's trying too hard to be funny.
We start with a woman who has essentially transitioned - name change, prosthetics, clothing, etc - and is living as a man 24/7, but doesn’t identify as one, which just feels vaguely transphobic hiding behind the guise of feminism. Not to mention the audiobook narration for Jo(e) was annoying as hell. We're then greeted with a slurry of insulting 'feminism' that is particularly offensive in a political climate that is removing reproductive rights, overturning Harvey Weinstein's conviction, and puts the blame on women when raped because we couldn't possibly ruin a man's career, eg "There's never been a better time to be female... the hashtag me to movement propelled equality to global prominence, high profile men now get called out for sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination. The only way feminism could go more mainstream is if it was liquidised and turned into a Frappuccino" before insulting young women for the crime of lip syncing pop music. Following this delight, once the group is personally effected, they’re quick to plan revenge and leap to murder for having "suffered acts of the most atrocious A grade scumbaggery", when in fact they've been grievanced by pretty basic events. Interspersed between the cringe, puns, and outdated attempts at humour was inappropriate hyperbole and multiple jokes about Russia invading Ukraine. This is all in the first 10% or so. As the group is devastated to be "suffering from facial prejudice", they easily trick the devilish men with shenanigans otherwise found in a 00's teen movie. I soon gave up. I can only assume this is someone's idea of revenge on me, and I must have really really hurt them because this was one of the worst things I've ever read. The narration wasn't great and I've heard better accents playing drinking games. It would be an easy read if it wasn't so painful, but the prose is simplistic. I had to check the author was a woman with how bad this was, but her author bio seems to have the same cringey humour - it's so cool to joke about having an affair! Hehe! It's safe to say we'll never be friends and I won't touch another of her books with a barge pole. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.
The Revenge Club follows a quartet of middle aged friends who meet for a catch up, except one of them has been masquerading as a man. She's not trans, she just wants to benefit from a patriarchal society where men succeed, earn more, and are taken seriously for half the effort after being rejected for a job. After this revelation, the rest of the group subsequently experiences some misogyny (ones husband is having an affair, another's book is rejected, and the other is offered a job she deems demeaning) and thus plot revenge on the men that wronged them.
This was awful. I wanted to DNF at less than 10% but I carried on to give a fair review, but I couldn't take it anymore. I wanted a fun, easy read but instead received cringey basic white feminism that's trying too hard to be funny.
We start with a woman who has essentially transitioned - name change, prosthetics, clothing, etc - and is living as a man 24/7, but doesn’t identify as one, which just feels vaguely transphobic hiding behind the guise of feminism. Not to mention the audiobook narration for Jo(e) was annoying as hell. We're then greeted with a slurry of insulting 'feminism' that is particularly offensive in a political climate that is removing reproductive rights, overturning Harvey Weinstein's conviction, and puts the blame on women when raped because we couldn't possibly ruin a man's career, eg "There's never been a better time to be female... the hashtag me to movement propelled equality to global prominence, high profile men now get called out for sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination. The only way feminism could go more mainstream is if it was liquidised and turned into a Frappuccino" before insulting young women for the crime of lip syncing pop music. Following this delight, once the group is personally effected, they’re quick to plan revenge and leap to murder for having "suffered acts of the most atrocious A grade scumbaggery", when in fact they've been grievanced by pretty basic events. Interspersed between the cringe, puns, and outdated attempts at humour was inappropriate hyperbole and multiple jokes about Russia invading Ukraine. This is all in the first 10% or so. As the group is devastated to be "suffering from facial prejudice", they easily trick the devilish men with shenanigans otherwise found in a 00's teen movie. I soon gave up. I can only assume this is someone's idea of revenge on me, and I must have really really hurt them because this was one of the worst things I've ever read. The narration wasn't great and I've heard better accents playing drinking games. It would be an easy read if it wasn't so painful, but the prose is simplistic. I had to check the author was a woman with how bad this was, but her author bio seems to have the same cringey humour - it's so cool to joke about having an affair! Hehe! It's safe to say we'll never be friends and I won't touch another of her books with a barge pole. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.
May 21, 2024
The Revenge Club by Kathy Lette and narrated by the author is my first foray into this author and why oh why have I never listened or read Kathy Lette before?? What a fantastic audiobook to start with! I was howling with laughter from the dedication let alone chapter 1! (Never mind the fact that my favourite comedienne Jo Brand gave it a glowing review)
Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressida are all women "of a certain age" the post menopause brigade, thinking that they are defying expectations and certainly not being swept to the side by soceity, or so they think
We begin our tale with a reunion of our heroines at a swanky restaurant in London. Well, three of them turn up on time, but Jo is late, that is, until a man takes the seat set by for their friend. A man they do not know... or so they believe
How far would you go to get back everything you have worked fr in life, but has been taken away due to your age, your gender?
Best phrases imo: "Age Rage" and "Vag Vendetta" and oh so many more!
It's a mans world still, so what better way to get revenge, than to play the men at their own game?
Brilliant read, brilliantly written. Oh yes, Kathy Lette is legendary! Real issues covered with strength and humour.
Thank you to Netgalley, Head of Zeus Audiobooks | Aria and the author Kathy Lette for this stunning ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressida are all women "of a certain age" the post menopause brigade, thinking that they are defying expectations and certainly not being swept to the side by soceity, or so they think
We begin our tale with a reunion of our heroines at a swanky restaurant in London. Well, three of them turn up on time, but Jo is late, that is, until a man takes the seat set by for their friend. A man they do not know... or so they believe
How far would you go to get back everything you have worked fr in life, but has been taken away due to your age, your gender?
Best phrases imo: "Age Rage" and "Vag Vendetta" and oh so many more!
It's a mans world still, so what better way to get revenge, than to play the men at their own game?
Brilliant read, brilliantly written. Oh yes, Kathy Lette is legendary! Real issues covered with strength and humour.
Thank you to Netgalley, Head of Zeus Audiobooks | Aria and the author Kathy Lette for this stunning ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
November 14, 2025
Kathy Lette is an author synonymous with comical, satirical contemporary fiction
First coming to everyone’s attention in 1979 with the critically acclaimed Puberty Blues (which I loved) it even made it to the big screen with success.
First released last year The Revenge Club is about four successful women who have been disrespected and rejected and come up with a plan of revenge.
Tilly, Jo, Cressy and Penny are all strong and prosperous women.
But in their personal and professional lives, men think they are better than them.
Not it’s time to fight back.
And The Revenge Club is born.
Let the fun and games begin….
It’s very similar to The First Wives Club which I’m a big fan off.
On paper this should be for me, a hit however it didn’t go that way.
I like a good payback drama, yet I think it got lost in translation.
I’m definitely not the market audience for this book and I gave it a go except it failed.
This is a perfect example of the saying, “it’s me not you”.
There could possibly be a sequel, it seems to finish off open ended.
First coming to everyone’s attention in 1979 with the critically acclaimed Puberty Blues (which I loved) it even made it to the big screen with success.
First released last year The Revenge Club is about four successful women who have been disrespected and rejected and come up with a plan of revenge.
Tilly, Jo, Cressy and Penny are all strong and prosperous women.
But in their personal and professional lives, men think they are better than them.
Not it’s time to fight back.
And The Revenge Club is born.
Let the fun and games begin….
It’s very similar to The First Wives Club which I’m a big fan off.
On paper this should be for me, a hit however it didn’t go that way.
I like a good payback drama, yet I think it got lost in translation.
I’m definitely not the market audience for this book and I gave it a go except it failed.
This is a perfect example of the saying, “it’s me not you”.
There could possibly be a sequel, it seems to finish off open ended.
April 28, 2025
We meet Jo,Cressy,Matilda and Penny,4 very distinctive characters who get together after many years,3 are boyed with current success,1 not so and she warns the other 3 not to rest on their laurels as men will make them fail……and when it happens they re meet and decide on a ‘Revenge Club’ to repay these men
To say this book is sharp,witty,rude,funny,on point,cheeky,frighteningly honest,charmingly offensive and joyful would be only to use a few words in our vocabulary that I could use to try and describe it
Literally every sentence makes you think and /or laugh or grimace or THINK,I’ve never known a book to do so much so often
Some of the scenes are hilarious,some infuriating,more are chilling and all are emotive
Loved how the author managed a humorous nod to herself too,clever but then the whole book is clever and stirring and movingly brilliant
I now have many previous books to read by this amazing author who writes wit with a massive bite please read it,it’s too good not to
Also love the lines about reviewers 😊….
To say this book is sharp,witty,rude,funny,on point,cheeky,frighteningly honest,charmingly offensive and joyful would be only to use a few words in our vocabulary that I could use to try and describe it
Literally every sentence makes you think and /or laugh or grimace or THINK,I’ve never known a book to do so much so often
Some of the scenes are hilarious,some infuriating,more are chilling and all are emotive
Loved how the author managed a humorous nod to herself too,clever but then the whole book is clever and stirring and movingly brilliant
I now have many previous books to read by this amazing author who writes wit with a massive bite please read it,it’s too good not to
Also love the lines about reviewers 😊….
October 27, 2025
honestly unreal, so many plot twists!! it took me way too long to read but it was actually so good. it’s made me feel empowered to be a woman, be so grateful for all my beautiful friends and girlhood 💕💗💓
May 9, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for approving me to listen to this book, all opinions are my own.
This audiobook was hilarious! It features a group of women who are in well established careers and approaching a milestone age.
This book goes through problems that women go through in all stages of life when they put their career first, and how they can be treated by men within their respective careers.
It was funny, some of the quotes made me laugh out loud, it was easy to listen to and I loved the female empowerment that shone through this book.
The only downside I would say it the author isn’t the best at doing Irish and Scottish accents but that is it.
Would highly recommend.
This audiobook was hilarious! It features a group of women who are in well established careers and approaching a milestone age.
This book goes through problems that women go through in all stages of life when they put their career first, and how they can be treated by men within their respective careers.
It was funny, some of the quotes made me laugh out loud, it was easy to listen to and I loved the female empowerment that shone through this book.
The only downside I would say it the author isn’t the best at doing Irish and Scottish accents but that is it.
Would highly recommend.
April 21, 2024
This was just an ok read for me in all honesty. I was looking forward to a bit of lighthearted slightly older chick lit, and it just missed the mark for me.
Four old friends come together in their middle age just as life is taking its toll and they’ve become invisible, and as the title suggests they set up a revenge club, they’re seeking vengeance on all of the men who have put them down, cast them aside and lost them work. I enjoyed the premise, and initially it was fairly light hearted and funny, I’d have really liked the story to be a little bit more condensed, there was a lot of fluffing out. I had lost a great deal of interest by the halfway mark. There’s a lot of humour throughout and I definitely laughed a few times, but half of the book felt like the author was throwing in every pun she’d ever heard, and it became tiresome. I did enjoy the last 3rd of the story where the characters are each forced to have a good look at themselves. I just wish it’d tied together a bit sooner.
I enjoyed the narration for the most part, but I sincerely wish that some of the accents had either been left out of the text completely or the narrator had actually been able to do then (sorry, that feels so mean, but Scottish/irish accents definitely aren’t up there)
2.5 stars, rounded up.
I notice that a lot of the high scoring reviews listed on here are for an extract of the book from the publisher?! I genuinely don’t mean to offend anyone but what’s the point in reviewing an extract other than to decide if you fancy reading the book or not? I don’t get it.
I appreciate the opportunity to leave an honest review for this title provided by Head of Zeus Audiobooks via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Four old friends come together in their middle age just as life is taking its toll and they’ve become invisible, and as the title suggests they set up a revenge club, they’re seeking vengeance on all of the men who have put them down, cast them aside and lost them work. I enjoyed the premise, and initially it was fairly light hearted and funny, I’d have really liked the story to be a little bit more condensed, there was a lot of fluffing out. I had lost a great deal of interest by the halfway mark. There’s a lot of humour throughout and I definitely laughed a few times, but half of the book felt like the author was throwing in every pun she’d ever heard, and it became tiresome. I did enjoy the last 3rd of the story where the characters are each forced to have a good look at themselves. I just wish it’d tied together a bit sooner.
I enjoyed the narration for the most part, but I sincerely wish that some of the accents had either been left out of the text completely or the narrator had actually been able to do then (sorry, that feels so mean, but Scottish/irish accents definitely aren’t up there)
2.5 stars, rounded up.
I notice that a lot of the high scoring reviews listed on here are for an extract of the book from the publisher?! I genuinely don’t mean to offend anyone but what’s the point in reviewing an extract other than to decide if you fancy reading the book or not? I don’t get it.
I appreciate the opportunity to leave an honest review for this title provided by Head of Zeus Audiobooks via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
This review is based on an EXTRACT ONLY, Provided by the publisher for a review via Netgalley.
After many years of not speaking an email comes in from Jo a long time friend requesting a lunch date.
The 4 friends get together for lunch.
Penny the Journalist
Matilda an Author
Cressida a mother and wife.
And Jo
The 3 of the ladies catch up waiting for their friend Jo to arrive. When Jo finally arrives there’s one a hell of twist leaving the ladies asking more than “why did we fall out?”.
The extract left me wanting more, it was packed with dry humour. I’m looking forward to reading the whole book and finding out more about each of the character’s especially Jo!
Some Quotes that me laugh :-
“fate sometimes does the dirty work for you. It’s called karma, and it’s pronounced ‘Ha ha ha, you bastard!’”
“ If menopausal, she’s more drawn to a man… with duct tape over his mouth and a spearfishing harpoon lodged in his chest, especially if she’s just been deceived, demoted or dumped by the ratbag.”
“ ‘One word, Revenge.’”
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for this extract.
#TheRevengeClub #NetGalley.
After many years of not speaking an email comes in from Jo a long time friend requesting a lunch date.
The 4 friends get together for lunch.
Penny the Journalist
Matilda an Author
Cressida a mother and wife.
And Jo
The 3 of the ladies catch up waiting for their friend Jo to arrive. When Jo finally arrives there’s one a hell of twist leaving the ladies asking more than “why did we fall out?”.
The extract left me wanting more, it was packed with dry humour. I’m looking forward to reading the whole book and finding out more about each of the character’s especially Jo!
Some Quotes that me laugh :-
“fate sometimes does the dirty work for you. It’s called karma, and it’s pronounced ‘Ha ha ha, you bastard!’”
“ If menopausal, she’s more drawn to a man… with duct tape over his mouth and a spearfishing harpoon lodged in his chest, especially if she’s just been deceived, demoted or dumped by the ratbag.”
“ ‘One word, Revenge.’”
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for this extract.
#TheRevengeClub #NetGalley.
June 24, 2024
This book - this collection of wondrous words and spectacular stanzas salsa dancing around the page transporting the reader into a new realm, a realm full of imagery and metaphors and similes and punchy puns - is, much like this review, very overwritten and a little bit ridiculous.
March 28, 2024
Kathy Lette at her best. As a mature woman, a lot of this book rang true. Go Forth and Be Fabulous. Damn right!!
January 29, 2025
I started enjoying this book while not quite understanding it entirely and my enjoyment kind of see-sawed through the book. I gave it a 7
December 22, 2024
Ugh! This could have been ridiculous fun but was really spoiled by Lette's constant need to incorporate 'clever' quip after quip after quip. I kept going and finished it believing that it all might come to something so it gets 2 stars from me - 1 star ratings are only for books I don't finish....
Ultimately just a deeply unsatisfying read.
Ultimately just a deeply unsatisfying read.
July 3, 2024
I've never read Kathy Lette before but I knew of her fame, so had high hopes for this when I requested it from Netgalley. The premise in the blurb seemed good, but sadly, I was lette down. This book is a string of internet memes put together - all ones I have seen before many times. The four main characters are unlikable, and I bridled at the old-fashioned way they were presented as past their prime. I seriously doubt that is the modern experience for women in their 40s and 50s - it certainly isn't mine or my friends'. The denouement wasn't too bad, but not enough to bring this up to three stars.
Lette disparages 'I-don't-give-a-shit lit', but that's exactly what she has produced. Right at the end, Tilly (the fictional Lette character) writes a book about what has happened in The Revenge Club, then attacks the reviewers who didn't like it, almost like Lette expects critics to pan this book because she knows she didn't put much effort in and that her best is behind her.
I think the final straw for me was when Tilly called her autistic daughter 'the neurodivergent' rather than by her name or 'my daughter'. That gave me the ick. I won't be reading anything else by this author.
***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***
Lette disparages 'I-don't-give-a-shit lit', but that's exactly what she has produced. Right at the end, Tilly (the fictional Lette character) writes a book about what has happened in The Revenge Club, then attacks the reviewers who didn't like it, almost like Lette expects critics to pan this book because she knows she didn't put much effort in and that her best is behind her.
I think the final straw for me was when Tilly called her autistic daughter 'the neurodivergent' rather than by her name or 'my daughter'. That gave me the ick. I won't be reading anything else by this author.
***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***
May 12, 2024
I recently had the privilege of experiencing both the text and audio versions of a captivating advance copy. The writing showcased remarkable skill, immersing me in a narrative rich with detail and depth. While reading the text version, I found myself engrossed in the intricate storytelling. Transitioning to the audio rendition provided a fresh perspective, enhancing my understanding of the characters and plot.
Despite revenge not being my usual preference, the story managed to weave it in with finesse, making it compelling and thought-provoking. Whether delving into the written words or listening to the narration, the experience held my attention throughout, leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, it's a testament to the author's talent and storytelling prowess, offering an engaging and immersive literary experience that is not to be missed.
Despite revenge not being my usual preference, the story managed to weave it in with finesse, making it compelling and thought-provoking. Whether delving into the written words or listening to the narration, the experience held my attention throughout, leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, it's a testament to the author's talent and storytelling prowess, offering an engaging and immersive literary experience that is not to be missed.
June 9, 2024
I really enjoyed The Revenge Club. I did find the middle abit slow but it was funny throughout.
I loved the female characters and hope there is a follow up.
I loved the female characters and hope there is a follow up.
November 13, 2024
Hmm.. this book is a bit of fun. It has punchy main characters and storyline with enough twists to keep you intrigued, however it’s just not for me. The Revenge Club was published this year (2024) and I picked it up from an op shop with high hopes- a fun looking cover, an interesting sounding plot and with a non-romantic, male focus, which is something I can get behind. To my dismay, the book is very feminist- and I mean, well duh- that is what it advertises, however it was just way too on the nose for me to enjoy. Even as someone who strongly stands with feminism and advocating for women’s voices to be heard, dialogue between the characters would suddenly turn into paragraph long, notes app spiels about how men are always putting down women and making references to current events such as Kamala being nominated for presidency. And although these discussions are important, they unfortunately just felt a but disjointed to me. I also struggled not to cringe at some of the gen-z type dialogue that Lette incorporates, such as with the ‘instagrammer’ Rebel, who exclaims, ‘say less, I understand the assignment’… I mean 😭
Overall, I have to say I was underwhelmed by The Revenge Club, although maybe my expectations were too high considering I really enjoyed some of Lette’s past works.
Overall, I have to say I was underwhelmed by The Revenge Club, although maybe my expectations were too high considering I really enjoyed some of Lette’s past works.
May 9, 2024
This was great and so funny! It regularly had me chuckling and I loved how this was written. The women were great, the story was entertaining and it was super easy to get into.
The audiobook - narrated by the author and very well executed if I may say so myself, she did a fab job and brought her book expertly to life.
The women in this rise up against the injustices of being an older woman. Looked over in terms of promotion, husbands taking liberties and problems in the work place, they vow to get even! I was all for it and so behind all the women all the way. I was rooting for them and felt at one with these feisty ladies.
Crude humour throughout and tongue in cheek, it is entertaining to read them peg their wits against the revenge of the opposite sex. I rounded this one up as after a while it maybe got a little samey with the style of humour but it was funny nonetheless.
It was satisfying at the end and a definite book (or audiobook listen) if you want a satirical feminist read.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook in return for my honest thoughts and review.
The audiobook - narrated by the author and very well executed if I may say so myself, she did a fab job and brought her book expertly to life.
The women in this rise up against the injustices of being an older woman. Looked over in terms of promotion, husbands taking liberties and problems in the work place, they vow to get even! I was all for it and so behind all the women all the way. I was rooting for them and felt at one with these feisty ladies.
Crude humour throughout and tongue in cheek, it is entertaining to read them peg their wits against the revenge of the opposite sex. I rounded this one up as after a while it maybe got a little samey with the style of humour but it was funny nonetheless.
It was satisfying at the end and a definite book (or audiobook listen) if you want a satirical feminist read.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook in return for my honest thoughts and review.
July 25, 2025
Lighthearted fun, in the vein of The First Wives Club or The Other Woman. For me, it didn’t quite hit the mark - I was annoyed that these previously strong and driven women mostly fell in heap when their various knockbacks happened, especially the ones with long-term professional careers who would have spent decades building up networks and contacts. By all means, get revenge, but also take a bit of positive action for yourselves at the same time! One character moans that all she knows how to do is design a good table setting for high-class dinner parties - awesome, you can’t tell me that there isn’t a market out there for people with those skills.
And while I love a good (or bad) pun the constant punning from the main character got very tedious.
But it was a mostly fun, light read. One for book clubs where reading the book is less important than the socializing that happens at each meeting (love those books clubs!), or good for those times when you want a book you can read and happily pass on to the next reader.
And while I love a good (or bad) pun the constant punning from the main character got very tedious.
But it was a mostly fun, light read. One for book clubs where reading the book is less important than the socializing that happens at each meeting (love those books clubs!), or good for those times when you want a book you can read and happily pass on to the next reader.
April 3, 2024
'When the odds are against you, it's time to get even' - we follow four women in their 50-somethings who are set to take revenge against the men who wronged them.
Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are overlooked and pushed aside by men in their respective industries, so they create The Revenge Club - a club to take down the misogynistic men and their behaviour. We follow them as they come up with some hilarious ideas to take them down and put their plans into action.
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Well, I definitely had quite a fair few laughs throughout with the dry humour. One of my favourites was the analysis of a woman wondering why her husband seemed off with her - does he not love me anymore? Is he having an affair? Have I done something wrong? No, Ireland just lost the rugby.
I've never read anything by Kathy Lette before, but this book has made me want to pick up more with the humour that was involved!
Overall, it was a really entertaining, lighthearted read with important topics weaved throughout. Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for this copy. This review is voluntary.
Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are overlooked and pushed aside by men in their respective industries, so they create The Revenge Club - a club to take down the misogynistic men and their behaviour. We follow them as they come up with some hilarious ideas to take them down and put their plans into action.
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Well, I definitely had quite a fair few laughs throughout with the dry humour. One of my favourites was the analysis of a woman wondering why her husband seemed off with her - does he not love me anymore? Is he having an affair? Have I done something wrong? No, Ireland just lost the rugby.
I've never read anything by Kathy Lette before, but this book has made me want to pick up more with the humour that was involved!
Overall, it was a really entertaining, lighthearted read with important topics weaved throughout. Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for this copy. This review is voluntary.
May 21, 2025
Matilda Jo, Penny and Cressida have been wronged by the men in their lives both personally and professionally. So they create the Revenge Club. They say that revenge is a dish best served cold but will the Revenge Club succeed in their plans?
The storyline was what I would describe as dark comedy. I would love to see this book turned into a film. While I was reading there was one song that kept playing on repeat in my head and that was The Man by Taylor Swift.
This is the story of Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressida. They were once friends and formed a band called Louche Women but when the band broke up so did their friendship. When Matilda, Penny and Cressida are invited for a reunion by Jo they think it would be great to catch up but what they’re not expecting is Jo attending dressed as and impersonating a man because she has been wronged. Matilda, Penny and Cressida don’t think much of Jo’s plan but then their own lives start to be impacted by men. Matilda is dropped by her publisher despite being better than her male male colleague. The male writer gets all of the publisher’s attention and their books are pushed rather than Matilda’s. Cressida is an actress but as she gets older the roles start to dry up and then she finds out that her husband has been cheating on her with a younger woman. Penny is a news presenter and hopes to move to a prime time slot but then she is informed that there is only one spot and this will be for her male co-presenter. Matilda, Penny and Cressida’s lives start to take a wrong turn and the reason behind that turn is men so they reconsider Jo’s plan and the Revenge Club is created. I can see why Matilda, Penny and Cressida decide to take part in Jo’s plan because they have been wronged in so many ways just because they are woman. They have been overlooked, undermined and unappreciated. Even when they were doing jobs better than their male counterparts this was not noticed or acknowledged.
I loved the concept of the story. It was so unique but did show that many industries are still male dominated. The story is narrated by Matilda and it is through Matilda’s eyes that we see not only the injustice that she is subjected to but also how her friends are also treated. All the characters were accomplished; smart and confident but the only aspect that put them at a disadvantage was the fact that they were female. I loved the plans that they came up with to take revenge but some aspects of the plans didn’t always go smoothly. At one point Penny and Cressida were ready to give up but it was Matilda who convinced them to carry on because if they didn’t, nothing would change. This is what I loved about Matilda. She is determined and knows that this is a plan that they must stick to. Not only is the story about revenge it is also about friendship. By forming the Revenge Club Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressida are able to reconnect and rebuild the friendship that was once lost.
There was a plot twist that really took me aback because it was not only surprising but also very shocking. I do hope that we see Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressida again soon.
A quirky and funny read.
The storyline was what I would describe as dark comedy. I would love to see this book turned into a film. While I was reading there was one song that kept playing on repeat in my head and that was The Man by Taylor Swift.
This is the story of Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressida. They were once friends and formed a band called Louche Women but when the band broke up so did their friendship. When Matilda, Penny and Cressida are invited for a reunion by Jo they think it would be great to catch up but what they’re not expecting is Jo attending dressed as and impersonating a man because she has been wronged. Matilda, Penny and Cressida don’t think much of Jo’s plan but then their own lives start to be impacted by men. Matilda is dropped by her publisher despite being better than her male male colleague. The male writer gets all of the publisher’s attention and their books are pushed rather than Matilda’s. Cressida is an actress but as she gets older the roles start to dry up and then she finds out that her husband has been cheating on her with a younger woman. Penny is a news presenter and hopes to move to a prime time slot but then she is informed that there is only one spot and this will be for her male co-presenter. Matilda, Penny and Cressida’s lives start to take a wrong turn and the reason behind that turn is men so they reconsider Jo’s plan and the Revenge Club is created. I can see why Matilda, Penny and Cressida decide to take part in Jo’s plan because they have been wronged in so many ways just because they are woman. They have been overlooked, undermined and unappreciated. Even when they were doing jobs better than their male counterparts this was not noticed or acknowledged.
I loved the concept of the story. It was so unique but did show that many industries are still male dominated. The story is narrated by Matilda and it is through Matilda’s eyes that we see not only the injustice that she is subjected to but also how her friends are also treated. All the characters were accomplished; smart and confident but the only aspect that put them at a disadvantage was the fact that they were female. I loved the plans that they came up with to take revenge but some aspects of the plans didn’t always go smoothly. At one point Penny and Cressida were ready to give up but it was Matilda who convinced them to carry on because if they didn’t, nothing would change. This is what I loved about Matilda. She is determined and knows that this is a plan that they must stick to. Not only is the story about revenge it is also about friendship. By forming the Revenge Club Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressida are able to reconnect and rebuild the friendship that was once lost.
There was a plot twist that really took me aback because it was not only surprising but also very shocking. I do hope that we see Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressida again soon.
A quirky and funny read.
December 24, 2023
This review is based on an EXTRACT ONLY of The Revenge Club copy I received from Netgalley.
The first draw to me was the cover, simple enough but drew my attention with the title of the book and the subtitle. “Four scorned women. One perfect plan.” It made me want to tuck my feet and sit on an armchair and read.
The first chapter begins with a woman telling an intriguing story of revenge, using personal anecdotes about her life lived as an older woman. Then she moves on to talking about how she meets her friends who will become part of this club and how they will be meeting for the first time in a while.
What I found really refreshing was that this are a group of older women with very differing lives lived and I can’t wait to see what they do in the next chapters!
I greatly enjoyed this extract and I will be read more of this authors previous books.
The first draw to me was the cover, simple enough but drew my attention with the title of the book and the subtitle. “Four scorned women. One perfect plan.” It made me want to tuck my feet and sit on an armchair and read.
The first chapter begins with a woman telling an intriguing story of revenge, using personal anecdotes about her life lived as an older woman. Then she moves on to talking about how she meets her friends who will become part of this club and how they will be meeting for the first time in a while.
What I found really refreshing was that this are a group of older women with very differing lives lived and I can’t wait to see what they do in the next chapters!
I greatly enjoyed this extract and I will be read more of this authors previous books.
December 10, 2023
This review is based on a teaser extract and attracted me solely due to title! I instantly imagined The First Wives Club film scenario, where a group of women unite to right wrongs and unleash devastating revenge on the men that crossed them! I wasn't disappointed at all. Four friends gather from various backgrounds with one commonality: they have all been overlooked for being past their sell-by date and want to face the wrongs head on. There is much ranting and laugh out loud humour, but just as revenge is put forward as a concept, alas , so my extract came to a close. A superb afternoon's entertainment, hopefully to be continued soon. #therevengeclub #kathylette #extract #netgalley
dnf
November 30, 2023I read an extract/teaser of the novel thanks to the publisher through Netgalley.
An alright teaser for the whole novel but I did not like the author writing a situation with the women perceiving one of their former friends as trans only for it to be revealed that the character changed their whole appearance and demeanor to a different gender for revenge. I therefore won't be reading the full novel.
An alright teaser for the whole novel but I did not like the author writing a situation with the women perceiving one of their former friends as trans only for it to be revealed that the character changed their whole appearance and demeanor to a different gender for revenge. I therefore won't be reading the full novel.
September 18, 2024
Book Club Book 4!!
Didn’t love this book but also didn’t hate it. Another book that focuses on the inequality between men and women and the power of what women can do when they band together. Feminism and friendship are what this book is all about and it was a fairly easy read I just found myself getting abit bored.
Didn’t love this book but also didn’t hate it. Another book that focuses on the inequality between men and women and the power of what women can do when they band together. Feminism and friendship are what this book is all about and it was a fairly easy read I just found myself getting abit bored.
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